Pharaoh of Stone

Steve Charles has garnered appreciation for his work on some of the plush properties. His endeavours include some expensive real estates in the cities of Dubai, London and Paris where he set up his first studio in the 1980s. In this interview, the virtuoso shares his almost four decades of experience and the influence of Indian craftsmanship on his designs.

How would you look back on your journey—from your first interior design company, Paris Ceramics, set up during the 1980s, to your profoundly successful eponymous brand Steve Charles?

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Looking back at my journey, I would say I was able to design some outstanding pieces of work. I believe that an artist’s journey to attain creative satisfaction is filled with obstacles. What I have observed in my career which spans nearly four decades is that only the artists with intense passion and love for their work have survived this game of snake and ladder

How has the utilisation of ceramics in interiors changed throughout the last 30-40 years, which is generally the range of your profession as a designer?

It is extremely disheartening to see the use of ceramics in interiors dying out in the last 40 years. I have observed that the art of handmade ceramics, especially the hand-painted tiles, has become a rarity. The great tile painting studios no longer exist in abundance and cling on in small, one-man brand studios worldwide are few.

What made you see the potential of ceramics in interior designing?

Since time immemorial, the ceramics have been used in the interiors. I realised its potential in the year 1981 where I saw the creation of potters with the use of clay fired bricks. The potential of ceramics dates back to ancient archaeological sites which have been designed by broken pieces of ceramics called Sherds. I had the privilege to work with a few ceramic masters where I was drawn into the magnificent world of ceramics.

What usually inspires your designs?

Mother Earth & Nature has always been my inspiration. I find my creativity in nature which is really splendid

You have teamed up with a few eminent architects and designers. Which of these joint efforts do you most value and why?

In the last 40 years, I have had the privilege to work with a few global designers from England, France, and the US. I value the most JP Molyneux, a Chilean-born American interior designer who is also my inspiration. He is considered one of the greatest classical designers alongside Albert Pinto and Jacques Garcia. Molyneux creates spirited interiors with hues and shades of history and culture. His works are bold, eclectic, witty and unmistakably his own.

Enlighten us about your collaboration with the Indian semi-precious stones brand JewelCraftz? What got you intrigued by the affiliation and how could it occur?

My collaboration with JewelCraftz started in the year 2009 when we had the opportunity to work together on a prestigious project for a member of the Dubai Royal Family. It was the inlay work in gemstones at a private residence in Dubai. I was intrigued by the impeccable quality of craftsmanship, skills and intricacy which is required in Gemstones that the brand JewelCraftz delivers. We have taken our collaboration a step further and launched a new collection implementing my designs in semi-precious stones. The collaboration is a step towards creating a plethora of new designs and products that are aligned with modern interior set-ups.

Has Indian craftsmanship, architecture and design affected your art? If yes, how?

I had travelled to different Indian cities and seen exquisite work done by artisans which are so intricate and does not exist anywhere in the world. In the year 1988, I visited India looking for the Inlay work for a studio which exists in India and well-known for. The art of inlay was designed especially for ‘The Temple of Sleep’ that celebrated 50 years recently.

Apart from ceramics, you are additionally associated with reintroducing other native stone aesthetic in interior design. Tell us something about that?

Native stone is durable, aesthetically appealing concrete stone veneer that brings the beauty of the outdoors. I specialise in native stones and I believe that I have an inexplicable love for them and that’s why I am called the ‘Pharaoh of Stone’. My latest findings and subsequent collaboration with JewelCraftz on designing an exquisite collection with Firestone is one of my recent best works

What are the current big trends as far as contemporary interior designing is concerned? Also, what all the more should be done to restore craftsmanship and stonework in this field?

The big trends in 2019 would include the use of fresh, natural materials such as stone, copper, concrete, and granite. These elements will bring a serene ambience to any space while reflecting the world around your home. Then there is vintage lighting, floral patterns and richer colour palettes. Preserving and protecting the skills and knowledge of traditional crafts is a growing challenge. So, it is required that art forms are revived and awareness spread about them in urban space. Semi-precious stones inlay work, overlay work, 3D stone carving, a fusion of East meets West artwork in Semi-precious Gemstones, etc.

What is next on your cards?

I am working on with Royal Residential House Doha, Arts Club Dubai and 21 apartments and town-houses in Mayfair London.