NAV is thrilled to present our “Meet the Designer” series, which introduces innovative designers who have selected our premium decorative surfaces for their projects. We get to know Mark Gleeson of M.G. Design & Building.

What inspired you to become a designer?

My parents built 3 architect designed homes when I was a youngster growing up. I’m sure I was interested in design from an early age, due to this experience.

Tea or coffee?

Coffee in the morning… Tea at night.

What music do you listen to while you work?

Acoustic… when I get a choice!…. although the office staff tend to take control of the daily selection, which in general is pretty good!

What art energises you?

All sorts…contemporary landscapes with deep colours always seem to grab my attention… I’ve visited MONA a few times & that always has an effect on my senses.

Your dream destination for architecture or dream building to view?

Earlier this year my wife, Jenny and I did a 2-week trip to visit many of my dream destinations. We arranged a self-organised tour to the Neutra Houses in Silver lake including the VDL Studio, and then the Stahl House, which was incredible.  I have visited Palm Springs numerous times, as my Aunt & Uncle lived there for 30 years, and this trip, a highlight was the Frey House II, which isn’t open to view very often and also the Edris House. We then visited Chicago, where the old skyscrapers blew me away as well as a tour of the Robie House. Then to continue the Frank Lloyd Wright theme, we visited Falling Water, Kentuck Knob and stayed in the Duncan House for a night….an amazing 2 weeks! My ‘dream’ though would be to see through the Kaufmann House in Palm Springs…that is my ‘all time’ favourite house!

Favourite holiday location?

Italy.

The most important rule you follow when working on a project?

Keep it real and make sure it’s individual/ site specific.

Which design rule do you break?

Sometimes the ‘budget’…but I have to build them, so I need to be disciplined!

You’re stuck on a desert island and you have to build a house. What 3 things do you bring with you?

If I could only take 3 things, I’d take a tent…so then I could take some red wine and a jar of olives.

Song lyrics to sum up your thoughts on architecture & design.

“Our House” by Crosby, Stills & Nash…because the person he loves, lives in the house…which is what makes it ‘a very, very, very fine house’.