As architects, we understand the planning and build process. As interior designers, we know how customers choose to express themselves in their homes. Combining both these skills, we’re able to design creative spaces that reflect how we live today and what will appeal to tomorrow’s new home-owner.
With over 15 years experience in the residential sector both here and in the UK, Denise O’Connor’s design talent and passion for beautiful spaces to live has transformed the homes and lives of so many people. We strive to put our clients first. This dedication to each and every client relationship has led to a diverse range of clients. We organise our team to suit each client relationship. The design process starts with our client’s needs, and this is what forms the basis for each and every project we carry out.
We work collaboratively as part of a team, ensuring that the creativity, innovation and excellence in design we bring adds real value to your business – optimising all of the resources available. Our service includes advising on internal layouts, selection of finishes, new innovations in technology, lighting design, external landscaping, furnishing and dressing of show units and much more. Our combined background in architecture and interior design along with our expertise and knowledge in the area of home design brings valuable insight into how people want to live and it is this insight that gives each scheme that we are involved with a real commercial advantage.
I worked in London for eight years after graduating and my last job there was with a company who combined architecture and interior design. Much of the work was for developers working on residential developments. We were involved in everything from the layouts of the apartments right down to the fit-out of the sales and marketing suite. This was such a turning point for me because we were involved in the complete process. From advising the developer on what kind of customer was involved to creating the perfect environment for them to live in – it was all about the end user. I had always wanted to work for myself. My dad had his own business so it wasn’t something I was afraid of. It seemed like a natural progression to eventually have my own company. When I moved back to Dublin after having my first child I realised that there was a gap in the Irish market to offer a similar service to what I had been doing in London. And so, Optimise Design was born.
Being an architect is the only thing I’ve ever wanted to be. I’m very lucky; I absolutely love my job and what I do. My training has opened so many other creative doors from designing and creating a paint collection for Dulux to writing and TV opportunities.
We are passionate about how great design can have an extraordinarily positive effect on our lives and wellbeing. Architecture shouldn’t stop bluntly with the design of the building but should permeate all aspects from the interiors to the components that fill it. Ultimately the design of buildings is about the people who occupy them. So when designing them, we need to consider all of the elements that will affect their environment.
There have been lots of great moments but being asked to put a paint collection together for Dulux was wonderful. This is something that I have always wanted to do and it was a fantastic project to be involved in.
Because we’re designing people’s homes the jobs are as much about relationships as the end result. My favourite part of every project is when our clients have moved back into their house, and seeing the impact our design has made to their enjoyment of their home.
Being a presenter for Design Doctors, the TV show for RTE was also great fun. I’m always open to trying new things and it was a totally different world to what I was used to. It was wonderful and challenging at the same time. I learnt a huge amount and it challenged me to think about design in new ways which was fantastic.
I would describe it as timeless and elegant. We don’t really have a house style at Optimise Design but rather we try to tailor each of our designs to suit the needs of the clients that we are working with.
I draw inspiration from everywhere and anywhere from radio interviews to shop window displays. We tend to try to collaborate on our design projects and have group creative meetings where everyone can chip in on any of the early stages of the project. It’s a great way to familiarise everyone on all of our jobs and keeps the process fun and fresh. Everyone is encouraged to offer inspiration from things they encounter outside the office. We have an ‘Outside World’ theme in our weekly meetings where we share things that have caught our eye. It’s a fun way to bring new ideas into the business.