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.
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.
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.
