Interior Designer and Textile Designer
What were you doing before studying and why did you decide to study here?
After a few career changes and living in a few different countries and continents, we were getting ready to come back to to UK after a few years in Australia, and I knew I wanted to do something creative that fitted the way I wanted to live my life, I had been working with fabrics for some time and had fallen in love with everything regarding textiles. So as soon as we landed in the UK, I researched about where to study interior design and found about KLC, I had the opportunity to speak with some people that worked with KLC at the time and/or new about it, and after a very practical and amazing interview I was accepted and the rest is history.
How do you think studying at KLC School of Design prepared you for what you do now?
It certainly gave me an amazing framework to start up my own interior design practice and gave me greater understanding of the design process and the industry. KLC also gave me the opportunity to meet with amazing people, to be inspired by them. The course demystified many things for me and certainly gave me the confidence to create a new career.
Can you identify some of the highlights and challenges of your time with us?
At the time I was living in Oxford and I was commuting to London to attend classes and visit showrooms, etc. That was certainly a challenge that at the time gave me the opportunity to learn how to better manage my time and resources. One of the highlights, was realising what I was capable of, I never saw myself as a creative person, certainly not creative enough to make a living out of it, but KLC help me to bring that out. During the course I had the opportunity to meet alumni that didn't become Interior Designers but went off to become lighting designers or design furniture or specific objects as door handles etc, for me that was very inspiring and certainly motivated me to do what I do now, design textiles and wallpaper.
How has your career evolved since graduating?
As an interior designer every project gives you an opportunity to learn and adapt, also with an ever changing world it is important to evolve. During my career I had taken turns that were unexpected, I had the opportunity to manage a showroom, something that I never thought I'd do or even wanted to do, but I ended up enjoying it and am very proud of my job then. All my past experiences have lead me where I am now, designing textiles, wallpaper and table linen for my own company. This stage of my career is where I am the happiest, that doesn't mean that it is not challenging and time daunting; but like they say, if you are not challenged you are not learning.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am working on a new collection of textiles and wallpaper and an incredible collaboration too.
What do you consider your biggest achievement to date?
Launching my own textile designs. Having admired many fabric houses and designers it took a lot of courage to start. We started with only a few designs, but the feedback has been incredible both in the UK and overseas. I'm very proud to see my fabrics in other people's homes, knowing that my designs help people to make their homes beautiful brings me so much joy.
Do you have any tips for recent graduates?
Do not wait until everything is perfect to start something. It is sometimes in those gaps or challenges where you will learn the most. Also, go out, meet other people, attend lectures, talks, go out of your routine and comfort zone, there is something magical that happens when we do things differently.
