The other day, my mother, who I affectionately call ‘Techno Nan,’ shared an interesting anecdote with me. She mentioned that while watching TV, possibly GMTV, she came across an interview featuring Johnny Lydon, the iconic figure from the Sex Pistols. To her surprise, he was discussing the compassionate care he provided to his terminally ill wife.
My mum had previously stereotyped Lydon as one of those anti-establishment, queen-hating rebels typical of the Sex Pistols. I, however, was not surprised by the empathy and care demonstrated by Johnny Lydon. I explained to Techno Nan that he couldn’t have been such a crucial member of the Sex Pistols if he didn’t possess a certain level of compassion.
During their era, the Sex Pistols and many other punks were deeply concerned about the profound flaws within our societal system, which, unfortunately, still persist today. They channeled their discontent creatively, using their music to express their views. This often came across as a call to dismantle the existing order, a sentiment that I sometimes find myself sharing to this day.
The young designer
While I’m too young to have personally experienced the punk movement during its heyday, my introduction to it happened around the age of 13 in 1987. At that time, I wholeheartedly embraced it. Being an avid skateboarder, I found myself surrounded by a group of teenage anarchists who shared my enthusiasm, and many of them remain my closest friends to this day.
Embracing this rebellious approach to life has led me down a path that doesn’t quite align with the corporate belief system. Although I’ve worked as a designer for publicly traded companies during my tenure with larger design firms, the experience often left me feeling like everyone was competing to see how much they could extract from one another. It’s safe to say that I didn’t stay in such environments for long.
While I could manage to work within those structures, it always felt like a betrayal of my true self and principles. The ethos of punk, with its emphasis on authenticity and non-conformity, has remained a guiding light for me throughout my journey.
So what has this to do with the interior design of your project?
Perhaps you’ve recently dismantled the conventional corporate life you once knew, making room for something more meaningful. If you believe that you can make a positive impact on your community or our planet by embarking on a business venture that aligns with your values, then you’re our type of people.
Our approach to interior design and architecture is uniquely suited for startups and environmentally-conscious individuals. Our designs are geared towards minimizing material consumption, streamlining construction processes, and creating adaptable interiors.
We’re passionate about the transformative journey this approach can offer. Admittedly, it’s not always a smooth ride, but it’s laden with purpose and can yield gratification in multiple ways. We invite you to join us on this meaningful adventure.