Dayna Lee and Ted Berner are founders and principal designers of Powerstrip Studio. Graduates of Rhode Island School of Design, Dayna and Ted are international award-winning designers, who, with their background in motion picture art direction, have established a reputation for their cinematic approach to design. Where does your design inspiration come from? A story is conceptualised for the project and our design choices are made to tell it. The people who inhabit the space engage to create the emotions within the designed spaces. We want the space to be warm with emotion, generous, have a sense of exploration and a cultural understanding that renders the design to align or contrast. Each story is told with colour, lighting and texture. With some projects, there is a reference to history. What products/services could you not live without when designing? Whilst designing large projects, we cannot live without great partners – engineers, architects, procurement agents – who share the priority of design and therefore are willing to make extra effort to meet it. A budget and Owners’ goals are also necessary to define while designing. Without these, the design process would be like a game without rules, no fun. What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms? We have observed that design often moves towards the latest cutting-edge game changer tool for manufacturing or responds to latest technology – as simple as a lightbulb or advanced as a room that can respond to human biometrics. Ultimately, the design must deliver comfort, style and a story. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future: 1. Natural light, the direction and timing of the sun. 2. Colour palette that can expand with tertiary colours. 3. Ever changing guests’ lifestyle and desires informs culture. 4. Natural climate and foliage. 5. Art, type of art, shape of art, scale of art.
68 The World’s Leading Design Names
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to product design, what would it be? When designing a product or pondering the purchase of a product, we consider what is involved to acquire its materials, mindfully staying away from any damage to animals, earth and ocean. They believe that inanimate objects can project good and bad energy because it is all about the intentions of designer, maker and user. How important are The Design Awards as recognition of talent and achievement? The Design Awards are very important to the Powerstrip Studio designers as the competition is global. Through the completion process and awards ceremonies, we have made lasting friendships with other designers on other continents. The public, industry and peer response to Powerstrip Studio’s design projects been heartwarming and radiant. What projects are you currently working on? Bankside Hotel London – ground-up construction in Southback near the Tate Modern. Untitled, Jackson Hole, Wyoming – renovation and new-build structure of a 70’s ski lodge. Untitled, Berlin – ground-up avant garde construction in Mitte. Private Residence, Cayman Island – on Seven Mile Beach Historic Key West Bungalows – a luxury renovation of 48 colonial structures. St Ermin’s Hotel London – renovation of listed Westminster baroque hotel. The Rowan Palm Springs – ground-up construction in Palm Springs. The Hundred, Indonesia – ground-up skyscraper construction. Final thoughts – tell us a little more about yourself... Your most treasured possession? Our son and daughter; they are rescue animals. The place that gives you most inspiration? Capri, where we attended the Design Awards Ceremony, following a swim in the Mediterranean.