Interior Designer
"Handing in my final project was quite emotional. Especially when I looked back over the entirety of my work and could see how far I’d come over two short years."
What were you doing before KLC?
I worked as a Group Account Director in a PR agency that specialized in FMCG and healthcare clients.
Why did you decide to attend KLC?
I’d decided to take a career break after the birth of my three daughters. I had no qualms about leaving PR but knew that I needed something cerebral to counteract the experiences I was getting as a stay-at-home mum.
I’d always loved the creative part of my job, relished decorating or remodelling rooms in the houses I’d lived in and was fascinated with how colour could affect the atmosphere of a space. I did some research on interior design courses and educational establishments and then contacted KLC, filled out the forms, had the interview and to my immense delight, was accepted into the September 2010 intake.
Can you identify some of the highlights of your time at KLC?
I thoroughly enjoyed David Keech’s lectures, I found him to be utterly engaging and his breadth of knowledge is superb. Ditto for the lecture on lighting from Light iQ. Handing in my final project was quite emotional. Especially when I looked back over the entirety of my work and could see how far I’d come over two short years.
Where did you find inspiration for your coursework?
For my very first project, I selected the main character from American Psycho – Patrick Bateman. I’d read the novel years ago, but the character had intrigued me and I thought it would be fascinating to create a space for him. I had a lot of fun letting my imagination run riot. I believe there were a few raised eyebrows in the staff room when the project was handed in!
I also found myself being drawn time and again to the natural world – shape, form, colour, texture, pattern many of my later projects incorporated aspects of these which I then tailored to fit the brief. When I was particularly mentally stuck on creating a concept board I’d take myself off to The V&A and just let ideas creep in via osmosis.
What challenges did you face during the course?
As a perfectionist, it was hard to marry the amount of time I spent on each project with the mountain of everyday tasks involved with family life. There were many late nights, early mornings and a few tears of frustration. I initially found technical drawing really tough – my parallel motion board, pencils and ink pens were not my friends. Learning to use Vectorworks took time and patience, and the phrase – ‘old dog and new tricks’ springs to mind.
How has your career evolved since KLC?
In the early days, the grey KLC binder never left my side. My first couple of projects were nerve-wracking and I didn’t make any money. I also made a couple of stupendous mistakes; thankfully never to be repeated. I’m still learning new things every day; but my confidence, instincts, ability and business acumen have grown – the fear is now tempered with excitement.
What exciting projects are you working on currently?
I am currently working on completely re-modelling the ground floor of a double fronted Edwardian villa in Surbiton which includes a total re-design of the kitchen, plus a formal sitting room, family room, laundry room and mud room. And I have just been appointed to carry out extensive modernization on a large family home in Ascot.
What are your career aspirations for the future?
Apart from the desire to grow my business, hone my skills and create beautiful, distinctive and welcoming interiors, I’d ultimately love to work with one of my daughters. She shows a genuine aptitude for architectural design – a mother and daughter design duo to rival Candy & Candy! I’m also exploring the opportunity of working with another KLC grad on pan-European projects, and should this be well received; moving further afield to the USA. Further down the road, it would be extremely fulfilling to mentor new designers.
What advice would you give to an aspiring designer thinking of studying at KLC?
Soak up as much knowledge as possible whilst you’re there. The lecturers have an enormous amount of knowledge about the industry. Ask questions. Listen and mop up every last bit of advice. They provide a great safety net for apprentice designers. Really push your creative boundaries and flex your design skills to the maximum because the chances are you will never be able to do so in the real world.
Georgie now works as one of our tutors, teaching Onsite BA (Hons) Interior Design. Visit her tutor profile
