Carly Madhvani
1. Congratulations on winning the London Design Awards! Can you introduce yourself and share about what inspired you to pursue design as a career?
Hi, I’m Carly Madhvani. I am a multi-award-winning interior designer whose career has long been immersed in design, alongside a lifelong passion for vinyl and music culture.
After extensive success delivering large-scale renovation projects, I now focus exclusively on designing bespoke DJ consoles for discerning music and design enthusiasts—creating highly considered pieces for private residences, yachts, and private aircraft.
I have designed a collection of entertainment hub furniture pieces which combine spatial thinking and performance culture.
2. What does being recognised in the London Design Awards mean to you?
This recognition is especially significant given the novelty of the niche; the exposure it provides plays a critical role in establishing credibility and visibility for an innovative product entering a new market.
3. How has this achievement impacted your career, team, or agency, and what opportunities has it brought so far?
It has given my bio and website a certified design approval, which is really appreciated.
4. What role does experimentation play in your creative process? Can you share an example?
As this product has a UK Patent Pending, it was imperative that the features were technically unique, and this took time, research and development to achieve. For example, 'The Kiva' console has removable art on the front which has an electric so that it is lit up.
The function and form of this unique feature took a lot of experimenting, which was completed via a full-size prototype. Once the prototype was built, we could check the other unique features too (there are 5 which have not been designed before for a DJ console).
5. What's the most unusual source of inspiration you've ever drawn from for a project?
My inspiration has always come from travelling to faraway places. Seeing designs abroad and understanding how they can enhance the aesthetic of my work is my absolute-must-do.
6. What’s one thing you wish more people understood about the design process?
The intricacies of details. Upon first glance, what people see is a style and impressive furniture; to understand the structure and reasons for material choices is an important part of the process. Seeing the overwhelming options and filtering what works and WHY is super important and a well-honed skill.
7. How do you navigate the balance between meeting client expectations and staying true to your ideas?
My clients knock on my door because they like my style. I take their brief; however, I stay true to my framework as this is how I build a brand on a specific outcome, which I am proud of and don't deviate.
8. What were the challenges you faced while working on your award-winning design, and how did you overcome them?
Challenges include creating solutions for retractable pins - so that the art is removable and the face of the console is left 'clean'. I overcame this by taking quiet moments and discussing with the joinery team who made the console. Also, there were electrical challenges, and I overcame this by reaching out to a professional.
9. How do you recharge your creativity when you hit a creative block?
I go to music festivals and let my hair down.
10. What personal values or experiences do you infuse into your designs?
As I am a music lover myself, I infuse the knowledge of how a DJ will use the console, as well as making it practical too. I added lights (which move) to really make a vibe in a room. Which is something I am known for, 'bringing the party home'.
11. What is an advice that you would you give to aspiring designers aiming for success?
Be good at maths! Knowing margins, profit, selling market values, and number crunching is a lot of my time - I wish it were all samples and material selections! Also, forging great relationships with suppliers so that you can provide the best service to clients.
12. If you could collaborate with any designer, past or present, who would it be and why?
KELLY WEARSTLER - hands down the best global interior and product designer. I have always been in awe of her work, style, fashion choices and positioning.
13. What's one question you wish people would ask you about your work, and what's your answer?
How much is it? It starts at £35k.
