We caught up with Will St John, a developer, designer and founder of DoNotDisturb Studio – which offers design, construction and architecture services. During his time developing high touch customer experiences for Accor Hotels and latterly as operations director at Tramp Members Club he observed the design led renaissance of hospitality in the context of a growing social media environment.
Several years later, post pandemic and following his experience developing property in London, he has set out to combine these disciplines in what he sees as a trend defining the next 50 years of design: combining spatial design with user experience in what he calls AX (Architectural Experience). DoNotDisturb Studio sets out to drive this change towards more user, more human centred design with the objective of evoking a deeper response than traditional benchmarks of form or function. He’s an avid traveller and loves exploring new cultures, places and concepts through the lens of architecture and design.
My car of choice
If it came to pass, an Aston Martin DB5 would be at the top of my shopping list. An iconic piece of design. Completely timeless. Similarly, from the other side of the Atlantic, the 1950’s Chevy Corvette in cherry red. Both cars represent an unparalleled era of innovation in machines and design.
My favourite holiday destination
Antigua has been a second home and a favourite holiday destination for almost 25 years. I’ve grown up in the Caribbean and have many of my happiest memories with family and friends there. It’s relaxed, unspoilt and guaranteed sunshine with 365 beaches, one for every day of the year.
My gadget I can’t live without
My MacBook Air has to be my most indispensable gadget. I’m one of those people who needs a proper screen and full keyboard to get into a state of focus and I find I’m most efficient that way too. A close joint second would be my iPad for its Apple pencil that allows me to mark up plans and drawings along with the productivity platform Asana, which helps keep my projects on track.
My go to fashion brand
The Milanese brand Boggi has to be my go to fashion brand day to day. The Italianate cut and their relaxed interpretation of classics is exactly what I look for: not too casual, not too formal; yet stylish and comfortable. For tailoring, I would go to the Jermyn Street institution, New and Lingwood. Again, their cut is a fresh interpretation of classic tailoring and they explore an eclectic range of fabrics through their ready to wear collection.
My airline of choice
Not everyone will agree given the extravagance offered by the likes of Emirates, but British Airways is still the UK flag carrier and therefore holds a special, (perhaps rose tinted!) place for me. The familiar notes of the Lakme flower duet and the red, white and blue tail fin coming into view at a far flung airport is somehow a reassuring step closer to home.
My favourite watch brand
Longines is particularly special to me as I was given a Grande Classique for my 21st birthday. They are timeless watches instantly recognisable by their winged hourglass. Now synonymous for their links with skiing and horse racing, Longines watches have been worn by the likes of Humphrey Bogart and Albert Einstein. That being said, I’ve grown to find my Apple watch equally indispensable!
My favourite restaurant
Abracadabra (Abras) is an institution in Antigua and has been going since the 80s. Run by the charismatic Paulo, it’s an exquisite Italian restaurant in English harbour that later becomes a nightclub. The best choice is the ever-changing specials that Paulo will rattle off with flair and encyclopaedic culinary knowledge leaving you ravenous for your starter. The best thing is it feels like coming home every time.
My guilty pleasure
I think a long, hot bath is one of life’s greatest pleasures. I can spend hours in the bath over the weekend on the phone and reading the news. A joint first (and possibly enjoyed simultaneously) would be a neat glass (or few) of Ardbeg 10 single malt whisky. It’s a heavily peated whisky and one which you can be excused for drinking for its ‘medicinal’ qualities.
My favourite way to give back
I think shopping locally and seasonally is one of the best things we can do for our communities and the environment. Our farmers and producers are heavily squeezed by the supermarkets and therefore buying direct and supporting local food production is one of the most straightforward ways of cutting unnecessary food miles and keeping rural economies alive. Where possible, I shop at farmers’ markets, butchers and fishmongers to buy more direct and support local suppliers.
