Interior Designer
What were you doing before studying and why did you decide to study here?
I began my career as an architect at a time when interior design was not yet recognized as a standalone profession. In the 1990s, while working for a prominent architecture firm designing hotels and restaurants, architects were expected to oversee both the building’s structure and its interior. However, the interiors often felt like an afterthought—generic and lacking personality. I believed there was a way to infuse these spaces with soul. While architecture provides the foundation, interior design adds the layers of depth, atmosphere, and functionality that truly define a space. To explore this further, I joined KLC, seeking to better understand how colour, light, and finishes harmonize to create a space’s unique identity.
How do you think studying at KLC School of Design prepared you for what you do now?
The course at KLC laid the foundation for the services I now offer—a blend of interior design and architecture. I vividly recall one of my first lectures on lighting principles, where the tutor remarked, “You can always tell when an architect has designed the lighting scheme—everything is perfectly aligned and evenly spaced, with little regard for how the space is used, the artwork displayed, or the moods that layered lighting can create.” That insight resonated deeply with me and it marked a pivotal shift in how I approached interiors, focusing more on the flow of the space and the experience of the end user. Additionally, KLC provided essential grounding in professional practice, an area that had been missing from my architectural training, and one that I now integrate into every project.
Can you identify some of the highlights and challenges of your time with us?
Balancing the degree course with caring for two young children was undoubtedly my greatest challenge—there simply weren’t enough hours in the day! However, the experience was incredibly rewarding. The quality of the teaching was exceptional, with a diverse range of lectures that kept me engaged and inspired. The immersive projects were well thought out, with detailed briefs that pushed my creativity and problem-solving skills. Beyond the academics, I formed lasting friendships with fellow students, creating a strong support network that made the journey even more memorable. Despite the challenges, the course was an invaluable experience that has deeply shaped my approach to design.
How has your career evolved since graduating?
After graduating, I was fortunate to work with a few incredible companies before feeling ready to establish my own practice—Aro Studio. We specialize in residential projects, and clients seek us out because we handle all aspects of the design process, both architecture and interior design. This integrated approach eliminates the need to coordinate with separate firms, streamlining logistics and communication. Our work spans extensions, conversions, and new builds, where we simultaneously design the structure, furniture, lighting, colour palette, materials, and finishes from the concept stage. This holistic process not only reduces project timelines but also ensures a cohesive and harmonious final result, avoiding common issues like misaligned lighting or poorly coordinated elements.
What projects are you currently working on?
From the conversion of a former office building into a residential project in Shoreditch to the remodelling of an apartment in a luxury development in Richmond and the reconfiguration of a family home in Ealing, our working days are full and exciting.
What do you consider your biggest achievement to date?
My greatest achievement to date has been launching and successfully running my own practice, Aro Studio, where I’ve merged architecture and interior design into a seamless, cohesive service. At Aro Studio, we take a holistic approach, managing every aspect of a project to create spaces that are both functional and beautifully designed. A particularly meaningful part of this journey has been seeing my daughter, who as a young child watched me navigate my way through the KLC course, chose to follow in my footsteps. Now, as a recent graduate herself, she has joined the practice, making this accomplishment even more special.
Do you have any tips for recent graduates?
My advice to new graduates is to focus on finding your unique strengths and niche. In a highly competitive industry, it’s essential to offer something that sets you apart—a service or approach that potential clients won’t easily find elsewhere. Identify what you do best and hone that skill, whether it’s a particular design style, a specialized service, or an innovative process. This distinctiveness will not only help you stand out but also attract the right clients who value what you uniquely bring to the table.
