Andrew Trotter
Andrew Trotter studied interior design in Australia between 1990 – 1994. On his return to the UK, after a short period working for Alessi and London Lighting, he joined Anouska Hemple Designs, working under Russell Jones. Moving into fashion, he worked for many years with Yohji Yamamoto, the Michiko Koshino, and Bless. Andrew started Openhouse first as a design store in Barcelona in 2010, then together with Mari Luz Vidal, he started opening their house as a gallery of contemporary photography. Openhouse Magazine started in 2014, looking at creative people from around the world who open their homes and private places to the public. The magazine is published twice a year and sold in over 600 stores around the world. Andrew is also creative director of the skincare brand Alex Carro, and also leads creative direction to many brand shootings. In 2012 he was asked to design a new building to become the hotel, Masseria Moroseta, which opened in 2016. This is his first piece of architecture, and since then he has started two more architectural projects, and designs lighting and furniture.
Website: http://andrew-trotter.com
Instagram: andrewopenhouse / openhousemagazine / masseriamoroseta
Twitter: @openhouse_mag
What is your idea of perfect happiness?: Being quite is a house in the forest, with the rain, and an open fire.
Which living person do you most admire?: Jim Haynes, and American living in Paris that has opened his house for Sunday dinners constantly for the last 30 years. And he remembers every single person that came.
What is your greatest extravagance?: Eating seafood, I can't get enough.. that's why I like living between Barcelona and Puglia.
What is your current state of mind?: Relaxed, I've just spent two weeks at Masseria Moroseta, and tomorrow I'm going to Thailand.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?: Being able to hold deep conversations.. I like to be quiet.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?: Amazing... this has come from my years of living in Australia, and my friendship with Marisa..
Which talent would you most like to have?: I would like to be able to teach myself things. I don't have the patience.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?: To be able to have the patience to teach myself things like photoshop, 3D modeling, etc.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?: My first piece of architecture, Masseria Moroseta, and my Magazine with Mari Luz Vidal.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?: Oscar Niemeyer without a doubt. I hope I can keep working till I'm 104.
Where would you most like to live?: I've moved so much in my life, I don't feel like I have a home. There are many countries and places I would like to live... But a house in the forest would be a good start.
What is your most treasured possession?: A vase by Shiro Kurumata
What is your favourite occupation?: Coming up with ideas for buildings and spaces... and taking my time to have my coffee in the morning.
What is your most marked characteristic?: I'm super stubborn, and a bit hard work.
What do you most value in your friends?: Loyalty, and their willingness to cook good meals.
Who are your favourite writers?: Murakami, I disappear when I read.
Who are your heroes in real life?: Oscar Niemeyer, Tadao Ando, Shiro Kurumata (there are many)
What is it that you most dislike?: People who are late, and bad food.
What is your greatest regret?: That I wasn't so open to change in a few moments in my life.
What is your motto?: Keep going