Marie Soliman, Co-Founder, Bergman Design House, discusses how her enthusiasm for learning creates an engaging and fulfilling design process.
Marie Soliman is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of luxury design studio Bergman Design House, which includes a superyacht design-arm Njord by Bergman. Marie is an award-winning designer with 16 years of design experience in the hospitality, commercial and residential sectors.
An avid visual artist as well as a designer, Marie’s keen eye for the timeless and the well-crafted has guided her on journeys around the world to spearhead such globally recognised projects as The Other House South Kensington, The Other House Covent Garden, BXR London, We11, NOR hotel Norway, and Eagle Lodge in Botswana, among others.
Marie’s vision stems from her belief in the vital spark of adventurous souls who are willing to take risks and try and test new ideas in the service of creating fabulous and engaging experiences. Her goal is always to bring fresh ideas to the fore while revelling in the chaos of creation.
Here, Marie discusses the people and experiences that have inspired her journey, and how taking on a project goes deeper than just design.
What is your earliest memory of design having an impact on you?
The earliest memory I ever had was age 15, when I had just started university, with no experience at all. I got asked by my uncle to design a full new spa and wellness concept. I was so thrilled and I remember the butterflies in my belly! But also, I felt so scared of the what if: what if I fail or do something wrong? I spoke to my mentor, and he said, ‘you jump and then you learn how to swim’; he asked me to accept the job and so I did, and I still remember that it looked beautiful. The whole process was nine months from design to completion – creating the concept, sourcing materials, hiring builders to do the work, managing budget, learning to handle pressure, and most important learning never to moan, remember it is a paid job not a university project! I do believe it truly honed my skills and boosted my confidence. Strangely enough, the education I got from this experience is what made me who I am today, not studying in university!
On a more professional level, Designing the Château Latour Restaurant and wine room in Ten Trinity Four Seasons Hotel London in 2013 [had an impact on me]. I was asked by my previous employer (pre-founding Bergman Design) to look into the space of a Grade II listed landmark building of power and prestige a few steps away from Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. To design these spaces with all the existing listed walls, I remember that I was fascinated by the architecture and the interiors of the listed building and also by the amount of knowledge I gained and learned about wine and about the Château Latour wine house.
Design is not just a style or decorating a space, it’s truly a way of living and learning constantly about different topics too! A very enjoyable process when one embraces it. The same happened when I started working on the golf course at the Windsor Golf Hotel in Kenya, I learnt so much about golf in order to design this resort. There are so many examples.
Where did you study design and what did you specialise in?
I studied interior architecture for 5 years at the Faculty of Fine Arts at Cairo University in Egypt. I was so beyond lucky to have the education I got. When I moved to London it was perfectly aligned with the British education system and I started working in a few months after landing in my new home country.
I am a specialist in designing spaces that have experiences, such as wellness destinations, hotels, bars and restaurants. But having said that I now believe I enjoy designing products too! From a cupcake holder or lighting fixtures and yacht interiors, I enjoy designing anything that is related to the human body, circulations and experiences.
Who are your inspirations?
Kelly Wearstler was always one of the most inspiring women designers when I was young. India Mahdavi too. They are inspiring women who strive when designing, and never stop to amaze me to this day.
What was your first professional design commission?
It was the Four Seasons in Cairo overlooking the Nile, back when I was in Egypt; and then, when I had decided to quit my job and start my own business in the UK, it was BXR Marylebone. Both are equally close to my heart.
How would you describe Bergman Design House as a studio and a community of designers?
We design landmark projects. We only attract and never chase. We love projects that have potential and are never boring!
We are an interior architecture and interior design studio. We believe that design is about shaping moments that change people for the better. This mystique arises when we immerse ourselves in their needs and ambitions and transform these into spaces of inspiration and belonging. Bergman Design House creates landmarks that empower prosperity. Perfectly curated with calm, considered and connective design, where creativity and sophistication blend together harmoniously. Effortlessly fusing the innovative with the poetic, we create environments of timeless distinction, and invite individuals to feel at one through our passion for excellence and obsession to detail.
What are the key characteristics you look for when bringing new talent into your studio?
Someone who is fun, bold, speaks up, is consistent, positive, loves design not a title, has a sense of style, isn’t scared to show new ideas regardless of how crazy they might sound, charismatic, and kind. If you are really talented, you will shine.
Where is the majority of your work based? And how has travel helped to shape and influence your ideas on design?
We are truly global—we have projects in Chicago, NYC, Dubai, Brussels, Saudi, Vancouver Canada, Qatar, the Netherlands, the UK, France and Norway.
Travelling and working in different countries is such a fantastic way to learn and celebrate others and learn about ourselves too. Opening the doors and windows of our mind and souls: different fashion, literature, art, cuisine, culture! All that will reflect in the design process.
What do you think should be a key focus for designers moving forward in 2023 and beyond?
I think consistency! Keep showing up! Never lose enthusiasm. Social media is designed in a way to make you ask: “maybe I shouldn’t be here” or “maybe I will be better somewhere else.” Change is good, don’t get me wrong, but I think designers should truly embrace the design world and dig deep.
Also when sourcing materials, ask: Where is it from? How much of it is left on earth? Can it be reused? Three simple questions but these will take you so far in the sustainable process.
If you hadn’t become an interior designer what would you be doing?
I would have been an artist or a music composer.
