Summer 2018

24 1807LU18 Defining the Future of Luxury Interior Design The Interiors NRD is an interior design and staging studio for residential and commercial agents and clients based in Dublin. As part of our ongoing 2018 Leading Designers Awards programme, LUXlife Magazine named The Interiors NRD the Most Outstanding Interior Design Specialist. We spoke to Owner and Interior Designer, Natasha Rocca Devine to find out how she has built an extraordinary, award-winning firm from the ground up. Natasha Rocca Devine has led an eclectic life; studying across cities all over the world, she takes inspiration from every culture she has encountered to create living art – design that seems to exist beyond the boundaries of mere creativity and into a realm that embodies not only the spirit of the space, but also acts as a true reflection of her client. Born into a family of entrepreneurs and creatives, she has a natural head for business, alongside a practised ease and confidence that belies her age. Natasha created The Interiors NRD as an outlet for her skill and passion for design, aided by an eye for timeless style. In Natasha’s words, “I have an amalgamation of various skills, work experience and understanding of cultures and backgrounds, which enhances my skills and expertise in design and with people.” Undoubtedly, Natasha’s success is defined by hard work. Meticulous and detail-focused, she ensures that her clients’ expectations are not only met, but exceeded. Overcoming a car accident which put her in a coma at the age of nineteen, Natasha believes in the practice of ‘metamorphosis’ – an outlook which advocates an optimistic, proactive perspective on life and its challenges. In the years since, Natasha views design and, by extension, work as a mirror of life – just as one’s interests and skills shape their careers, people do, eventually, find the right fit. Natasha explains further, “you must gravitate to what feels best for you. As a client, you will find the right studio and designer which is right for you, so always review different options until you find yours. I am fortunate to have worked with fantastic clients and agents who suit my style and skillset and believe I will continue to do so.” To supplement her life experiences, Natasha has completed a Masters in Journalism and Media Communications from Griffith College Dublin, and a Masters in Interior Design and Architecture from the KLC School of Design in London. Naturally, there can be no denying that Natasha has the credentials required to be an expert in the area, laying the groundwork to become an undisputed industry authority in the years to come. Ultimately, Natasha’s experience and passion lies in residential ‘staging to sell’ projects. In this, her experience as an Operations Supervisor and Referral Agent for Compass Real Estate in California comes to the fore, giving her clients an expert eye for what elements can sell a property swiftly. According to Natasha, “as a designer, it is important for me to employ my best designs, yet, ultimately it is about the client and the best style for the space to increase the sale or rental price of the property. So, I work one-on-one to create a bespoke service that ensures the value goes up with the best designs.” It’s an approach that Natasha believes distinguishes her in what is, by all regards, an incredibly competitive market. It’s an approach that appears to be working. “For any business, ‘Cream rises to the top’, I work hard so that ‘The Interiors NRD’ continues to embody this philosophy.” Moving on, we asked Natasha what qualities make for excellent designers, “I believe it is mostly hard work and passion. Yet, ongoing training, work experience, work ethic, attention-to-detail, great communication, people skills, adaptability, resilience, balance, and an ability to bounce back. A sense of humour in any business is an added bonus.” Essentially, great designers have to be eager to learn, and improve. Every project has its own challenges – the key is overcoming them. With consideration of her history and life experiences, interior design seems to be the perfect fit for Natasha – a natural extension of her strengths and undeniable talent.