New Year 2019

48 Inge Moore and Nathan Hutchins took their combined knowledge, expertise and passion to create Muza Lab – a design studio with a difference. Based in the heart of Notting Hill, design studio Muza Lab has so much more to offer than meets the eye. Co-founder Inge Moore tells us more about her vision. “Interior architecture and design from the heart is the essence of our practice,” she begins enthusiastically. “Hands-on, passionate and collaborative, we have built a reputation for strong, narrative-driven interiors which are layered, yet practical, which resonate with guests and win awards. “We create spaces that make you feel and remember, spaces that elicit emotional connection. We work on a variety of projects, from small to large, with the same driven attention to detail, intent to make each project great.” It was following years of collaboration at Hirsch Bedner Associates, a renowned interior design firm, that Inge Moore and Nathan Hutchins joined forces to bring to fruition their very own London-based practice. Born of their shared love of eclectic style and innovative spaces, Muza Lab is now winning awards left, right and centre. “We believe that listening - really listening - and understanding the client brief is key,” Inge states, referencing her strategy for ensuring the best outcome for a new client. “And then we push this to the maximum! We approach each project with passion but also are grounded and realistic about budget and what can be achieved and work within these boundaries to create spaces that stand out.” It’s a method that appears to be working well for her and fellow co- founder, Nathan. The duo share a love for design and a passion to want to make each and every project special in order to really stand out from the crowd. “One of our most successful, and favourite, projects to date is definitely the Belmond Andean Explorer,” continues Inge. “The project has had so much fantastic international press, but most of all, it was such a joy to design.” Belmond Andean Explorer, launched in May 2017, is South America’s first luxury sleeper train. It replaces the eponymous Pullman day train, between Cusco and Puno, at Lake Titicaca. By the new train this trip is converted to a one-night journey, and extended from Puno for another overnight ride to Arequipa. The décor aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer is soft and airy, with predominantly neutral tones, such as the off-white, timber wall panelling, teamed with linen roman blinds framing the stunning vistas. Locally sourced textiles and artworks in bright, bold colours and patterns are scattered throughout in the form of the eye-catching, accent pillows or the downy-soft, baby alpaca blankets. For their trailblazing work aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer, Muza Lab was awarded a Goldkey ‘OH SO Cool’ Award, as well as the Hospitality Award’s Open category. More recently, the firm has been recognised by LUX Magazine readers in the 2018 Leading Designers Awards. Inge states: “We are delighted but it’s also a big sign that says keep on pushing don’t give up keep on trying to be better and better so great motivation! It’s always an honour to be selected and recognized, we greatly appreciate all the recognition.” With regards to the future, Inge and Nathan have huge plans for Muza Lab that really centre around keeping the firm small and boutique, in order to continue to offer a completely bespoke design service to its clients. “Both Nathan and myself want to be part of each project we work on. Travel is more and more about connecting with special people – more people than ever are travelling together and want to really experience something. We are currently in the design phases of two very special projects abroad - one is situated in Cairo in a new and very exciting island resort. We have also just completed the design documents for a small boutique hotel in Jaffa, Israel for Isrotel and we can’t wait to see the model room that will be ready in the next few months!” It seems that, although the path may be long and arduous, the future is very bright indeed for Nathan, Inge and Muza Lab. “Creating innovative solutions is not always easy,” she finishes. “By working on new design ideas or reworking something in a new way, we achieve success. The process is hard but when you get the right answer, you just know it.” Contact: Inge Moore / Nathan Hutchins Company: Muza Lab, 9 Ledbury Mews North, London, W11 2AF Phone: 020 7100 3300 www.muzalab.com Style Design from the Heart 1807LU07