Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Bishop.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am the owner and founder of Bishop Design, an interior design studio with two fantastic teams, one based in Dubai the other in Miami. After graduating with a master’s in interior architecture from the University of Manchester, U.K., I was presented with the opportunity to work in Dubai. Back then, no one really knew where Dubai was, but I grabbed the chance, and as is my adventurous nature, said “yes”. Arriving on Valentine’s Day 1996, the romance commenced. Like all relationships, you take the rough with the smooth. I was thrown into the deep end on all fronts, both personally and professionally, quickly adopting the mantra of ‘sink or swim’, working my way up from scratch.
Being deeply passionate about what we do, it’s been an incredible experience to be an integral part of the industry, helping to build and shape the region. In such a creative profession, there is never a dull day on the job, each and every project and client different. Our industry is very entertainment driven. We create places that connect to their audience where people come to eat, drink, socialize, have fun, forging memorable experiences. To see a project from its conception on paper through to its fruition is pure joy.
Over the years, we have had the immense pleasure and opportunity to work with the biggest names in the hospitality industry, such as the world’s most renowned chefs Massimo Bottura and Dario Cecchini to name just a few, signing our name to projects such as the SLS Hotel and Residences Dubai.
With numerous projects in places such as New York and the Bahamas, we knew that the U.S. would be our next exciting challenge and chapter of Bishop Design, and I must say, it was Miami that chose me. It is an amazingly diverse and multicultural city, where every neighborhood is different. It has a great sense of community, great spirit. To be part of its intrinsic creative flow is an incredible opportunity. The people are warm and welcoming, full of passion, and that is exactly what we reflect in our work. It is an exciting adventure to contribute to this artistic wave and create new venues with new experiences across all sectors.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Each day creates its own obstacles and challenges, and it is getting harder and harder especially after a night out in one of the venues with our clients, haha. In all seriousness, however, you never know what challenges will present themselves throughout the day and you have to take them all with a pinch of salt. Sometimes clients have a hard time comprehending what they are buying into. Design is not a tangible element, it’s conceptual, ideas, creative thinking of something that does not exist. You cannot touch or feel it. Therefore, when you are presenting an idea of something that will be realized in the future, it can be hard for people to understand what they are paying for. That is why we dedicate utmost care and attention to each project, going the extra mile, and making sure the client is comfortable and as excited about the progress and results as we are. To achieve this, you have to have a vibrant team where you can rely on each other 100%. We all know our strengths and weaknesses and pour our hearts into the projects. You can see my own personality in the designs that we create, combing a disruptive nature with finesse.
The job of a creative professional is never 9 to 5, our minds run 24/7. You can get both deeply impressed and critical when visiting places. Our minds are trained to instantly observe details, textures, fabrics, lighting, ambiance, and styles. It is a blessing and a curse but when you are passionate about what you do, it is full-on joy.
Opening our office in Miami is indeed a new challenge. We are basically building everything up again from scratch. Many people questioned why we did it, why wouldn’t we just kick back and be fulfilled with what we have and the success of what we have achieved. But that is not me nor the attitude of my team, as we are constantly looking to embrace dynamic shifts and change. I would not know what to do with myself if I had too much time. The worst thing that can happen to a creative person is to be complacent. You must never stop learning, that is the biggest power you can have.
We’ve been impressed with Bishop Design by Paul Bishop, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Establishing Bishop Design in 2004, we have been recognized and responsible for a vast number of design projects across the globe. To date, we have designed over five hundred projects internationally in all fields of the design industry with a focus on F&B and hospitality design, in addition to over 122 regional and international design award accolades, including being named the interior designer of the year 2018, 2020, and in 2021 together with the interior design firm of the year.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I try to have no inhibitions, nor to be influenced by public perception or how the industry expects you to be. Doing what I do, being surrounded by the people and the energy that is generated keeps me inspired, I love living in the moment. We work hard and we play hard. Nothing is set in stone, and you must earn your worth. Never holding back, having no regrets as you stay true to what you do and what makes you, this infectious energy and passion, are the things that will connect people to you. We as people are all the same, regardless of our backgrounds, upbringings, and social status. People are sometimes hesitant to come to me or make an approach, but they shouldn’t be as there is always the human element above any success. Only by being your authentic self can you attract the right people creating instant connections and relationships that will last forever, no matter where in the world you are.
Contact Info:
- Email: paul@wearebishopdesign.com
- Website: https://wearebishopdesign.com/
- Instagram: @wearebishopdesign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BishopDesignLLC
