Women in design: Anne-Marie Saul on leading the way at SaulDesign

By April Lara

July 03, 2024

Photo of Anne-Marie Saul-Rotne

SaulDesign, an award-winning architecture and interior design firm, is renowned for its transformative spaces. Led by the passionate and driven Anne-Marie Saul, a two-time award winner at the Fit Out Awards, the all-female team consistently pushes the boundaries of design, placing a strong emphasis on client needs and sustainability.

In this Q&A, Anne-Marie sheds light on what sets SaulDesign apart in the Irish fit-out industry, how current trends are shaping their approach, and the exciting future they see for design.

What sets Saul Design’s approach apart in the Irish fit-out industry

We're in it for design is how to describe the collective spirit at SaulDesign. We are an ambitious team of architects, technicians, visionaries and design devotees, determined to create spaces and experiences that bring wonder to our clients and their users.

When we embark on a new project we invest hugely in our concept.

This is where we bring an advantage to our clients. We want the final design to be as impactful as possible. There is a huge latent potential in interiors that can reinforce a client's ethos, brand and identity to their customers and consumers. We get this, and maximising the transformative power of design is our mission.

As architects as well as interior designers we also bring technical innovation and construction experience into all our projects. We have the expertise to deliver full coordinated construction information to ensure that the design can be realised as intended.

How do you see current trends in Irish design influencing your approach to fit-out projects, particularly in the commercial or hospitality sectors?

In the hospitality and commercial sectors, sustainability is a huge consideration affecting financing , leasing and certification. Our clients are now compelled by Part L compliance to deliver highly sustainable buildings and interiors.

As well as upgrading building fabric and services, the selection of energy efficient fittings and fixtures and maximising re-use and recycling opportunities is paramount. SaulDesign have built this approach into their methodology, assisting our clients to achieve their sustainability targets.

In your view, what exciting trends are emerging in Irish design, and how do you see these influencing the future of the fit-out industry?

A red hot hospitality trend that we love is 'place-centred' design. For guests to Irish hospitality venues, place plays a really important role. Place is a chief determiner in relation to travel, and the design of a hotel or restaurant can reinforce and promote a destination.

For SaulDesign place-centred design ties back into our concept-focused methodology and our sustainable design approach. What is local is what makes a place unique and travelworthy and this can be celebrated through the interiors in the choice of local materials, fabrics, techniques and ambience.

Can you describe the impact winning the Fit Out Industry Awards had on your firm and how it motivates your team?

Winning the Fit Out Awards 2022 and again in 2023 has been fantastic for the practice. It was great to be recognised within our own industry and to gain recognition for our projects and our design approach.

We are a dynamic ambitious all female practice with an impetus to highlight the transformative effect of design on peoples' experiences, their wellbeing and their productivity.

Having the opportunity to showcase our projects and our team together with our peers, clients and supporters has been amazing.

Why are these awards important for the fit-out industry in Ireland, and what advice would you give to other design firms considering entering the awards?

The FIt-Out awards are hugely important for the fit-out industry. They create the opportunity to showcase interior design projects and all involved in their realisation.

The array of nominated projects is a reflection of the wealth of talent that is actively navigating the industry. Awards night is a fantastic celebration of Irish design and ambition. Long may it continue!

Showcase your innovation in the industry. Entries are now open for Fit Out Awards IRE. You can also get involved in the Fit Out Awards UK.