New Year 2019

39 1810LU24 Michelle Butler, owner and co-founder of Design Studio, Cayman, tells us more about her passion for design and how she constantly strives to stay inspired by the world around her. Design Studio is a full service interior design firm based in the Caribbean, with locations in both the Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos. Along with its interior design services, the firm also has two retail locations plus a new e-commerce venture, bringing its incredible array of suppliers and products to the islands. “To be an excellent designer you must know how to listen to your clients,” explains Michelle Butler, the firms co-founder and principle designer. “Essentially we are interpreters - turning a dream or concept into reality. To do this effectively we have to connect with the client’s vision but also hone and direct that vision so that it works both practically and visually.” At Design Studio Cayman, the team endeavours to work closely with clients, from concept to construction, to ensure they achieve perfection each and every time. “One of the very first things I say to every client is “you cannot hurt my feelings when expressing your opinions”. It is critical that a client can feel comfortable right away with expressing both positive and negative reactions. Sometimes a negative turns into a positive with further explanation or encouragement to step outside of their comfort zone. But other times a client may just not like a certain element and then I don’t want to waste anyone’s time dwelling on it. Onto the next great idea!” With the overall aim of creating beautiful spaces that function well and bring joy, everyone on the Design Studio Cayman team has a passion for design and the enthusiasm to bring it to fruition. As Michelle continues: “Our clients know that we are committed to them and to providing great, innovative work. We are very unique in the islands as we have a depth of knowledge spanning 30 years in the region. We know what works in our environment and that is a huge advantage to our clients. Our scope of resources has also developed over our time here and that network of reliable suppliers and craftspeople is essential for the calibre of work that we undertake.” Every single project undertaken by Michelle and her team is totally unique and she strives to ensure that everyone is constantly evolving in both their craft and resources. She does this by spending a lot of tie travelling and researching to hone her skills and to stay inspired. “This is especially important as we live on very small islands and though they have their own brand of inspiration you do need to see the world and stay connected to all the amazing advances in design offered globally.” Recently, Design Studio Cayman was selected to be a winner in the LUXlife 2018 Leading Designers Awards, something which Michelle believes reflects their hard work and innovation, especially considering the remote geographical location. “Our client base is very international and it is important to us that we are able to give our projects the level of design expertise that these clients have access to in their other homes and travels across the globe. To be awarded for Interior Design on this global stage is the ultimate achievement.” The firm has worked on many phenomenal projects, but one of Michelle’s personal favourites was a beach house which was completed for a family a few years ago. “It was a wonderful project on all levels; great team, great clients, and a perfect concept for the islands as a classic beach house,” she enthuses. “This project felt like a shift for the studio in our growth and confidence and will always be one of Design Studio’s hallmark homes. “Also, in every project we try to introduce what I call a ‘wink.’ That is a little secret or surprise that is unexpected a little magical. It can be a large or small element but it must be extraordinary!” With regards to the future, Michelle believes that the firm has the world at its feet. “We have found that the calibre of work in the islands is reaching higher and higher levels every year and it makes for fantastic challenges and opportunities to experiment. This year in particular we are excited to launch our online shop and see where that venture takes us. “In 2019, we will be partnering with our development company to work on larger scale, multi-unit projects and this will offer a launch pad for another adventure for the company.” Contact: Michelle Butler Company: DESIGN STUDIO, Camana Bay, Grand Cayman, PO BOX, 30864, KY1-1204, Cayman Islands Telephone: 00 345.945.4977 Style Island of Dreams