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Eline Maftoum appointed Design Director at Studio N

It’s no wonder that we’re delighted to welcome Eline into our fold as Studio N’s new Design Director. Creative, curious, and a firm client favourite, she’s a talented lighting designer with buckets of experience and an incredible thirst for knowledge.

We sat down with her to chat creativity, motivations and trends. And most importantly, why she made the switch from Nulty to Studio N.

What inspired you to become a lighting designer?

I studied interior design at university and was unexpectedly lured into the world of lighting design where I really found my niche. It gave me a creative release for the inquisitive side of my personality, and I’ve been in love with it ever since! The attraction of working with light is that the process is never predictable. Every project is a blank canvas and an opportunity to explore new ideas and methods. In recent years, this means that we need to advise clients on broader issues such as health and wellness, inclusivity, and biodiversity. I love that my job spans the worlds of science and art – there aren’t many professions that do this in such equal measure.

In your experience, what can light bring to a project?

No space is complete without great lighting and yet it’s often taken for granted. When you really take the time to look, you see that it’s a valuable tool and everything stems from the emotional response that it creates. That’s why my favourite part of a project is the concept stage because it allows you to brainstorm ideas as a team, get under the skin of what a client wants to achieve, and use your expertise to bring warmth and soul to the design.

Describe your role as Design Director?

My role is to support Lama by driving innovation and inspiring the team. Studio N was launched to do things differently, so we’re reshaping lighting design for clients that want a creative but cost-effective solution. This means adopting a holistic view to each project – we meet the budget and deliver on time, but always with a beautifully designed scheme that everyone feels proud of. Affordable and accessible doesn’t have to be boring. We’re determined to have fun with our designs and be a little bit bold and playful along the way.

What inspired the move from Nulty to Studio N?

The Nulty and Studio N teams are very close so making the move – albeit just across the studio – felt like a natural next step. The brand is on a remarkable trajectory and there’s something very appealing about the way the business is developing at pace and with a real spirit of invention. The team has produced some great work and built strong relationships with some of the region’s most exciting design and architecture practices, and all of this gives me a great platform to work from.

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