14

Fo r m a ny, i t ’s ra re t h a t t h e p ro c e s s o f b u i l d i n g o r c re a t i n g t h e i r d re a m

s p a c e i s a s t re s s - f re e o n e . Fro m c h o o s i n g c o l o u r s c h e m e s , to p i c k i n g

f u r n i t u re , a n d s t i c k i n g w i t h i n a b u d get , d e s i g n i n g yo u r i d e a l h o m e i s

o f te n m o re a n e xc e e d i n gly ove r w h e l m i n g e x p e r i e n c e . Lu c k i ly, h oweve r,

fo r t h o s e wo rk i n g w i t h l o c a l i n te r i o r d e s i g n e r, M a rc A n t h o ny H a d e e d ,

t h e e x p e r i e n c e i s qu i te t h e o p p o s i te .

Editorial Caroline Moses Photography Gary Jordan

15

MARC ANTHONY, WHOM MANY CONSIDER TO BE A REAL

ESTATE POWERHOUSE, is committed to making the design

process an enjoyable one. Known for his dedication and

multi-purpose style, he ensures that all details, from layouts,

to finishing touches, setting up cable connections and more of

those fine details that are often missed. Perhaps that’s what

makes his projects above par: it comes down to the extra

effort he puts into his work.

Modern designers often play several roles, including part

therapist, as choosing the right designer often means finding

one who is able to ascertain a client’s overall aesthetic and

often anticipate their needs before even the client does.

While interior design focuses on how a space is properly

utilised it’s also equally important to create an atmosphere

that enhances the life and lifestyle of the client. Marc Anthony,

adept at using functionality, tackles just about any space, and

beautifies it with furniture, accent walls, veneers, and many

other elements that represent his clients’ needs.

I met the interior designer outside of the elevator on the

third floor of Bayside Towers in Westmoorings, eager to

see his newest development: a three-bedroom apartment

with stunning ocean views that he completely refurbished.

The client requested something that would rent easily, and

like most things with Marc Anthony you say the word and

it’s done. From concept to completion, he took care of it all,

including undertaking the real estate listing until he found a

young family moving to Trinidad for work.

Taking up the mantle even further, he added finishing touches

that were unique to the couple: a nook that can be easily used

to store a crib for their youngest, reconfigured a closet for baby

girl dresses and inspirational quotes throughout the house.

Marc Anthony also ensured that the apartment was well

equipped with cutlery, place mats, Internet and telephones

that were installed prior to the family’s move in date.

16

I f a c l i e n t ’s s a t i s fa c t i o n a c t s a s a t r u e te s t a m e n t to o n e ’s b u s i n e s s ,

t h e n we c a n s a fe ly s ay b a s e d o n M a rc ’s c l i e n t s t h a t h e re a l ly e x u d e s a

p a s s i o n fo r h i s c ra f t .

17

“My clients have nothing to do when they walk through

this door,” Marc Anthony said. “Every spoon, every glass;

it’s finished.”

It’s this added commitment to his clients that makes Marc

Anthony highly sought after. Another client, Shazan Ali –

the owner of this particular apartment – also had a great

experience purchasing his first apartment in Bayside Towers

with Marc Anthony’s assistance. After Ali contracted him to

do a complete redesign of the space for his personal use,

Ali later bought two other apartments in Bayside Towers

simply based on the level of expertise and care that he took

in designing the space for him.

Once the other two new spaces were acquired, Ali then

commissioned Marc Anthony to be both the real estate

agent and interior designer for the two apartments.

Marc Anthony, who served as the guest services manager on

a luxury cruise line for eight years, is used to working closely

with customers. Since then, he’s translated his international

experiences onto the more laid-back Caribbean-esque

approach. Despite T&T’s penchant for lackluster service in

general, he remains adamant that Trinidad offers much

untapped potential – especially in the design sector.

He also makes the most of the local offerings by using

furnishings and finishings in his designs that are locally

sourced.

Marc Anthony himself is an example of the kind of talent

that Trinidad and Tobago has to offer. With a team of loyal

workers who have stayed by his side throughout countless

projects, it speaks volumes about his character both as a

professional and as an individual.

I asked Ali if he would continue to recommend Marc Anthony

as I closed off my meeting. Unsurprisingly, Ali responded

quickly, “Unreservedly. To anyone.”

If a client’s satisfaction acts as a true testament to one’s

business, then we can safely say based on Marc’s clients that

he really exudes a passion for his craft.

“I really enjoy it,” adds Marc Anthony. “I really do.” .