Katerina von der Laan (KvdL): We at Ginesta Premium have many and personal contacts to very interesting personalities who can offer you as a customer added value. Like Ina Rinderknecht, for example. She is based in Erlenbach with her own company, has several employees and operates internationally. Ina, welcome.

Ina Rinderknecht: Hello Katerina, welcome.

KvdL: You were born in Seoul, have worked internationally, in Milan, San Francisco and are now based in Switzerland. You are the owner and creative director of your own company and specialize in luxurious private residences and sophisticated hotel and restaurant projects. You grew up internationally. How has this shaped your career and your style?

IR: Growing up in Korea and internationally has had a decisive influence on my career to date. Internationality is very important in my job. My parents lived in Africa, Japan and Korea for many years. So I’ve had the international influence since my childhood. I then went to Indonesia when I was 17, did a student exchange there and was able to learn traditional arts and crafts. I later studied interior design in Milan and then did a master’s degree in design. From there, I went straight on to Hawaii, where I worked for Hope Resort Hotels for my architecture degree.

KvdL: What fascinates you most about your complex task with interior design and interior architecture? And where do you get all your ideas and inspiration from?

IR: Our discerning customers usually already have a lot of wishes. By responding to these ideas, we create unique projects. Because those who come to us don’t want something ordinary, but something creative and individual. We take a global view of our projects. We do not simply implement a client’s wishes, but also incorporate our specialist knowledge and other architectural elements, e.g. in the case of a listed building, an architecturally sophisticated old building or a modern new build. And, of course, we continue by incorporating cultural aspects, looking at the location, the colorfulness of the surroundings, etc.

KvdL: How do you involve your customers and your team in this process? And what is the premium service that your and our customers – who are practically the same – expect from you and your team?

IR: We take a holistic view of the projects and we are often already involved in the preliminary architecture project. This means that we already know the specific customer requirements and have an idea of where the journey is heading. Just with the room program, interior, exterior, landscape, interior architecture, styling, art: these are all elements that flow into our concept from day one. This enables us to develop a holistic project. What is important to us is the close trust that we build up with our customers.

KvdL: One question is still burning on our minds. We would like to know what you would recommend to me as a top professional if I want to restyle my home or furnish it differently without having to completely rebuild everything. Three tips.

IR: First, clean up. In a home where you have accumulated a lot over the years, you first have to make room for new things. This is then like a white picture that you can build on.

Secondly, of course, playing with colors. These can be wall paints, carpets, upholstery work, rehanging pictures or hanging new ones. This also helps to create a harmonious world.

And thirdly, of course, work with the furnishings. The structure of a room can be attractively designed with furniture or lights. You can do this by perhaps experimenting yourself first, moving the furniture around, not just against the walls. Many people believe that their furniture needs to last. But you could also try something a little wilder and place the furniture freely in the room. Everything in the right size and order, of course.

KvdL: Great tips. Thank you very much, Ina, for the interview.

Click here for the full video interview with English subtitles.