Interviews with Guel Koc-Janssen

Inspired by the motto, Think Global, Drink Local, the interior design concept reflects the Giesinger brand in its true industrial essence. Raw elements exposes the brewing process. Reminiscent of the Heillig Geist Kirche in Giesing, the interior walls are clad with concrete and brick. Giesinger CI colors green, yellow, and dark blue complement the rustic finishes.

Our main focus was on creating a multi-functional space that was comfortable and efficient.

The design work started in December 2019, and the construction was completed in September 2020.

The design welcomes beer enthusiasts and groups who require a flexible event space. It was important to capture the spirit of the company’s brand in the design of the space.

This design is made unique by its choice of materials. We managed to make an industrial-looking space feel cozy.

A custom-made shipping container is the focal point of the pub and interrupts the space with its striking yellow color. It emphasizes the hall’s spatial quality and provides an exclusive lounge space. Recycled Giesinger beer bottles are used in the lobby outside of the main hall and inserted with lights to illuminate the G shape. Green wall tiles of the vestibule create an industrial cave and highlight the brand CI color in a subtle way.

The network of copper pipes is a central feature and abstractly resembles the brewing process and activity. Starting from the walls of the double height lobby, they flow into the restroom walls and culminate as a grid on the main hall ceiling. Above which is a steel blue acoustic baffle to enhance the music quality. Recycled bricks are clad on the bar display wall and were locally sourced to reduce the projects carbon footprint.

It was important to balance the industrial style and open space by creating a sense of coziness. Another challenge was to build a small elevator to connect the two floor spaces to move the beer kegs. Incorporating the acoustics and a consideration of the fire safety rules when designing the open copper pipe ceiling presented another challenge.

I studied interior architecture at Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences, where I was also awarded a scholarship to study in Istanbul. As a teenager I was fascinated by the stories that my cousin told me about Turkey’s architectural history, and his passion inspired me to become an interior architect. I spent my formative years specializing in retail design. Since then, my interests have expanded to include restaurant, residential, and hospitality design.

gül koc interior design + construction services is located in Munich, Germany and was founded in 2011. Our mission is to provide comprehensive design solutions that reflect our clients’ needs and add aesthetic, social and economic value through design. We have profound experience in distinct fields, including retail, restaurant, commercial, hospitality and residential, among others. We provide solutions in all service phases (1-9) to our clients, local and international. The studio employs people from many countries, and it is something in which I take great pride. I started my studio because I wanted to create a place where it was possible to experience diversity and share its added value. Our diversity accounts for a large part of our success.

The space, its design and the spectator, each one is a protagonist.

Although retail design is a strong part of my portfolio, I enjoy the challenge that new project types bring. At the moment, I am having fun applying my skills and design sense to furniture and industrial design projects. I am also designing and building a house for the first time, which is exciting.

Sketching is the best way for me to express my ideas. Being able to sketch is a valuable and effective way to explain ideas to clients. It is important not to lose this skill.

I feel energized, reflective, and of course, proud. After each design project is realized our team is brought closer together, which impacts our work positively and drives us to excel.

A successful design takes on a deep understanding of the client’s needs and is well-planned and considered with regard to cost, environment, and aesthetics. A successful project puts the well-being of all stakeholders at the center.

A designer should design with society and the environment in mind and go beyond the aesthetics of a project. It’s important that a designer stay informed with regard to these ever-changing societal and environmental issues in order to be innovative and agile.

Design is becoming more human-centered and multidisciplinary.

I like to work collaboratively. I usually start with a group meeting to discuss ideas and check in with my team.

My day is very active. I start my day bright and early in order to get an overview of the day ahead, then I cycle to the office by 9. The days can be very long depending on my schedule, which include meetings with my team, clients, and traveling to the construction sites.

Work hard and keep an open mind. Don’t fixate on a specific path that your career will take; let life surprise you a bit. Make connections and build your network in a genuine way.

I started my career in one of the largest interior design firms in Germany. I spent my formative years specializing in retail design and fell in love with the vast possibilities that it represented for seeing and shaping the world. I discovered the value in understanding business from the client’s perspective and in order to strengthen this asset, I worked for another five years for a luxury fashion company as a project manager in the architecture department. There, I had the chance to be involved in the brand’s projects worldwide. After this intensive "apprenticeship" in retail, I now dared to start my own business as an interior architect with this as my focus.

I am lucky to employ a team of talented architects and designers from all over the world.

People can get in touch with me via our studio website, www.guelkoc.com, and by following our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram (guel_koc_interiordesign), and Pinterest.