‘I don’t feel I have any leadership style at all’ – Noel Pace

Within the high-end furniture and interior design landscape, Onepercent stands out as a beacon of quality and creativity in Malta. At its helm is Noel Pace, whose passionate yet humble approach, combined with deep industry knowledge, has shaped Onepercent into a leader in luxury furnishings. In this rare interview, the creative director shares insights into his role, the company’s ethos and the evolving landscape of high-end furniture in Malta.

Walking into the pristine Onepercent showroom in Msida feels like stepping into a contemporary art gallery. Beyond the aesthetic quality and sophistication of the items on display, the space commands a reverence that naturally raises expectations of the man behind it all. Yet, when Noel Pace emerges from his elegant office on the shop floor, his casual presence and endearing nature immediately disarm any formality.

It’s no surprise, then, to learn that Noel’s leadership style is refreshingly humble and hands-on. “I don’t feel I have any leadership style at all,” he admits. Championing a learn-by-example philosophy, Noel values practical experience over traditional hierarchy. “When someone’s stuck, they often end up in my office, but it’s always a discussion. I’ve never felt superior.”

His daily presence at Onepercent – including Saturdays – isn’t about micromanagement but about being part of the team. “I’m here more to oversee,” Noel explains. “I try to be available for everyone.”

Noel’s journey to becoming Creative Director is a testament to his adaptability and passion for design. Coming from a background in the timber and steel industry, he made a pivotal decision in his 30s to switch to the furniture business. “Leaving my family business to join a furniture company was the hardest decision of my life,” he recalls. But it set him on the path to where he is today.

His experience across various facets of the industry, from delivery to installation, gives Noel a unique perspective. “I can relate to the delivery people because I’ve done deliveries,” he says, emphasising how this understanding helps him connect with every team member at Onepercent.

While he values every aspect of the business, Noel’s true passion lies in the creative side.

At the heart of Onepercent’s philosophy is a commitment to quality and creativity. The company represents a carefully curated selection of Italian brands, chosen not only for their prestige but for their alignment with Onepercent’s values. “We don’t represent lower-end brands because we believe in quality, which does come with a price,” Noel asserts.

Today, the company’s clientele is divided between domestic customers, accounting for 80 per cent of its revenue, and project work. Moving forward, the goal is to balance this with a 50-50 split, offering a more holistic approach to interior design that caters to both homeowners and larger-scale projects.

Acknowledging the challenges in the high-end furniture market, particularly in educating local consumers about the value of investing in quality pieces, Noel observes, “We tend to focus on what people can see.” While Maltese consumers are knowledgeable about luxury watches or cars, there’s still room for growth in understanding luxury furniture.

The company also faces the challenge of balancing the need for a physical showroom experience with the growing demand for a digital presence. While Onepercent is investing in virtual reality to enhance customer engagement, Noel believes that the tactile nature of furniture shopping can’t be fully replaced online. “How can you experience the fabric of a sofa when shopping online?” he asks.

Looking ahead, Noel sees a growing trend towards sustainability and reuse, particularly among younger generations. “I think the younger generation will try to reuse things,” he predicts, referencing trends from the fashion industry. This shift aligns with Onepercent’s focus on quality and longevity.

The company is also adapting to technological advancements, with plans to incorporate more Artificial Intelligence (AI) and virtual reality tools into its design process. However, Noel insists that the human touch and craftsmanship will remain central to their offering.

As he looks towards 2025 and beyond, Noel’s main goal is to grow Onepercent’s Projects Division. “I mostly handle the managerial side of the team and the Projects Division,” he states, explaining that this involves managing interior design projects from start to finish. This shift appeals to his visionary nature, offering a more comprehensive experience for both the company and its clients.

Onepercent is also enhancing its digital marketing presence, having recently engaged a marketing agency to boost its social media strategy.

“Our core aim is to help people realise their vision for their properties. Our ethos is to provide the best service to our clients,” Noel reflects. This people-centric approach extends to his management style, where he values every team member’s contribution.

In discussing his journey and achievements, Noel emphasises the importance of his team and the relationships he’s built over the years. Reflecting on how to build a cohesive team, he shrugs modestly, “It’s mostly organic. I try to be as kind and helpful as possible. I think when you do that, it automatically creates a good environment. We also recently decided to close the shop at six, losing a valuable business hour, but I think it’s important for work-life balance.”

As Noel continues to lead the team through an evolving industry, his blend of experience, creative passion and people-focused leadership promises to keep Onepercent at the forefront of Malta’s high-end furniture market. With a keen eye on both tradition and innovation, Onepercent is well-positioned to meet the changing needs of its discerning clients while maintaining its commitment to quality and creativity.

Photos by Alexandra Pace.

This article is part of the serialisation of 50 interviews featured in Malta CEOs 2025 – the sister brand to MaltaCEOs.mt and an annual high-end publication bringing together some of the country’s most influential business leaders.