Nina Maya has been named as the third judge for IDEA 2022, joining YSG director and IDEA 2021 Designer of the Year Yasmine Ghoniem, and Perth-based principal and interior designer leader at Woods Bagot, Eva Sue.
IDEA is now open for entries until 10 June. Enter now!
After a career in fashion, dressing the likes of Cate Blanchett for the red carpet, Maya turned her attention to interiors and founded her eponymous design studio in 2015.
The Sydney-based studio takes on around 10 to 12 projects a year and has completed several projects internationally, such as two penthouses in Bejing, a superyacht in the Bahamas and a mansion in San Francisco.
Known for her tailored, polished spaces and considered approach, Maya says her style conveys a “key focus on precise, sleek and minimal design”.
A recent project showcasing this sensibility is Residence R in Northbridge, which happens to be the former residence of the late Bob Hawke and his wife Blanche D’Alpuget.
Maya also worked on a modern rebuild of a stunning Heritage terrace in Balmain and an international project remodelling a major estate in Kentfield, California.
“All three feature bespoke custom-designed joinery, furniture and lighting to create truly unique spaces tailored to each client and their individual style,” explains Maya.
Reflecting upon the design industry as a whole, Maya says Australia has made a powerful name for itself, despite its relatively short design history.
“One of the opportunities that exists as an Australian designer is unlimited creative licence. Australia does not have as lengthy or rich a design history as other more established countries.
“This leaves the door wide open to make a statement with interior design and architecture and not have to conform to any set ideals.”
And while Australia’s geography lacks direct access “to all of the incredible boutique designs, artists and artisans”, it also means designers must “build up a great sense of trust with their clients to entrust to your vision and expertise without having the opportunity to see them in person first,” says Maya.
No stranger to the IDEA program, Maya has been shortlisted multiple times, often in the Residential Single and Residential – Interior Curation categories, and was also an Emerging Designer of the Year nominee for three consecutive years.
Now as an IDEA judge, Maya hopes to see projects that not only meet the client’s brief and all functional outcomes but “that are original and really push the boundaries to create something totally unique”.
“IDEA really highlight projects of excellence and also serves as a great barometer for clients looking for exceptional practices to do their homes.
“And, most importantly, it is a great reward for each winning practice to celebrate all their hard work in creating successful projects.”
IDEA 2022 will be judged by a panel of eight industry experts. We’ll be announcing more judges soon.
Lead image supplied by Nina Maya Interiors.
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