Interior Designer
What were you doing before studying, and why did you decide to study here?
Before enrolling at KLC, I spent over a decade working in asset management. While I always had a passion for design, I never considered it a viable career option for myself. However, after successfully managing a couple of large-scale personal projects, I realised that design could be more than just a hobby—it could be a new career path. Having children made me braver, and despite the challenges of balancing a young family, I felt that a career in design offered a lifestyle that aligned better with family life.
How do you think studying at KLC School of Design prepared you for what you do now?
The course at KLC was highly vocational, providing a solid foundation and thorough approach to design work. Looking back at some of the early client projects I completed after graduation, I’m still pleasantly surprised by the quality of my work. The training at KLC instilled in me the skills and confidence to take on real-world projects, and I still rely on the principles and techniques I learned there.
Can you identify some of the highlights and challenges of your time with us?
One of the highlights was our final project, where we worked as a team. It was a fantastic opportunity to see how each of us had developed our skills throughout our time at KLC. We brought our individual strengths together and created a project we were all incredibly proud of. It was a rewarding experience that showcased the diverse skill sets we had honed.
Without a doubt learning some of the technical drawing packages took time and patience. Additionally, I learned that I had to be very strict with my time management. With small children at home, I had to make the very most of what little time I had for personal study.
How has your career evolved since graduating?
After graduating, I began working on private client projects, which helped me discover which aspects of design I enjoyed most and which I didn’t. I found myself particularly drawn to kitchen and lighting design, as well as space planning and working with various materials. Kitchen design, in particular, felt like the perfect fit because it allowed me to combine these elements.
What projects are you currently working on?
Today, we received architectural drawings for a mews house conversion in Dalston, and it’s shaping up to be an incredible project. Every once in a while, you get a sense that a project is going to be something special, and this one definitely has that potential. We’re excited to see it come to life.
What do you consider your biggest achievement to date?
Recently, one of our projects was featured in Living etc., which was a proud moment for me. Even more rewarding was when a client, who was thrilled with his new home, invited us, his architect, and the contractor over for a meal. He cooked an amazing dinner to thank us, expressing how much joy his new space, especially his kitchen and wet bar, had brought him, giving him a renewed outlook on life. Seeing my design bring such happiness to someone was incredibly fulfilling.
Do you have any tips for recent graduates?
Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things—it’s the only way to find out what truly resonates with you. If you don’t take that first step, you’ll never know where your journey could lead. Embrace the process, take the plunge, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of it!
