This talk for onsite students was packed with valuable advice about the industry, how to prepare to get into it and the challenges and rewards of working in it. It was inspiring to hear each designer share their personal backgrounds and career experiences and to watch a film of one of Katharine's most amazing installations in Cannes.

Established over 18 years ago, Katharine Pooley is one of the most respected, creative and original British luxury interior designers working worldwide today. Named as “British Interior Designer of the Decade,” “International Designer of the Year, Asia” and “Entrepreneur of the Year,” Katharine’s London-based luxury interior design studio is recognised globally for her innovative designs and exquisite, award winning spaces.

Katharine shared her thoughts on Instagram, "I had such a wonderful time yesterday talking to all the interior design students at KLC School in Chelsea, London, in the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour Lecture theatre. I was asked to give an inspirational talk on my life and experiences as an interior designer which was a wonderful honour (and if you swipe you can hear my closing remarks on the importance of passion and perseverance!). I love talking about our designs and explaining my personal journey from working in banking in Asia through to owning and running one of London’s largest and most far-reaching design studios with 48 designers and architects. Truth be told there have been a great number of lessons learnt along the way which I feel are important to share.

In a nutshell the story of my success is one of hard work, but also (and most importantly) it is one of teamwork. So for this lecture I also asked three of my incredible interior designers to introduce themselves and tell the students their stories, their professional journeys, and to speak about their passion for design. Thank you to April, Hannah and Sarah Jane (who you can see on stage with me in the first image) you all spoke beautifully and helped me to illustrate how important working together is in design. We all come with our own unique perspectives, together we create incredible things. As my father often says: ‘If you want to go fast go alone, but if you want to go far, go together’. I hope some of the students we met today will have been inspired by what they heard (and come and work for KPL after they graduate!)."

Thanks to all involved in this valuable talk.