Inspiration Office: Meet Isla Galloway-Gaul

Inspiration Office, the 13 year-old South African office furniture and workspace consultant, has appointed Isla Galloway-Gaul as its new group managing director. We’re thrilled to bring you this interview with Isla, who boasts over 25 years’ experience in the industry and who will be based in the company’s Illovo office in Johannesburg. 

Let’s get up close and personal with the new MD…

What’s your go-to classic colour choice?

“In terms of décor, I believe a good neutral base is important, and I appreciate the warmth of a classic taupe, this can have underlying hues of green or even pink, taupe always gives depth. Also always a good backdrop to most any other colour.”

Is there a hotel that’s most inspired your work?

“Travelling is an inspiration in itself, and I have a keen interest in hotel interiors, and the atmosphere that is created. I thoroughly enjoyed the Public, in Chicago, when traveling to Neocon, a fabulous office furniture fair held every year.”

A place you love to visit?

“Japan and South America”

Where do you go to spot new styles?

“It would be the Furniture Fairs held in Milan, Cologne and Chicago. The world of office furniture has grown into a very dynamic and stylish industry and home and office are so much more intertwined than before.”

Do you have a favourite restaurant?

“I thoroughly enjoy Japanese cuisine and culture. Momotaro is Chicago is exquisite and locally I enjoy Japa in JHB for their authenticity.”

Who or what is your biggest design influence?

“I have appreciated Philippe Starck’s design work over the last 20 years, being both classic and contemporary. His use of steel chrome has stood the test of time.”

Any interesting projects you are working on?

“Some very exciting corporate furniture fit outs in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, where clients have embraced the concept and understanding of our exclusive licenced brand Steelcase. Steelcase’s insights into designing for agility and how new work methods are driving innovation is fascinating.”

As group managing directpr for Inspiration Office, Isla will also oversee the South African operations of Steelcase (a US furniture company), as well as AngelShack, the group’s local manufacturer of desks and chairs.

For more visit Inspiration Office.