Future-Proof Interior Design

Designer David M. Sullivan brings an elevated aesthetic to a range of projects. Photos courtesy of David M. Sullivan

Designer David M. Sullivan brings an elevated aesthetic to a range of projects, from upscale residences to boutique hotels and custom furniture. As we return to our work and leisure spaces new protocols, materials, and schedules are being implemented. Sullivan described key areas that specifiers and end-users alike can explore to future-proof interior design, post-pandemic and beyond.

Sullivan noted one of the biggest shifts he’s witnessed during the pandemic is a greater attention to surroundings, both interior and exterior. “We have a heightened awareness of things that we used to consider invisible. When we entered and exited a room, for example, we paid no mind to opening a door, touching a faucet, or closing a partition. Now, technology enables hands-free, motion sensor detection on public circulation doors and light switches. The pandemic didn’t create a need for anything unique, per se. It was a progression that was happening naturally and then it just accelerated. It really highlighted the need for companies to incorporate these types of solutions into their normal routines.”

With collective awareness comes the need to adapt, rather than simply reverting to commonplace practices. Sullivan noted that architects and designers thrive when presented with challenges, and their skills are ideal during this time of constant change. “You have a lot of people trying to retrofit outdated products or ways of working without the assistance of professionals. For designers, it’s actually an exciting time because it’s all about innovation. We’re thinking about how to solve problems in the most unique and cost-effective ways. As we come back into commercial spaces, it’s going to require making people feel confident that they are going back to interiors that feel safe.”

Hospitality-Driven Design and Service

 Hospitality design has influenced the look of office environments for years. Sullivan explained that we’ll see an emphasis on not just emulating the look of a hotel or restaurant, but providing an exceptional experience for the consumer. He added that the most sought-after places to work and socialize will feature a blend of the elements of coworking spaces and large corporate campuses.

David designed the interiors for the Round Table Studios at The Park in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. Round Table Studios is a social club and coworking space.

“The first coworking spaces created these social atmospheres outside of a single entity. The idea was that when you went there, you would mingle with people from different industries, and might be exposed to something that you are not aware of. That cultural-social aspect is important. At a tech company like Google, you have an ecosystem with everything you could possibly need, but unless you work for the particular company you can’t get total access to the campus. We need to merge the best of the two.”

Offering unparalleled service is on par with a well-designed suite. “When you think about a five-star hotel, you are going there, yes, because of the design, but you are also going there for the service and how you expect to be treated. And as a hospitality-driven designer, I am going to make you, as the patron, feel like the most important person in the room. When we typically think about a hotel, we associate it with leisure. Today though, the modern professional has a broad range of needs they take into consideration when they choose accommodations: a fitness center, an office-type area for work, a place to socialize. It’s all crossing over, from home and work to vacation, and so it has to be included in this one location,” Sullivan said.

For the interiors at Round Table Studios, David focused on hospitality-driven design.

Modern Materials

There is an increased focus on materials that are easy to clean and resistant to bacteria, as we look beyond treatment to long-term effectiveness. “We want to take a preventative approach, and that means being careful about the spread of germs. Of course, I am selecting materials that are cleanable and durable. But often when you move to those practical materials like acrylics and plastics, they lose that sense of tactility. My goal is to utilize more modern materials but incorporate them in a way that is the opposite of a cold, sterile environment,” Sullivan noted.

The designer is partial to the material developed by Italian-based company Arpa Industriale, FENIX NTMⓇ. This thermo-laminate uses nano-technology to combine acrylic resins with a high-pressure paper core. The matte material is soft to touch and resists fingerprint marks. Light scratches on the surface can even be repaired via thermal technology.

Sullivan used FENIX NTMⓇ for a series of task tables and workstations he designed, and noted that such products eliminate demand for coatings. “Any material you put on a porous surface is going to wear off as you use it, like a patina on metal or wood. When you have a material that doesn’t require a finish or sealant, it lasts exponentially longer. So, I think manufacturers will continue to introduce materials that inherently resistant bacteria  or can “heal” abrasions, versus traditional veneers or films.

A mix of materials and custom furniture enhance both the design and user experience at Round Table Studios.

Customization and Integration

 Customization adds a distinct, cohesive signature that makes interiors stand out from the rest. “We do a lot of custom pieces in our build-outs because we like to have an integration between the architecture and the design. That way, you don’t have the architecture operating in one language and the furniture operating in a totally separate language. We want the material, finish, and technology to be integrated seamlessly,” Sullivan said.

He noted that supply chain issues and delays caused by the pandemic will continue for some time, so smaller firms and artisans offer agility that is unmatched by the major manufacturers. “While the larger companies understand what to do, they are limited in their ability to do it quickly. They have massive operations and have to work following certain guidelines, using set materials or machinery. It’s difficult to adapt rapidly when you are producing at that volume. Making a product that is distinctly different is a real advantage for us.”