The great influencers who shaped the designers of our time

From Stephen Falcke to Axel Vervoordt, Anya Cooklin-Lofting learns about the industry giants who inspired the current generation of top designers

Tara Bernerd & Partners, Lobby at the Thompson Chicago (Tara Bernerd & Partners)

Christmas is a time for reflection, storytelling and gratitude. So this week, I spoke to five top designers about the industry figures that have inspired them the most; the designers’ designers, if you will. So, do read on to hear how the greats have influenced the greats in the unwaveringly supportive and appreciative design community.

Martin Waller

Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin

Martin Waller is the founder of global design house Andrew Martin. Known for its travel-inspired, trinket-laden, era-colliding aesthetic, Andrew Martin has been established by Waller as a key player in the design industry, coming into the fifth decade of its existence.

Waller cites Stephen Falcke as his greatest inspiration – the winner of the 1999 Andrew Martin Interior Designer of the Year award. Waller tells me that Falcke “revolutionised the way African tribal art and African textiles can be used in crisp contemporary interiors. He paved the way for a whole new appreciation for the wonder of Africa’s astonishing cultural heritage.”

Ohara Davies-Gaetano

Ohara Davies-Gaetano, principal designer of Ohara Davies-Gaetano Interiors

Ohara Davies-Gaetano is a New York-born, California-based interior designer who was recently named as Interior Designer of the Year by Andrew Martin, the same award that Stephen Falcke won almost 20 years ago. Davies-Gateano tells me that one of the most inspirational figures in the industry she has come across is Belgian antiques dealer and interior designer, Axel Vervoordt.

“I had the pleasure of visiting Axel Vervoordt’s Antwerp castle 13 years ago. I was transfixed as I meandered through his amazing property – every detail so well balanced with restraint and awe. His work demonstrates the incredible magic of a curated interior-melding genres of style from classical to modern, all the while timeless and inviting. His work speaks to all of the senses – from the custom blend of wood that is burnt in his fire, which captures your intrigue upon first entering his home, to the visual beauty at every turn. There are moments that are raw and almost stripped down but then paired with classical interpretations. It is this amazing genius that moves my soul and has been a huge inspiration for me in my career.”

Tara Bernerd

Tara Bernerd, founder of Tara Bernerd & Partners

Tara Bernerd is the founder of the Belgravia interior architectural practice Tara Bernerd & Partners. From hotel clients including the Four Seasons to some of the world’s most sought-after homes, her work is unfalteringly structural and contemporary.

Bernerd tells me that she is inspired by modern architecture and that her design schemes are often informed by the building’s infrastructure. “There are so many architects I admire and have followed over the years: Richard Rogers, Tadao Ando, Zaha Hadid – I could go on! I am actually incredibly fortunate to be working with one such architect, Frank Gehry, on a new hotel project in LA. Gehry has always been a source of inspiration to me due to the unexpected nature of his work and his playful use of materials, so it’s a real honour to work alongside such a design icon.

“Many of the interior design elements for our project together draw upon the organic form and energy of the landmark that will house them. We worked collaboratively with Gehry’s team to determine the internal layouts for the building and ensure guests are able to absorb the surrounding architectural landscape. The bold use of material that Gehry is so well known for is also reflected through our selection of furniture, fabrics and finishes, resulting in a rich palette that compliments the building’s shell and draws upon the DNA of its Downtown LA locale.”

Cristian Zuzunaga

Cristian Zuzunaga, cristianzuzunaga.com

Cristian Zuzunaga is a prolific multidisciplinary artist and designer with a rich history of collaborations across the design industry, from a collection with Brintons carpets to partnering with Fabergé to create a one-off Zuzunaga egg. Zuzunaga’s far-reaching style is globally recognised; his playful use of colour and shape internationally celebrated.

When I asked who Zuzunaga believes is his greatest inspiration, he told me that after meeting London design firm, Waldo Works in 2007, he has followed and enjoyed their work ever since. Of the firm, Zuzunaga says: “I really like the always-present touch of elegance and their coherent approach to design. They research properly and understand the needs of their clients and collaborators. Their use of materials and the way they combine them is outstanding and unique.”

Rachel Laxer

Rachel Laxer, rlaxerinteriors.com

Rachel Laxer is a London-based interior designer, specialising not only in interior design but also furniture design, antique sourcing, art curation and styling. She cites two designers in particular that have provided her with a wealth of inspiration, informing her creative decisions and the final aesthetic of her projects.

“The two designers that I am constantly inspired by are Jacques Grange and Francois Catroux. They are both based in Paris and have mastered the fine art of creating spaces that appear to have been layered organically over time, but actually, are highly curated. Everything they select for their clients is beautiful in its own right and highly collectable. When the pieces they select are juxtaposed, this creates friction that is electric yet harmonious. This is what is truly masterful about their work – it transcends trends and fads and looks as fresh today as when the spaces were first completed.”

In the new year, Laxer is partnering with Joyce Misrahi and Grant Pierrus to launch Design Show House, an exhibition of art and design, and raise money for cancer charities.