Andrew Hays is the creative force behind the acclaimed London design house, ARTEIM, known for its multidisciplinary works in architecture, opera, theater, furniture, and product innovation. He is also the founder of the British kitchen furniture brand Cabbonet and previously served as Creative Director of Poggenpohl and Smallbone before co-founding Lanserring. Andrew’s expertise extends to designing sets and costumes for world-renowned opera houses, including Italy’s Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Arena di Verona, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Sydney Opera House. Learn more about how Andrew makes products for homes and on the stage in today’s Maker Monday.
Arteim, founded by London designers Andrew Hays and Kimm Kovac, combines a collaborative aesthetic with innovative production, using local craftsmen globally to support economies and reduce carbon footprint.
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Andrew Hays: As a kid, I was always creating and building things, it went well beyond Lego – I would build entire ‘worlds’ out of everyday items. It wasn’t until I went to high school and discovered art classes that I realized there were other people who thought like me, and saw things the way I did, and that was when my passion for expressing myself through the creative arts began.
AJ: What is the most important element in a successful interior design?
AH: I think what defines a successful interior design project is when there is a true balance between the functionality and the aesthetics of a space.
Arteim is a creative studio that operates at the crossroads of design, architecture and performing arts, melding the varied nuances of the disciplines to deliver thoughtful and innovative products and interiors.
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
AH: I love to travel, to visit new places, meet people and immerse myself in new cultures – experiencing their art, theater, opera and architecture. Falling down a rabbit hole on the internet can be just as inspiring – full of new creative thought and artmaking. Staying physically active also really helps to clear my head from all the boring stresses of the job, keeping the creative flow working.
AJ: What is the most important skill for a successful design?
AH: I think there is no one most important skill when it comes to designing. It is the combination of many skills that makes a successful designer. In saying that, one pivotal skill is to listen. It’s critical to fully understand the design brief and the needs of the client, and to be willing to try new things that may be outside your usual style or aesthetic.
Influenced by the emotionally rich art form of opera, which combines storytelling, lighting, sound, and space, Arteim’s design inspiration is rooted in a deep passion for operatic design elements.
AJ: What’s your favorite cocktail?
AH: I like a Gin Gimlet – in my opinion the best cocktails are made with the least ingredients.
AJ: What’s a new hobby/skill that you have learned recently?
AH: Two years ago we bought a 300-year-old palazzo in Northern Italy and have been restoring it to its former glory. Having an Italian mother and spending a lot of time in Italy, I thought my Italian was ok until I realized how many words related to building and trades I did not know. There were a lot of confused/bemused looks from tradespeople as I quickly learned the correct terms.
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