Asheni Alwis and Tharuka Fonseka
Asheni Alwis and Tharuka Fonseka head the interior design team of Concept Interiors, a full-service interior design firm based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. They met whilst studying Interior Design at the NSBM Green University and have built their company to include design, manufacturing, and construction, with a passion for creating beautiful and detailed interiors across the residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. I met them in February 2023 in their Colombo studio during a thunderstorm, which provided a dramatic backdrop to our conversation. In this episode, we discover the design process, how they work, and the business strategies for getting work. The challenges of working during an economic crisis. How social media can make or break reputations and the importance of curating online content carefully. The role of research and why every project should have a story. And why, if you want to become a designer, you need to make a brand and be a brand. LinksConcept Interiors http://conceptinteriors.lk/ Concept Interiors on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/concept_interiors/ How to be a kick-ass Interior Designer. Come and join us on the Interior Design BA(Hons) course at the University of Plymouth. https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-interior-design Or study at the NSBMhttps://www.nsbm.ac.lk/course/bachelor-of-interior-design/#:~:text=UGC%20Approved%20%E2%80%93%20Offered%20by%20NSBM,building%20services%20and%20regulations%20etc Thanks to Lihini and Upeksha from NSBM University for helping to set up the interviews. Dave Clarke from @iamthehow (http://www.iamthehow.com) for production support and invaluable advice in the setting up of this Podcast. Kay Hanson (https://www.instagram.com/kay_v_hanson/) for her planning support and co-hosting for these and our educational podcasts for the University of Plymouth Mark Frith (https://www.markfrith.uk/) for composing the music and all your support and advice along the way. I’d really like to hear feedback on the podcast. Leave a comment or get in touch via the website or Instagram. Website https://www.instagram.com/forster_jonathan/ Instagram http://www.multistorythinking.com/contact Thanks for listening. Bye for now.