In Conversation with Nic Pryke, Oktra

Oktra is the UK’s leading office design and build company with over 22 years’ experience. They are passionate about creating bespoke workplace solutions for our clients and committed to the quality and seamless delivery of every project. With an impressive body of work and clientele, they thrive on pushing the boundaries of innovative and forward-thinking design. As a dynamic team of designers, builders and strategists, they are driven by a singular goal - to create outstanding workspaces.

What inspired you to be an interior designer?

My career started with furniture design and slowly morphed into interior design when clients started asking me to make decisions about their whole space; not just their furniture. I designed restaurants, residential and retail projects until I discovered workplace. Workplace design is the most rewarding sector I have worked in because it improves people’s lives.

If they were to make a toy action figure of you, what would your accessory be?

A motorbike! Probably my Moto Guzzi 1100 sport.

 

To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life within the design world has taken?

I never set out to be a designer of workplace environments; my original passion was furniture. I just wanted to make a living as a designer. I think in life you make hundreds of small decisions that add up to the bigger picture. If you carry with you an aspiration or dream all the hundreds of little decisions you make take you in that direction subconsciously. 

What would be your dream interior project?

A project that improved peoples working lives in a way they didn’t expect; that really made a difference to their happiness and productivity at work. It doesn’t matter what building you start with, that’s just part of the challenge; it’s about having a brave and decisive client.

 

What’s something you know you do differently than most people?

Designing interiors is about people’s behaviour and how they use the space; not, as often happens, starting with style and aesthetics. I hope I get this the right way round.

If you could go back in time and speak to your adolescent self, what advice would you give them about the design world?

Remember to have fun; work hard but remember that long hours doesn’t equal creativity.

 

Oktra

website : www.oktra.co.uk 

Follow Oktra on Instagram : @oktra__

-

Photo courtesy of Oktra