Page 22 - The Remax Property Guide - July 2021

Lifestyle-led
Interior Design
Art, design, and interiors – strike the right balance
and life rises anew: a home is reborn. Here, Paul
Cuschieri and Malcolm Abela Sciberras from design
studio ‘Rebirth’ share their secrets behind translating
imagination into captivating-yet-functional living
spaces.
All humans share the need for shelter. It is a house or
apartment’s universal function. But what goes into
creating that sanctuary – what it looks like and how
it feels – is where paths diverge. Self-expression is
nowhere more evident than in the place one calls
home.
“Architecture and interior design are not mutually
exclusive,” begins Paul Cuschieri, designer-architect
and co-founder of Rebirth, a Maltese boutique
interior and furniture design firm. “At Rebirth,
we approach our projects holistically to fuse
architecture with interiors from the get-go.”
Rebirth grew out of Mr Cuschieri’s architectural
company, Cuschieri Architects – which itself emerged
from the renowned engineering experts Camilleri
& Cuschieri. “I come from a family of engineers,
so by choosing architecture, I’m the black sheep,”
jokes Mr Cuschieri. “Architecture and interior design
allow me to explore engineering’s artistic side, and
THE RE/MAX PROPERTY GUIDE // JULY 2021 • PAGE 22
Paul Cuschieri (left) & Malcolm Abela Sciberras (right) from
design studio ‘Rebirth’.
Rebirth is the next chapter along that journey.”
Rebirth’s co-founder, Malcolm Abela Sciberras, is a
born creative. He started at Cuschieri Architects six
years ago, before joining forces with Mr Cuschieri
to bring Rebirth to life three years later. “I’ve always
been a designer,” confides Mr Abela Sciberras.
“Even as a child, I’d sketch interiors. I believe that,
although you can study to perfect your skills, you
are born an artist.”
Together, the dynamic duo takes on select projects
where they focus on design that captures their sustainable spaces because versatility is woven
client’s identity and lifestyle. “Paul and I share
into their design’s fabric. This drives our creation
some unique creative magic,” continues Mr Abela of projects that are an eclectic balance between
Sciberras. “We don’t focus on aesthetics or function our research into the brief’s style and today’s
alone; for us, the whole is greater than the sum of expectations and requirements.”
all its parts. Whenever anyone walks through our
completed projects, they immediately feel at ease Nowhere is this clearer than in the uniqueness of
and at home.” Rebirth’s work across projects. “Each design needs
to accommodate the client’s particular lifestyle,
“The client is our muse from the start,” adds Mr so even when properties seem similar in structure,
Cuschieri. “Then, we research and dig deeper into the end-products are always completely distinct,”
the project’s requirements. Our interiors feel natural explains Mr Abela Sciberras. “We help our clients
within the space available, which is why we often understand their lifestyle and think ahead so money
adapt our designs when working on old structures spent today will continue serving them well. My
to ensure the design merges into the building’s advice? Get to know your designer before starting
envelope.” the project because creating chemistry is essential.
Each project is a unique artistic journey, so enjoy the
An example is Balluta Buildings, Rebirth’s first big company of whoever you choose to work with.”
project – an art-deco property with a brief to restore
it to its former glory and beyond. The team played This is why finding a professional designer is
with volumes, materials, sourcing of authentic essential: to create a space that fits the client’s life
elements, and pushing the limits of joinery detail to and pocket like a glove – and that also adds value
produce a breath-taking result. “We work hands- to the property. “Design done well is a worthwhile
on because we’re ultimately artists, and art is never investment as it would enable you to command a
static,” remarks Mr Abela Sciberras. “Adaptability better price for your property if you ever came to
is crucial, so we investigate solutions thoroughly sell,” concludes Mr Cuschieri.
rather than opting for quick fixes or shortcuts.”
To learn how Rebirth can bring your dream home to
To this end, Rebirth’s projects revolve around life, visit www.re-birth.uk.
sustainability. “Good designs stand the test of
time,” explains Mr Cuschieri. “Timeless interiors are
THE RE/MAX PROPERTY GUIDE // JULY 2021 • PAGE 23