I like to work with materials that are healthy, eco-friendly, affordable and, most importantly, local. There is such joy in discovering the materials, craftsmanship and building practices that are unique to different places. Even within Mallorca alone, these can vary from town to town - different stone, different techniques and different ways of solving the same problem. This is why collaborating with local suppliers, artisans and builders is so important. Their knowledge has been shaped by the climate, materials and traditions of the places they work in. What works in one region does not necessarily work in another. Working with local materials and respecting local knowledge is not about preserving tradition for tradition’s sake. It is about achieving a better result. The solutions are often more appropriate, the materials age more gracefully, and the finished home feels more connected to its surroundings.

My favourite design hack is often the simplest one — reusing and restoring elements from the existing house. With a little care and imagination, it is amazing what can be done with original materials and features. They bring far more character, warmth and authenticity to a home than anything bought new. In a recent project in Mallorca, some of the original roof beams were no longer structurally strong enough to support the house. Originally cut by hand, they had developed a beautiful organic shape over time. Rather than discard them, we repurposed them as football goals in the garden, giving them a completely new purpose. We also reused stone excavated during the construction of the swimming pool to build walls along the back of the garden. Not only did this avoid transporting the material off site, it reduced costs and helped the new walls feel naturally connected to their surroundings. Throughout the house, original tiles and reclaimed stone slabs were given a second life as bespoke furniture pieces, including bedside tables, a bathroom vanity unit and the fireplace surround. These details bring a sense of history that would be difficult to achieve with new materials alone. For me, the best projects are those where existing materials are not seen as constraints but as opportunities. Reusing them reduces waste, often saves money and creates homes that feel more personal and authentic.

Building strong relationships with builders is essential. They are the people who show up every day to make decisions, solve problems and take pride in what they do. They have names, routines, pressures and families. At times, they may need your trust as much as you need their work. And like all of us, they respond to how they are treated. When there is mutual respect, something shifts. Communication becomes easier. Problems get solved faster. Details get noticed. A successful project is never just about drawings, budgets and timelines. It is about people working well together towards a shared vision.

I am sure trends influence all of us to some degree, but I do not consciously follow or avoid them. I prefer to create homes that feel authentic to the people who live in them, taking inspiration from the character of the house, local craftsmanship and timeless materials rather than any particular trend.