What were you doing before KLC and why did you decide to study at the school?
After many years of working in office management, I took a career break and moved to Spain to learn Spanish. Having always loved all things interior related, I worked for a furniture retailer in southern Spain, assisting in the furnishing of residential properties for investors and private clients. From that experience, I realised I wanted to study all aspects of interior design and see where it would take me. In researching design schools, everything about KLC impressed me, particularly the structure of the courses and the overall professionalism of the school.
Can you identify some of the highlights and challenges of your time at KLC?
The main highlights for me were the high quality of the case studies/projects set for students to complete for each module of the course and the commitment of the tutors. Their guidance and support were fantastic. I found the workload and pace of teaching a shock at first but soon understood what was expected in order to gain the qualification I signed up for. My social life was certainly scarce for a year!
How has your career evolved since graduating?
After graduating I gained valuable work experience at Taylor Howes Designs and then was thrilled to be offered a position at Winch Design where I was fortunate to work on a variety of projects across all three of their studio disciplines: private aviation, yachts and architecture.
On moving back to my Yorkshire roots in 2010, I launched my own company, now an established, award-winning, interior design practice of 10 years, focussing on high-end residential projects.
What kind of projects have you been working on recently?
Recent projects include:
- The sensitive restoration and remodelling of a Victorian villa in Harrogate from three apartments over three floors to a 7,500 sq ft home arranged over four floors to include a games room, wine cellar, golf studio and bespoke cylindrical glass lift.
- The complete renovation, decoration and furnishing of a 5000 sq ft property in Leeds, built in 1893, from a tenanted commercial building into a spacious family home with carefully restored original features.
- The complete renovation, decoration and furnishing of a family home in York including reconfiguration of the first floor to create a master suite incorporating his and hers dressing rooms and ensuite.
Currently in the early stages of a villa renovation in Puerto Pollensa, Mallorca.
