COVID-19 changed our relationships with the spaces we live in, in ways we can’t imagine. For the first time in many of our lifetimes, we witnessed the whole world forced to cave in, and retreat into internal spaces. Some, safer than others, retreated into their homes. Many realised they retreated into somewhat of a safe space, but the pertinent question of what makes a home a home lingers.
As the restrictions of COVID-19 become more and more of a memory, rather than a lived reality, it still bears importance to have an inquisitive relationship with your space. That doesn’t come naturally to all of us, however. Liam Mooney Studios Design Group, based in Cape Town, cites curiosity as one of the pillars of their design style. The design group specialises in four separate divisions, namely Creative Consulting, Architectural Design, Furniture Design and Interior Design. Chatting with Liam Mooney himself, from whom the studio is the namesake, he shared some of the philosophies of design that have been behind his practice for over 15 years.
Denzel Nyathi: What was the story behind starting your practice?
Liam Mooney: It happened entirely by chance. When I finished studying Industrial design I teamed up with two friends, Justin Rhodes and Cameron Munro of Whatiftheworld gallery and we started hosting events that supported the non existent young designer culture in South Africa. This kind of organically morphed into my starting my own furniture design business, which morphed into interiors and now architecture as well.
Denzel Nyathi: How would you describe your artistic vision and practice?
Liam Mooney: I try my best to make sure that with every new job I take on, there is an opportunity for me to grow. To learn new things. To try a different approach. When things become formulaic I get bored very quickly. I’m constantly looking for new ways of looking at old problems. I like challenging so-called ‘rules’. I like walking the very fine line between beautiful and ugly. I like interesting spaces. I like being interested.
Denzel Nyathi: Would you say consideration of sustainability is an element in interior design, or at least your practice of it?
Liam Mooney: Sustainability is such an incredibly huge issue with many many factors that need to be taken into consideration. It can be completely overwhelming when designing, most people just ditch the idea because of how scary it is.
I prefer a simpler approach. Where possible, buy second hand or vintage. When broken, fix. Consider, deeply, before buying something. When possible, buy the very best quality you can afford. Seek out local before bringing in international.
Denzel Nyathi: How would you say the spaces we live in impact our lives?
Liam Mooney: The 1978 experiment ‘Rat Park’ was an interesting experiment that very clearly illustrated the value of having surroundings that not only stimulate us but allow us to connect meaningfully with the people in our lives. Interior design is immensely powerful and has an unquantifiable effect on our mood and thus our daily lives.
Denzel Nyathi: As an interior designer and decorator, how does your work intersect with your colleagues and their disciplines?
Liam Mooney: It’s all a collaboration with the same end goal. Each of us brings our expertise to the table and we work together to make sure that the end product is the best version it can be. We work with architects, engineers and contractors and are able to learn new things from each of these people.
Denzel Nyathi: If you had one simple tip for anyone reading this about making the best of their spaces, what would it be?
Liam Mooney: Forget about interior design, begin collecting items that you love and I promise they will all work together. Buy less, buy what you love, buy with awareness and buy consciously. Never ever buy something because you just have to fill a space. Design is a verb and not a noun, and it takes a very long time to get to where you want to be, so slow down and enjoy the process of creating a space that is yours and yours alone.
