Michael Aiduss is a leading designer whose innate talent is to create beautiful atmospheric spaces. Undoubtedly they are bold, effortless and timeless and are imbued with a sense of luxury and comfort. Michael Aiduss’ tireless efforts allow him to create bespoke interiors that are specific to each environment. Using references from icons of the past, Aiduss seamlessly threads history into a project and supports the design with his use of materials. These signature traits describe the company’s work and exist as the foundation of each project.
Michael Aiduss works both locally and internationally. The size of a project can range from refurbishing a suite of rooms to conceptualizing and designing a full residence, its grounds, and accessory buildings. Each project is tailored as best suited for the client.
Classically aligned with balance and scale, the work is masterfully tailored for each client and also includes the practical philosophy of designing for longevity. Aiduss believes the commitment to good design and the willingness of a client to embark on a project shouldn’t be about creating disposable work, but creating an environment to wrap yourself in, like good fashion.
Trained at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, Michael Aiduss has immersed himself in the design field for over twenty years. Before starting his firm in 2010, he worked for Thomas O’Brien of Aero Studios Limited for fourteen years, seven of which he spent directing the architecture and design staff. During his time there, Aiduss worked with notable clients such as Giorgio Armani, Denzel Washington, and several other high-profile clients.
Q
How did you get started in this field?
A.
Growing up my parents were obsessed with design. My dad practiced architecture and my mother was a purveyor in the decorative arts. From an early age I was taught to form an opinion about EVERYTHING.
With every project I create a narrative. What is the house about? Who Lives there? How does the client live? How do they aspire to live?
Q
What are you most excited about at this time in your life?
A.
One of the most important things I am most passionate about design is authenticity. Ηοw believable is the design that you are creating for a client. All things considered, I ask does the design concept feel relevant with the architecture of the house. Do the proposed materials feel relevant to the house in conjunction with the design concept? Do the furnishings feel relative to the narrative that is being created?
Q
If you had one more hour in the day what would you do with it?
A.
If I had one more hour a day I wouldn’t tell anyone. Not even my assistant. Today, time is a luxury and we all need to need to embrace the moments of time where we can nurture ourselves. That indeed is how we can become the better version of ourselves.
Q
Who is your ideal client?
A.
My ideal client is one who signs on for the journey of discovery and makes informed decisions throughout the process.
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What makes you cringe?
A.
When someone believes they need to conform to a design trend for the sake of the trend. The truth is every client and project are different and each experience will dictate the outcome. Not the trend. True genius is making a project flawless regardless of a trend utilizing authentic design choices.
Q
How do you define beauty?
A.
I love this question. Beauty can come from all places. Peeling paint on antiquated walls can be as beautiful as an eglomise finish of a cabinet. Weather a modern or classical interior I believe beauty comes from objects, furnishings and finishes that can stand by themselves and be beautiful on their own.
Q
What’s inspiring you in life (in the industry) right now?
A.
I have been talking about this for years. Travel. Travel inspires. Look at Instagram and how modern inspired people post classical interiors and artifacts. Look at how classically inspired people are inspired by modern environments. Travel causes one to create their own trend and create their own style when not encumbered by the “what is the right thing to do” in design.
