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Can you briefly tell us about your background and education? 

With a background in business and marketing (amongst others at Heineken), I followed my passion for interiors and completed a postgraduate degree in Interior Design in Barcelona. 

What makes Obradov Studio unique? 

Every design starts from a narrative (an interior story) tailored to the space and its users. From there, I develop a layered and fitting design. A key element is bespoke work, I put a great deal of time in detailing joinery. In residential projects, this is often visible in the kitchen, which I design more as a piece of furniture than a traditional row of cabinet blocks. There is also always a surprising element to be found. Whether it’s bold, like a striking restroom, or subtle, like distinctive cabinet knobs. In hospitality projects, the concept is carried through on an even larger scale across all spaces. 

How do you start a project? 

First, by understanding the space, the user, and the client. What is already there, and where do we need to take it? My main question is always: ‘How do you want guests to feel when they enter the hotel?’ or ‘How do you want to feel in this space?’ That tells me far more than just a list of requirements. With that information, a concept naturally evolves, aligned with the architecture and the user. 

What is the most special project you have done? 

I’ve developed a hotel concept for a building where Piet Mondriaan once had his atelier. For this project, I immersed myself in his work and philosophy to draw inspiration from it. I love incorporating art in my designs, so this was a great starting point. 

What will you do for the Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam? 

I’m designing the Innovation Stage, which will host presentations, panel discussions and the IHS Awards. 

Can you tell us about the concept? 

I wanted to combine stage design with the way I would design a hotel lobby or speakeasy. Stage design revolves around sightlines and the experience of a space from a distance, while hospitality design is about atmosphere from every angle and an intimate spatial experience. The idea is that the stage feels almost like opening a jewelry box, in deep green tones, with layers in both the walls and the materials. Think wallpaper, wood, glass, velvet, marble and rich textiles. The large beads by Big Beads act as sculptural accents, while the curved sofa by Duran Interiors provides a soft landing for the speakers. The result is a theatrical stage that invites the audience to briefly step into another setting during the event.  

What was your inspiration? 

Lush hotels, hidden speakeasies, Daniel Arsham’s layered installation for Kohler in Milan, and an emerald-green jewelry box. 

What do you hope to gain from the Independent Hotel Show? 

First and foremost, I see this as a wonderful design challenge. Designing a stage offers a great deal of freedom, it can be more outspoken than other types of projects, yet it is also constrained by its two-dimensional nature. Together with our partners, I hope to showcase more facets of my design style, and who knows it might lead to a hospitality commission. 

What does hospitality mean to you personally? 

I enjoy seeing the attention and passion in a well-crafted menu, the feeling of entering a thoughtfully designed room, and of course, excellent service. Hospitality offers the chance to step into another world and be fully taken care of. From a design perspective, hospitality demands both strong concepts and bespoke detailing, two of my favorite aspects of interior design. 

What is the difference between designing a boutique hotel and a private home? 

Three key differences: 
1. In a boutique hotel, you can push the experience further. Guests want to be surprised and are willing to embrace more risk than in their own homes. 
2. It’s an interesting puzzle to create different room types using the same furniture and materials, both in layout and atmosphere. 
3. Practical use plays an even greater role in hotels: the space must be comfortable for guests, yet practical for cleaning and maintenance. 

Why is craftsmanship important to you? 

In a time when almost everything can be arranged at the push of a button, I could even have these answers written for me (no worries, I didn’t ;) ), it feels especially valuable to see and experience real craftsmanship. It is about appreciating the skills and knowledge that have shaped cultures and humanity, passed down from generation to generation. That is also why I serve on the board of Crafts Council NL, an organization that supports and promotes creative craftsmanship in the Netherlands. 
 
In interiors, craftsmanship creates timelessness. Not only the ‘wow’ of a first impression, but the layers you continue to discover: the detailing of a solid wood piece, a handmade ceramic cup in your hand, or the light filtering through a hand-blown vase. 

What are the three most important interior trends at the moment? 

Warmth  - think dark wood, color drenching across walls and ceilings, and deeper tones that create a sense of comfort. 
Round forms  - softened wall corners, bullnose finishes on countertops, waves and arches. 
Patterns  - people are falling in love again with patterns in textiles. Whether on a banquette or a stool, it adds a subtle playfulness to the overall design. 

Are your designs trend-sensitive? 

Well, I did have to pause for a moment when thinking about the previous trend question. Trends are not an explicit starting point in my designs, but they sometimes move along subconsciously. As long as something aligns with the architecture and context, it can feel timeless to me. When an element becomes too obvious, I look for new ways to differentiate a design. 

What would be your dream project? 

A boutique hotel for a group such as Experimental Group (eg. Il Palazzo Experimental and Menorca Experimental): each hotel is distinct, expressive and rooted in its specific location. And ideally, I would also curate the art selection. 

We're proud to partner with Obradov Studio at this year's Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam, taking place 22-23 April 2026 at the RAI Amsterdam. Meet them at the show by signing up to our newsletter to be the first to hear when we open for registration!