Alexandra is the creative force behind interior design studio Decus which she established 15 years ago. With a background in interior architecture, Alexandra’s approach weaves the abstract into outcomes that are both exquisite and practical. She enjoys guiding clients to explore beyond their comfort zone and is adept at navigating the intricate web of complexities involved with bringing a project to life. In every project, she aims to craft, not just a space, but an experience that captures a client’s essence.
Here, Alexandra takes on The Design Dozen.
1. What was your seminal design moment?
The moment in The Wizard of Oz (1939 version) when Dorothy steps through her bedroom door from sepia into technicolour. Whilst strictly speaking not an interior – the notion of a fully-immersive transformational space that incited awe and wonder was mind-blowing for my six-year old self.
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2. It’s your ultimate design dinner party – which four guests are you inviting?
I’d invite my design heroes each from a different design genre – and open with a single question: ‘In your creative process, do you begin cerebrally, rationalising as you go, or do you simply feel your way through it?’”
Elsa Schiaparelli
Piero Portalupp
Roberto Burle Marx
Pierre Yovanovitch
3. What’s been on your mind lately?
Genuine contentment. But also, how much humanity needs a really big hug right now.
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4. What’s the most treasured design-y thing you own?
My wedding ring, a testament to the patience (and trust) of my husband who let me loose to design it myself.
5. What is the most inspiring space you’ve been to?
A tie between Villa Necci, Milan and Grundtvig’s Church, Copenhagen
6. What’s a design book you return to often?
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin – a palate cleanser for when you’re too in your (or your client’s) head.
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7. What is your favourite quote about design?
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful” – William Morris
8. Who do you look up to in design?
Daniel Roseberry, his vision is otherworldly. The execution is mind-blowing.
9. What do you consider the best project you’ve done to date?
My son!
And our recently completed studio, which we’ll be sharing soon. I approached the project as an exercise in prototyping — an opportunity to experiment with ideas, junctions, and details that have been quietly gestating for some time. The intention is very much for it to evolve over time, continuing to explore new creative impulses as they emerge. That ongoing evolution is perhaps the most exciting aspect of it all; it was never meant to be static.
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10. If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?’
As a landscaper, I could hang and chat with plants and trees all day long.
11. What would you change about the state of design?
The over production and disposability of everything we make and the impact that has on our planet. The chemicals and plastic embedded in the construction of our built environment.
12. What is your dream project?
It would be a dream to restore a derelict villa on the coast of Sardinia to its former glory.