At Close Range: Award-winning Architect And Furniture Designer Alan Meredith - The Gloss Magazine

At Close Range: Award-winning Architect And Furniture Designer Alan Meredith

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RANGE ROVER

Behind the scenes with architect and furniture designer Alan Meredith following his Design Talk at Design Week Dublin

Your favourite virtue: Authenticity. I have no patience for insincerity or dishonesty, and I think that comes through in my work – it’s a constant search for something real.

Your favourite qualities in a man: A gentle confidence, a good sense of humour, curiosity, intelligence – someone you can have a meaningful, robust conversation with.

Your favourite qualities in a woman: My wife. And, at just two months old, my daughter is already showing promise too.

Your chief characteristic: I get fixated on things and feel compelled to see them through – sometimes more persistently than is strictly necessary.

What you appreciate the most in your friends: Humour, generosity, and sharpness of mind.

Your main fault: I tend to forget simple tasks because I’m absorbed in something else – usually something I’ve convinced myself is more important.

Your favourite occupations outside of work: Sheep farming and music festivals – both involve wandering around a field in all sorts of weather.

SEE MORE: An Exclusive Interview With Architect Amanda Bone

 Alan worked on “Assembly”, Ireland’s representation at the Venice Biennale.

Your idea of happiness: Sunshine at a music festival, a favourite band playing – that moment where everything aligns.

Your idea of misery: The M7 during rush hour. I don’t know how people do the daily commute. I couldn’t.

If not yourself, who would you be? I don’t normally think like that, you can only be yourself.

Your current state of mind: It’s been a busy year. I’m looking forward to some time away with my family.

Your favourite colour, tree and flower: I always thought it was red, but I think it’s green now – green feels alive. The oak tree for its strength, and bluebells – they grow wild in our garden and feel a bit like magic.

Most overrated virtue: Any virtue that becomes trendy tends to get co-opted and distorted.

Which talent would you most like to possess: I’d love to be able to play the piano, or make music in some form.

Your favourite designers and makers: Liam Flynn, who sadly passed in 2017, is an enduring inspiration. His work had a stillness that masked its brilliance.

Your favourite author: I don’t read as much as I’d like to, something I need to change. I still haven’t finished Fewer, Better Things by Glenn Adamson.

Your favourite hero in action: James Bond – a childhood favourite who still holds some nostalgic appeal.

Your favourite artist: Michael Warren – his minimalist works carry a deep sense of materiality and space.

SEE MORE: Behind The Scenes With Designer Niamh Barry

Walnut games table by Alan Meredith Studio.

Your favourite musical artists and composers: Jon Hopkins, Nils Frahm, Talos, London Grammar – music with soul, that resonates on a personal level.

The principal aspect of your personality: I try to think things through. I’m not one to jump to conclusions.

Your idea of good taste: Minimalism, simplicity – but always with a strong sense of personality.

The quality I look for in my surroundings: Calmness. Especially the kind that comes from being close to the natural world and its materials.

I try to preserve the environment by … Walking to work and using locally sourced wood wherever possible.

The country where I should like to live: I’m quite content in rural Ireland. I have everything I need – though a bit more covered outdoor space for when it rains wouldn’t hurt.

I look to the road ahead with … Excitement – to build on what’s already been done and to bring long-held plans to life.

A new gallery space in a converted grain store will shortly be open by appointment; see www.alanmeredith.ie for information.

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