Q. "Good morning Mr. Payne, thank you for making the time for this interview. (Steven Payne is dressed in the casual elegant way that only people who possess natural style can do with their eyes shut at the crack of dawn.. blue is definitely his colour - classic, but the masculine bracelets and trendy trainers he wears tells of a man who is also comfortable blending both worlds.. this characteristic is also evident in his designs.) If I may ask, what is that you are drinking?"

S.P.: "Fresh ginger and a lemon wedge in hot water - my daily attempt at starting out healthily.." (he says in a charming self-deprecating way which puts me instantly at ease..)

Q. "Let me start with the basics, what is the first step in the design process for you? What inspires you?

S.P.: I like to work with the client, not for them... really get to know who they are ... meet everyone, even the family dog (he smiles but he's completely serious about this)... I like to know where they eat, what clothes they wear, what cars they drive, where they holiday... before you can even begin to conceptualize a theme for someone, or a property, you need to get 'inside'... sometimes my inspiration comes not from what they tell me, but more from what they reveal inadvertently ... most importantly for me, is to show up with no preconceived notions... I feel that really enduring design is not so much created by the mind of the designer but really more the way a designer extracts what is in the mind of the client and then makes it happen...with this approach the results are never repetitive, predictable or stale...they are as distinct as each client..."

Q. "You design furniture as well as interiors; do you have a favorite piece?"

S.P.: "a favorite?.. ahh (chuckles) well that's like choosing a favorite child! I just designed some library furniture.. I particularly like... clean lines, 40's inspired furniture is a personal favorite ... I guess the direction I'll take when sitting down to design a piece is dictated very much by the entire environment and how the pieces fit into the whole.."

Q. "What is your dream project?"

S.P.: "I think a dream project now would be a boutique hotel, and I'm extremely pleased to say that as we speak we have been short listed to design the interior of an exciting new French Riviera project. I'd love the challenge of designing a room and spaces that have to appeal to a diverse group of people with various reasons for being there: whether it is to relax, to celebrate, or to work...and the fact that they can choose to come back or not... but really you have two clients - the guest and the owner, the business - the amazing task of designing something that is fresh but not trendy; timeless without being too bland."

Q. "And finally, what does the future hold for Steven Payne, Maison AD?"

S.P.: "I'm most comfortable keeping Maison a medium sized firm that will continue to attract experienced and like-minded up and coming talent who know they will have the opportunity express the range of their creative ability here.. I believe this approach will allow us to maintain our reputation for being a firm for the client who doesn't want trend or just construction coordination. We are currently developing an accessory line, but the next major chapter will be meeting the demand for the Steven Payne Property"

Q. Where are you off to now, tell me about the rest of your day:

S.P.: "I've recently been asked to purchase some artwork for a client, so off to a modern art gallery in London ... then off to site meeting at a new bar that we'll be designing in Central London..."

..And that concluded one of the most unexpectedly down to earth interviews I've ever conducted with a designer. As a design writer, I suppose I've gotten used to being subjected to at least a hint of self promotion and glossy 'press ready' philosophy from those who have achieved such success and rubbed shoulders with the elite - but from Steven Payne: none of that. What I did get, was what first appears to be an artistic introvert who was going to make me work hard for that great quote. But then, taking a pause to genuinely contemplate his answers, emerged a truly unaffected charm and an authentic creative character ... no doubt, we'll be seeing a lot more of Steven Payne and Maison AD.