Richard Argawanon

I started my journey in Pico as a Project Designer and later promoted as a Senior Interior Designer. As a creative leader in the studio, I am accountable in creativity of designs and innovations of the projects. These responsibilities include understanding client’s requirements, researching space management to ensure the efficient operations as per functional requirements, and develop the aesthetics of interiors to complement the concept and character of the design. In addition, rationale mood boards of the concept are prepared and presented to initiate as the sketch of the whole idea.

My involvedness also comprises the consideration of value of the project by specifying eco-friendly and economic materials but without compromise with the beauty and quality of the design. Advising clients on selecting furniture, fixtures, finishes and other equipment are another factor to consider in my tasks. As Architect is also an advantage in preparation and amendments of detailed drawings, 3D perspectives, and visual presentations up to confirmation of the design. My duties are as well not limited to site supervisions; an important role before the project completed, duties such as inspecting construction sites and quality controls in the factory to ensure the correct implementations.

In the last 10 years with Pico, I also involved in exhibitions, events and sports branding wherein various designs awarded as ‘Best in Design’. Exhibition designs mainly showcasing and activating brands using technology were one of expertise exercised in this occupation.

Working with Artesia was very interesting for this was the period of transition from the classical to modern Interior designing. Here I started commercial and institutional space planning; working with as-built drawings provided by consultants, and verify site conditions as essential job prior to negotiate design aesthetics and functions. Meeting clients and directors to acquire briefs and discuss technical aspects are important in this role as it is the key to the success of the project.

I developed designs that are economical using precise materials. Preparing bill of qualities in detail including the submission of specifications from manufacturers supports the aim to value the project. About 60% of the briefs under my account in the whole year were confirmed due to cautious practical material implementations. In addition to specifications, time and risk assessment were considered. These exercises escalated my career to the senior position.

Detailed works such as color coordination, producing architectural construction drawings and renderings were standard in this practice. Naturally as Interior Designer choosing branded furniture from European factories, customizing its finishes, and coordinating orders shipping securing the given timeline were part of the responsibilities. Lightings, ironmongeries, and other accessories relevant to the scheme were specialized products from acquired from global market. My success with Artesia has tremendous contribution to the industry despite I willingly discontinued the two-year agreement due to greater opportunities ahead.

Gouache is a local design company expert in elegant interior decorations using faux paints and gypsum materials; one of prominent private establishment located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. As an Architect with good experience in interior decoration in Bahrain, I was hired directly by the owner to join Gouache team.

My main task is to manage the project from start to finish. I dealt directly to the client, determine the factors affecting planning of interior environment in the architectural preferences, functions and costs. Another duty is to fully execute the project and hit the target schedule with quality. Part of the supervision is to guide the painters in delivering the artworks satisfactory to the client. As a growing team without assistance or drafting supports, all clerical works, shop drawings, and perspectives were produced from my end. Negotiating suppliers for custom-made materials, finishes and paints were also performed. Because of excellent performance of the team, the company has established its name and more projects were added.

Castillo became famous in Bahrain for residential interiors, fit-out solutions and paint effects. On top of the design consultations, the company is trading specialized luxury fabrics from various producers in the USA and Europe; also a sole dealer of several Italian faux paints. My pioneering role includes meeting clients, spacing planning, making drawings in all disciplines, quantifying specifications. Essential task is to advise client in finishing and furnishing, achieving its creative fineness using our own materials. The implementation of the design with quality and accuracy is also important of my role; such jobs are supervising the site, workshop inspections, and coordination with MEP subcontractors and joinery suppliers. Much of elegant designs were brought successfully with Artesia as a young Architect.

Asiatic Consultants is for mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers dedicated to infrastructure projects. My duties include CAD drafting design for pipelines, document controlling of drawings and specifications, preparing full set of blue prints for execution, building permit submittals and approvals, and coordinating with engineers. My speed in computer drawings helped the company in delivering drawings in tight deadline; the ability to revise drawing multiple times were also made possible. Asiatic experience enhanced my technical knowledge in infrastructure developments and improved my skills in document controlling.

After my apprenticeship, I joined The Gallery as Furniture Designer, the first overseas employment. The company is known for its elegant high-end and luxury furniture designs and manufacturing.

My duties and responsibilities are not limited to conceptualizing and sketching custom-made piece and set of furniture; detailing and full-sizing, and coordination with the factory to ensure correct mockups and quality finishes. As author of my designs, I am responsible in specifying my own materials including antique paint techniques and displaying the products in the showroom. My architectural foundation in renaissance designs successfully contributed to the company for its classical proficiency in furniture industry.

As a newly graduate, I worked with Architect Arriola as an apprentice draftsman. The focal intention of the job is to accumulate units required for architect’s licensure examination in the country. I assisted the principal Architect in preparing drawings, specifications and cost estimates. Using mediums like watercolor, pen and ink, or air brush I rendered perspectives in manual old-school method. Part of my training includes regular supervision on site, processing building permits, and selecting materials with the client.