Through this questionnaire, our aim is to accentuate your journey, your aims and achievements, your thoughts and perspectives, the organisation you run, your contributions to the society, and your strengths in the national and international markets. We are looking for crisp and perspicacious answers between 800-1000 words for the same.
How would you describe your journey? Brief us on the inception story of your career. My husband and I launched Bergman Design House five years ago – the name being a blend of our surnames (Berglund and Soliman). It somehow happened organically. We were doing small freelance jobs such as small townhouses on the side, and then we met Olia, the owner of BXR (London’s Luxury Boxing Gym), and she asked us to design the gym. From there, Soliman and Berglund began picking up wellness, hospitality, and high-end residential projects, and we left Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) to focus on Bergman Design House full-time. Totally by coincidence, a very beautiful one, after the huge success of BXR, we found our names everywhere as Albin and Marie. We were asked to set up a company, design a logo and launch a website, which we did in November 2016 in my living room. The universe had given us a massive push forward, we took the leap of faith and Bergman Design House was born.
- Enlighten us about your role in the organisation you are leading / associated with? I am the founder and creative director of Bergman Design House.
I was dubbed a “chameleon of design” by British GQ magazine, my vision stems from belief in the vital spark of adventurous souls willing to take risks and try and test new ideas in the service of creating fabulous and engaging experiences. My goal is always to bring fresh ideas to the fore, while revelling in — not fearing — the chaos of creation. A keen eye for the timeless and the well-crafted has guided me on journeys around the world to spearhead such globally recognised projects as The Other house Hotel South Kensington, The Other house Covent Garden, BXR London, We11, NOR hotel Norway, and Eagle Lodge in Botswana, among others. - Where do you find inspiration? What motivates you to work harder?
- What is the one thing you wish you had known about women in your line of work before you started working?
- Do you believe it is compulsory for a woman to manage a household alongside her work?
As a woman, what has been the highlight of you career?
Arh! this is like asking me if I have a favourite kid. I love all my projects and each stands out differently, but I can’t be more proud of the Other House Hotel and Club residence we designed and also Where is Laowai in Vancouver.
- What are the changes you wish to make for the better in your professional life post-pandemic?
- Brief us on the changes the pandemic brought to your sector and your market. Has the work-culture altered?
Design is the reflection of the era we live in, and with more conscious choices and well-travelled individuals we are seeing—and getting asked to design—more sustainable and meaningful luxurious spaces. In the past year, the hospitality industry has undergone a significant transformation to adapt to the changing demands of guests and travellers, blending necessities with aesthetics. A sustainable approach, mixing the new with the old and vintage to give old treasures a second breath of life, to create an intimate connection and a stage of meaningful luxury. There is so much history, fun and beauty behind hunting the good antique pieces that create a very original design story!
The pandemic has seen a record-breaking rise in the number of superyacht sales, as the ultra-wealthy flock to spend their time at sea. From Vitamin C-enriched water and air-purifying bathroom tiles, to submarine moon pools and snowmobiles, these floating palaces are obscenely luxurious. Superyachts have become a floating home and residence and not just a weekend toy which is why we launched Njord by Bergman Design House - What words of wisdom/ inspiration/ advice would you offer to the next generation of female leaders?
Be original because everyone else is taken. Don’t be scared to push the boundaries but also listen to your client brief.
Work for someone who asks you to design and not just draft, make mistakes and learn from them, be confident and never shy about your ideas, no idea is stupid, no question is stupid, listen, look up when you walk in the streets and see the beauty of the buildings, go to an art exhibition every weekend, go to textiles workshops, have a digital print, don’t be a ghost.
Website: www.bergmaninteriors.com
