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What first drew you to interior design? How did you get started in the industry?
‘Reading colour supplements in the 1960s, seeing glossy images of lifestyles, houses and interiors that were inspiring and aspirational, London was grey and dull, and the colour and glamour I saw pushed me into architecture and design.’
Are there any designers, artists or architects who have influenced your work?
‘Henri Samuel, Jacques Grange, Dupre Lafon, Stefanidis, but also some galleries and stores are equally inspirational, Gerald Bland in NYC has a great eye, as does Brownrigg, the antique dealer that has helped us to curate the showroom here in Pimlico Rd. Jorge and David have supplied us with antiques which we use in projects as well as sell to the general public.’
What would you say was the turning point that established your career or design identity?
‘Realising design was holistic and integrated, everything you choose affects everything else.’
What are some common misconceptions people have about working in the interiors industry?
‘That it is glamorous and requires nothing more than picking things from a catalogue.’
What skills or qualities do you think are the most important for new designers to have in the field today?
‘An ability to have a conversation, pick up a telephone, and have a retentive memory. A comprehensive knowledge of the history of design, an ability to self-edit - 90 per cent of your ideas will be rubbish! Throw them out and keep the best until they are polished like a diamond. Understand how things are made, go to workshops, talk to the makers and understand their craft. When you do, then you can design.’
