Interior Awards jury: Meet Richard Harris
Architect Richard Harris is a Distinguished Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects and a leader in the industry.
Forming part of this year's Interior Awards jury is architect Richard Harris. Harris is a Distinguished Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects and has been a leader in the field for many years.
What is your favourite interiors or architecture related book?
Richard Harris (RH): A Place for All People by Richard Rogers is a mosaic of life, projects and ideas for a better society. I’ve been a fan of his work for a long time and of him as a person since hearing his Reith Lectures in 1995.
What is your favourite New Zealand non-residential interior and why do you think it works well?
RH: The Bishop Selwyn Chapel addition to Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell, by Fearon Hay in collaboration with artist Studio Carolina Izzo, is a masterpiece. The artistry of the stunning ceiling with its beautiful, lazy curve perfectly complements the skeletal structure, invisible walls and bespoke furniture to provide a space of great serenity and contemplation.
What would be your one key piece of advice to this year’s Interior Awards entrants?
RH: Be very clear on your design intentions and the communication of them.
What musician are you likely to be listening to while selecting the finalists to the Interior Awards?
RH: I’m looking for sounds that support concentration so I will listen to pianist Nils Frahm with his unique blend of classical and electronic music.
Is there any shape you think is under-represented in New Zealand interiors and you wish there were more of?
RH: I think that sinuous curves are under-represented in New Zealand interiors. Done well, they have an element of joy that is missing in the straight line.
See the key dates for the 2019 Interior Awards here, and get your entries ready to submit beginning 5 February.
