Living Life

‘Whatever type of project I am involved in, my priority is
to ensure that the space flows. There should never be
awkward space – or any unused areas. That would be the
sign of failure in my view.’
Testament to his approach, the Castel home is a
contemporary haven which avoids any sense of severe
Drew Robertson
of Dunnel Robertson
G
minimalism. ‘It was a very normal place when we took it
on,’ he laughed. The redevelopment certainly banished any
signs of normality. Instead, the house has ‘wow’ factor in
every part of it.
azing at the west coast in the property
which Drew Robertson said represents
his style of work, it was impossible
not to be impressed.
‘There is no point in doing something
which doesn’t excite you from the start.’
First impressions are uppermost in his mind. He wants
1 Favourite building material? I think it’s difficult to define
one particular favourite as each project tends to lead
me in its own specific direction as far as materials and
finishes go. However, I have a tendency to use natural
stone, glass and timber to highlight our designs.
2 Special place? Has to be Formentera, a small island off
Ibiza. I have been going there since 1969 (seems a long
time ago!), and it is still as laid back as it was then.
3 Best way to spend an hour? In my garden trying to keep
my plants healthy. I have been cultivating sub-tropical
plants, banana plants, cacti etc for a couple of years
and they need constant attention to keep them alive,
particularly in winter.
4 Worst way to spend an hour? At the airport, fogged in.
5 Ideal home would be in? Such a choice.
Venice in autumn, Thailand in winter, Formentera in spring
and Guernsey in summer.
clients to feel good from the very instant that they set foot
through the door of their home or work area.
‘There is no point in doing something which does not excite
you from the start. This profession is all about enhancing
people’s lives. It really can make a tremendous difference if
you provide them with a home which works well and makes
them happy.’
His company, Dunnell Robertson, is regularly involved with
farmhouses and other old buildings but Drew makes no
secret of his passion for more contemporary architecture.
‘I love the chance to take an old property and upgrade it
without losing its soul. What I struggle with is any sort of
6 Foodie, or not? Definitely yes, but being a vegetarian the
choice in restaurants is not always as good as it could be.
I guess there aren’t too many vegetarian chefs.
half-measure in which the client becomes cautious and
7 Glass of what when relaxing?
A large glass of red burgundy.
happen very often because we work hard to reassure them
8 Best music? Anything with a South American rhythm.
style.
9 Main attribute in ideal client? Ability to explore areas
of design which they previously haven’t considered.
10 Prediction for homes style in 2026?
Well, as things always go in cycles, it has to be
psychedelic wallpaper and shag pile carpets!
Hope not though.
the end result is neither one thing or the other. It does not
about what is being planned,’ he said in his straight-talking
The use of materials of a high standard is also very
relevant. ‘The little touches are important. Good quality
doors and woodwork, for instance, make a tremendous
difference. Attention to detail is key, especially when you
are creating a contemporary home because the lines and
fittings will be more visible.’
He believes that interest levels in our built environment
will continue to gather strength. ‘This is not some sort of
fashion. It is a growing awareness that the places we live
and work have a very strong impact on how we feel and live.
That is going to become even more important in my view.’
Linking properties with their outside space is another
important consideration for him. ‘It is relevant on every site
but especially when you have the potential to make use of
views or rural outlooks. That sometimes involves a major
redesign of living spaces and it can seem a bit daunting
for clients. That, though, is the skill of architecture. A good
architect can look at the site and see fairly quickly how it
should work and be laid out and it might be in a way that
the client would never have thought of. In fact, it should
be a bit of a revelation if you are using innovation and
experience, otherwise, there would be no need to call me
in,’ he concluded.
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