Surfaces that speak!

By Marina Correa

Photography: Courtesy the architect

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London-based designer Giles Miller’s surface tiles are truly a feast for the senses — visually, texturally and spatially. What makes Miller’s creations stand apart isn’t the use of extraordinary materials but ordinary material used extraordinarily well…

Fusing architecture with chic interiors, the surface solutions cater to individual client needs with a power to transform even the most prosaic shell into a spectacular work of art. 

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Since the time he can remember, Giles had been fascinated with playing with materials to create maximum effect with the simplest of methodology. His relentless quest bore fruit by lending itself to material development, in turn making surface design an appropriate medium to showcase that interest.

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Delving deeper into his craft, Giles found many ingenious ways to use 3-D shapes and graphics thereby augmenting the surface appeal many notches higher; they also form a large part of his repertoire today.

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Starting out with corrugated cardboard, Giles slowly graduated to other materials and has recently shown a proclivity for ceramics, etched metal and fabrics. Being a believer in fully exploiting the potential of these materials before moving on to others, the designer has come up with variegated combinations and permutations – but always inventive – much to his surprise at times.

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From mall and boutiques to window displays, and bar counters to catwalks and installations - the surfaces impart a distinct character to each and every space, evoking an aesthetic that heightens the design quotient. Interestingly, elements of chiaroscuro are seen in almost all the surfaces — adding a dimension of depth to his work.

Stella McCartney Tokyo -  Cardboard

With an impressive rolodex of high profile clients such as British Airways, Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Westfield, Selfridges, Stella McCartney etc, the firm is high on bespoke design. The natural corollary calls for creating ingenious, one-of-a-kind surfaces, which is the primary focus and area of work for the studio.

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“We enjoy finding new ways to create innovative work for our clients, and in doing so hope to build our reputation as a leading international creative practice within our chosen market,” says Giles. Seems pretty attainable, going by their track record.