With over two decades of experience in the interior design industry, Donna Mondi knows what it takes to make a space shine. In 2020, the founder and principal designer of Donna Mondi Interior Design joined forces with Material Bespoke Stone + Tile to bring a collection of 16 dynamic, hand-carved fireplaces to the market. This year, three thoughtfully designed luxury kitchen hoods are new to the collection. We caught up with Donna to discuss how the full collection came to life.
Raymond Paul Schneider: What was your initial inspiration and where did the ideas come from?
Donna Mondi: I’m always inspired by classical architectural details, such as fluting, reeding, and molding profiles. By skewing their scale or altering how they interact with each other, I create dynamic profiles that can range from modern to transitional. Rooted in classicism, these designs fit seamlessly into a wide variety of interiors.
RPS: Please describe your overall creative and design process.
DM: I constantly collect interesting and inspiring elements, whether it’s from a restaurant in Paris, a walk in Chicago, or research on design and architecture icons from the past. I maintain a folder of inspiration images that I refer to when designing something new. My process begins with a pencil sketch, which is then translated into CAD drawings. After multiple redlines and iterations, the design is ready for submission to Material for their team to handle logistics and engineering. We discuss options for materials, the best stones, ideal scale, and customization possibilities. It’s a collaborative effort with both teams working together to create the best product that fits a hole in the industry.
RPS: Did you have a specific audience or theme in mind?
DM: As an interior designer constantly seeking unique and interesting elements, I design consciously or unconsciously for designers and architects.
RPS: Please describe the methods, tools, and materials you used to develop and prototype this design.
DM: Once the designs are complete, Material Bespoke produces renderings and 3D models. Typically one profile will get installed in each of their showrooms in full scale. They also supply each showroom with mini versions of each fireplace and hood, about 8”-10” in size, showcasing the different stone options. These miniatures are invaluable resources for truly understanding the details of the various profiles.
RPS: Did you face any challenges that affected the design?
DM: When designing products in stone, weight is typically the biggest challenge. Our collections are generally specified by professionals who understand how to adapt the environment to support the weight of hoods and fireplaces. These products can be retrofitted with structural loads considered or easily adapted for new construction.
RPS: Describe your overall brand DNA and Ethos.
DM: At DMID, our design ethos dances between the lines of time, blending the grandeur of classicism with the audacious spirit of modernity. With an unwavering commitment to crafting interiors with soul, we curate spaces for discerning individuals who cherish the art of living well.
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