At the heart of luxury interior design lies a dedication to craftsmanship, where every detail tells a story of skill, creativity, and collaboration. In this exclusive interview, Tatiana Chierici, Director at DKT Artworks, shares insights into the unique collaboration between DKT and Studio Indigo, highlighting the craftsmanship behind the breath-taking finish found in the entrance hall of our Holland Park project.
THE LEGACY AND PATH TO DKT ARTWORKS
“I’m Tatiana Chierici, Director at DKT Artworks and I have a background in Interior Design, coupled with Arts and Business Management qualifications, which laid the foundation for my foray into the realm of decorative arts. My journey at DKT started 10 years ago, initially joining as a Project Manager and I worked on Studio Indigo’s Holland Park project in 2021.
DKT Artworks has a rich history, having been founded 45 years ago by Steve Keeling, Sean Trowbridge and Nickie Davies. The company has grown to become a powerhouse of imaginative and skilled decorative artists, and we’re very unique in the breadth of our capabilities; from intricate bas-reliefs, sculptures, murals and trompe l’oeil, to paint finishes, gilding, verre églomisé, antiqued mirrors, hand-crafted mosaics, illuminated artworks and polished plaster. We work on and deliver projects both in the UK and worldwide and 2024 marks a significant milestone for DKT Artworks, as our first full year as an employee-owned business.”
THE COLLABORATION: CRAFTING HOLLAND PARK
“This collaboration stemmed from our longstanding partnership with Studio Indigo, spanning several years across both the marine and residential sectors, delivering several successful projects including decorated glass, bas relief, paint and stucco. For Holland Park, Studio Indigo envisioned a distinctive ambiance, featuring elements like antique mirrors, cracked gesso and paint effects. Among these, our task was to develop a special plaster finish for the staircase walls and lobbies, destined to be one of the focal points of the space. Working in close collaboration with the designers, we worked to craft the perfect texture and colour scheme, conducting several mock-up samples to achieve the desired metallic shade and effect across all floors”
“The creative process was a journey of exploration and experimenting with different tools and techniques, then refining the design until it met the desired aesthetic. The execution involved meticulous attention to detail and skilled craftsmanship working as a team to transition from a relatively small-scale sample onto a 290 m2 staircase walls and lobbies.
The bespoke cross-combed stucco is a technique where a comb-like tool is used to create a distinctive pattern on the stucco surface. After preparing the walls and applying layers of stucco mixture to the areas, the tool is dragged across the surface in a crisscross pattern, creating a series of ridges and grooves. This needs to be done in a methodical way in order to create and keep the regularity of the pattern. Layers of bespoke metallic grey colour are then applied uniformly to the overall surface. To add interest to the finish there is the addition of thicker crisscross “stitches”.
The major challenge, especially on such an expansive canvas, was to ensure the finish looked continuous and uniform, devoid of any visible ‘day joins’. Also, orchestrating a team of artisans to ensure a cohesive result was imperative. Each stroke and texture had to convey a singular artistic vison and display ‘a single hand’ aesthetic.”
PRESERVING HERITAGE: THE IMPORTANCE OF CRAFT
“Preserving artisanal skills and nurturing craftsmanship in Britain is essential and vital for safeguarding our cultural heritage and honouring our past. While historically in the 19th and early 20th Century, large institutions played a significant role in fostering these skills, the torch has now been passed to smaller entities like ours, such as DKT Artworks.
There’s a prevailing notion that younger generations are less drawn to hands-on production, making it imperative for us not only to transmit our skills and foster innovation to avoid stagnation but also to cultivate a supportive work environment that values and encourages our team members.
Craftsmanship extends beyond the mere creation of products; it also encompasses the values, traditions, and narratives embedded into each piece. By cultivating and refining these skills for future generations, we ensure that craftsmanship remain relevant in a rapidly evolving global landscape. It’s a means of paying homage to our heritage while embracing the possibilities of the future.”
“Achieving a harmonious balance between creativity and meeting client’s expectations hinges on effective communication and collaboration.
By understanding the client’s needs, objectives and maintaining regular feedback loops, we lay the groundwork for exploring innovative ideas, while ensuring alignment with the client’s vision.
It’s also important to acknowledge that various stakeholders in a project may have differing priorities. Thus, strategic planning is crucial to accommodate these dynamics without compromising the integrity of our work.”
