In an extended two-part interview, Caroline sits down with renowned architect and interior designer Ben Pentreath. The two delve into Ben’s extensive career, current design projects, and then discuss Ben’s latest book, ‘An English Vision.’
Ben gives insights on common design challenges, the thought processes behind sustainable urban planning, and the architectural principles guiding his work in classic English designs. The conversation also touches on the integration of modern technologies within traditional architecture and how design choices impact community and environmental sustainability.
Watch this two-part interview NOW on Ballard Designs’ YouTube!
PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY NOW: order a signed or un-signed hardback copy of ‘An English Vision’ here.
What You’ll Hear in Part 1:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 00:33 – Get Ready for a Special Two-Part Series!
- 01:04 – Discover Ben Pentreath’s design journey plus how he fell in love with architecture.
- 02:32 – Writing a Book: Hear about the joys and hurdles Ben faced while penning his book. It’s a journey of passion and perseverance!
- 04:36 – Ben shares heartfelt reflections and the inspirations that fuel his creativity.
- 10:34 – Ben discusses the early influences that shaped his career in design.
- 15:19 – Gain insights into Ben’s architectural education and the initial steps of his professional journey.
- 19:52 – Ben recounts life-changing travels and the invaluable experiences of his apprenticeships.
- 24:53 – Ben shares how a move to New York opened new doors and exciting possibilities.
- 26:05 – Hear Ben’s thoughts on what it was like to live and work amidst the vibrant NYC landscape.
- 27:39 – Ben shares his unique perspective on American culture and life through his designer’s lens.
- 28:48 – Learn about the motivations behind Ben’s choice to ultimately come back to (and embrace) his roots in the UK.
- 32:55 – Ben opens up about the exciting yet challenging experience of starting his own design practice.
- 33:22 – Dive into Ben’s vision for ‘Poundbury’ and what makes it so special in the realm of urban design.
- 37:02 – Ben discusses vercoming unique and unpredictable challenges in Urban Planning
- 43:21 – Wrap up Part 1 of this interview with Ben’s thoughts on where urban development is headed and what we can expect in the future!
What You’ll Hear in Part 2:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 00:34 – Continuing Our Conversation with Ben Pentreath: Part Two
- 00:52 – Ben shares his insights on how to harmoniously blend architecture and decoration in design.
- 05:42 – Ben and Caroline discuss a wide array of different decoration styles and what makes each so unique.
- 08:51 – Ben discusses the deeper philosophy behind decorating and why planning for longevity matters.
- 12:37 – Why adding personal touches to your decor can make all the difference in creating a home!
- 20:59 – Ben breaks down the distinct characteristics of English and American styles and what sets them apart.
- 27:42 – Caroline and Ben dive even deeper into how personalization transforms a house into a warm, inviting home.
- 28:59 – Hear about the hurdles Ben faces when designing for clients and how he navigates their needs.
- 31:22 – Learn how photography plays a crucial role in showcasing design and capturing the beauty of spaces.
- 34:30 – Ben shares his tips on maintaining harmony between work and personal life as a designer.
- 43:03 – Decorating Dilemma: Exterior Home Makeover Tips!
- 51:47 – Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Decorating Dilemma:
Hi! I love listen in to your podcast every week and look forward to new episodes for my drive into work!
My dilemma is actually for the exterior of my house. I’m planning to work on some landscaping for the front, but I’m stumped otherwise. I don’t like how it feels a bit dated and not cohesive with the 4 different colors and materials, and is definitely a bit builder grade. The siding is vinyl so I will be leaving that, but have thought about painting the brick to match, adding window grids, and painting the shutters and front door? Should I leave the brick or paint it? Paint the shutters, window grids and door white? Or leave the shutters and doors black and paint the grids and trim a color closer to the siding? Add shutters to the bottom windows?
Let me know what you think!
– Braeden
Hi Braeden,
First off, Ben suggests a full reassessment of the garage door’s role, asking whether it’s primarily used for car storage. If not, converting the garage into a living space could improve the overall aesthetic of the house. They also recommend enhancing the windows by adding glazing bars to create a friendlier appearance and suggest removing existing shutters if they are too small to serve their functional purpose.
Ben and Caroline also emphasize the importance of achieving a cohesive look by considering the brick’s color. Either painting it to match the siding or replacing it with siding altogether can help unify the exterior facade. Ben also advises refining the porch details by opting for thinner, more elegant columns and adding seating to encourage outdoor enjoyment.
Lastly, they highlight the significance of landscaping, recommending the introduction of climbing plants to soften the house’s appearance and improve curb appeal. Overall, we recommend to personalize the space while maintaining a harmonious design that reflects your own style and preferences.
Thanks so much for writing in and happy decorating!
– How to Decorate
Also Mentioned:
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Happy Decorating!
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