Augustine Atobatele
We stumbled upon the talented Brit behind London’s Studio Augustine and fell in love with his textured and thoughtful interiors. Augustine’s spaces are designed with a global eye, which he has honed over the years living throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and the United States. We were thrilled when Augustine agreed to participate in an interview, and are still in awe of his wise advice. Meet Augustine.
DS: Hi Augustine! Welcome to Design Storytellers. Tell us about your profession, and how you got there.
AA: Thank you. My journey has taken me from an initial degree in Film and Broadcast production. After many beautiful years I went to study interior design. Although I was working on some residential projects, I wanted to gain richer understanding of design as a whole, and I became the creative director for Studio Augustine. Our first project was in 2012 and the studio was officially launched 10 years later. The studio works on residential projects and a small number of commercial projects. We are currently working on a boutique hotel.
DS: We love when a career unfolds so naturally. Congratulations. What do you love most about your job?
AA: I love being able to realise people’s vision and creating something that allows individuals to truly live in their most authentic self. A home is a collection of celebration, experiences, and engagement. Our spaces are often a reflection and extension of our identity. We completed a job recently and client’s 8-year-old child video called to say how much they loved their room. That for me is a job well done.
DS: So fulfilling! What advice would you give to aspiring designers and creatives?
AA: To be curious. Consider the quote by Henry Van Dyck, “As long as habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, no new dimensions of the soul will emerge.” It is important to explore, visit places you perhaps might not have, indulge in experiences you would not have, and ask as many questions. In interior design, there are many areas to explore, whether from residential to hospitality, and if you are able to get hands-on experience with a studio or alternative areas, the better rounded of an experience will often aid you in your discipline. This could be working with an artist or a curator, there are no set rules. Look for a mentor if you can. Also, keep in mind that even the design world is a business, so knowing one’s way around an Excel sheet is helpful.
DS: Very solid advice, thank you. Now, what is your favorite style of design?
AA: Oooh, I’m very drawn to a myriad of design styles and often pick something from each to create an electic but cohesive mix. I love the geometric shapes from the Art Deco era, ornate architectural detailing of the Regency era, and the Italian architecture of 1940s and 1950s, which are juxtaposition of one another with shapes and its modernistic approach.
DS: Absolutely, your love of different styles is apparent in your work. You’ve put some incredible spaces together and experiment with materiality often. What material do you like to work with or incorporate the most?
AA: I love wood. It can take many shapes and forms from flooring to joinery or a lamp base. It has an incredible versatility.
DS: Your work has so many themes, from light and airy to bold to practical. Where do you find inspiration?
AA: I find inspiration in everything, so I often seek out new experiences that take me out of my comfort zone. London is a great melting pot and has so many museums, which is a great source of inspiration. One of my favorites is Victoria and Albert Museum. I’m also very fortunate to live along the river, and seeing the juxtaposition of old and new London is a dynamic balance to observe. I love the theatre, in particular Sadlers Wells. I think there is an incredible power in movement, the shapes created, the gentleness of a dancer’s leap.
DS: A true creative that appreciates so many genres. We love that. What about in travel, what cities do you feel drawn to?
AA: I think its obvious that I love London, it’s a complete melting pot of cultures and architectural gems. Kyoto has a timeless blend of traditional craftsmanship and minimalist aesthetics, an abundance of natural materials, and pockets of serene spaces which provides sense of balance and tranquility. And Lagos, in Nigeria, is a vibrant city full of colour, texture, and rich cultural influences offering an eclectic beauty.
DS: Fantastic. Who are some creative people throughout history that you find interesting?
AA: Malick Sidibe, Andrea Palladio, Es Devlin, Yves Saint Laurent, and Eileen Gray.
DS: Great choices. Thank you so much. Last question: any final advice for our readers?
AA: Design is in such an exciting place and I love that it is constantly shifting. We are storytellers through our design.
Now, I leave you with a final thought to consider: What story would you like to tell?
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Find Augustine:
Website: studio-augustine.com
