With a gift for designing easy-to-use, ‘future-proof’ spaces, we hear from the man at the helm of David Collins Studio.
![A Life In Design - Simon Rawlings](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/5133/214332/59015ab76311e/A-Life-In-Design-Simon-Rawlings.jpg)
Birmingham City University, I wrote to a few key designers who I admired, including David, for work opportunities. I was struck by the sense of authority in his work – it wasn’t about gimmicks or trends and always had a sense of purpose. When I came to London to meet him, he asked me to do some things on a computer while the whole office went to lunch. On his return, he asked me to start a week later.
How do you begin a project?
I don’t like to rush into a design until I know the space – in my own home, when we moved in 18 months ago, we stripped it bare, painted it white and lived in it before making any big decisions. It’s important to know where the light falls, how each room sounds. Don’t be afraid to paint half a wall and live with it. I’ve even been known to stay overnight in a client’s house to really get a feel for the space!
Where do you look for ideas?
Auction catalogues. For example, a recent one was for French 20th-century furniture. I see things in them I don’t see anywhere else and it takes me on tangents, learning about different designers and eras. I use Evernote to upload photos and handwritten notes, which it puts into folders for me – scrapbooking ideas is a great way to start the creative process. I like to print ideas out and put them on the walls to see how well they relate to the room.
How about colour palettes?
I play a lot with paint. I think it goes back to my mum’s love for painted coloured ceilings, which I’ve inherited, so I’m always trying to bring in colour to a project.
Esta historia es de la edición May 2017 de Living Etc Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición May 2017 de Living Etc Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
![Rooting For Change](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5133/1685768/mcVREMD971714656010092/ROOTING-FOR-CHANGE.jpg)
Rooting For Change
The concept of the 'environmentally healthy' garden is something we should all be embracing - and top designers have the intel on how to get it right
![courtyard gardens](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5133/1685768/IaHQcaRYa1714655180794/COURTYARD-GARDENS.jpg)
courtyard gardens
THESE COMPACT AND CONSTRAINED OUTDOOR PLOTS CAN FEEL LIKE URBAN OASES IF THE RIGHT DESIGN CHOICES ARE MADE
![NEXT BIG THING](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5133/1685768/eHfHJ1Ff81714655045708/NEXT-BIG-THING.jpg)
NEXT BIG THING
Our favourite designers pick aname on their radar that ought to be on yours, too. This month: interior designer Hollie Bowden introduces a London-based furniture and lighting studio
![global outlook: interiors report](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5133/1685768/a3eoSV2f31714654776346/GLOBAL-OUTLOOK-INTERIORS-REPORT.jpg)
global outlook: interiors report
OUR NEW YORK EDITOR KEITH FLANAGAN UNCOVERS THE US LAUNCHES AND DESIGN NEWS MAKING WAVES OVER HERE TOO
![colour decoded](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5133/1685768/FlZhKnoag1714654495798/COLOUR-DECODED.jpg)
colour decoded
There’s nothing subtle about this scheme, says Livingetc’s Amy Moorea Wong – it’s a celebration of the pure joy of colour
![Blazing a trail](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5133/1685768/fvrnBUQiK1714654105413/BLAZING-A-TRAIL.jpg)
Blazing a trail
Perhaps you know her from her incredible ceramic wall mural or her activism either way, Malene Djenaba Barnett is a groundbreaker in the truest sense of the word
![sky high](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5133/1685768/q-bVOldRR1714653840546/SKY-HIGH.jpg)
sky high
Harnessing natural light is a goal for every home and the sophisticated skylights seen today are using modern tech and design to ace that objective
![PLAIN SAILING](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5133/1685768/rDmUTrZ4h1714653584904/PLAIN-SAILING.jpg)
PLAIN SAILING
This converted boathouse in Copenhagen provides carefree days on the waterfront for its architect owners
![MADE TO MEASURE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5133/1685768/6Y1Rlq2EO1714653339572/MADE-TO-MEASURE.jpg)
MADE TO MEASURE
Inside and out, the bespoke and crafted elements of this Lisbon abode make for a home like no other
![ZEST FOR LIFE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5133/1685768/Bke7ph7NM1714653040716/ZEST-FOR-LIFE.jpg)
ZEST FOR LIFE
With its palette of sunny sorbet shades and space-enhancing design, this Milan apartment is full of good vibes