Rina Patel


Vastu Interior Design


https://www.vastu.co.uk

How long have you been an interior designer?

I qualified in Interior Architecture in 1998, which included a placement with an architectural firm in India. In 1999, I presented my business plan to the Prince’s Trust, and was awarded funding and a business mentor for three years. Vastu Design started in my Father’s warehouse, surrounded by boilers, radiators and copper pipes. My very first desk was an old door resting on IKEA trestle legs!

For the first five years, most of my projects where more construction than interior design. I spent most of my time on building sites in jeans and work boots. As time progressed, I was asked to take the house to completion, and I soon started to get involved with the FF&E – the decorating, furnishing and styling.

Do you specialise in a specific area of design?

I mainly work on new build residential homes, or extensive remodelling of houses which have been gutted and extended.

I love creating unique houses for individual clients. I invest a lot of time at the early stages of the project to understand their lifestyle and their unique design styles. Each house is beautiful, and my clients love it. The design will never be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s not supposed to be – it’s right for the client. It’s their dream and I turn it into reality for them.

How many people in your team?

There are three lead designers, and we work with freelancers, who we pull in for each project, depending on what specialisms are required. We usually work on about six projects at a time, that can span over a two-year timeframe, from demolition to hanging the artwork!

Tell us about a project you are really proud of

I worked on speculative build – a town house in Chelsea with an amazing developer. When I started there was a hole where the double basement was going to be! My job was to imagine, when the wife of a prospective buyer came for a viewing, she says, “This is the one, I must have it! ”

Throughout the project, I kept in mind the fictitious family, until three years later I met them in real life! When I went back for a visit once they’d settled in, I noticed they had kept almost all of the items purchased to style the house. From the ornaments, vases, lamps, books and even black winged pencils in the study.  So many of the items had stayed exactly as I had left them.  It was a great feeling.

A special moment, was seeing their youngest daughter watching cartoons in the cinema. It was a huge reality check, as I realised I had designed this room especially for her, and she looked perfect in it.

What is your favourite project involving Sandringham Carpets?

There is one particular project in Kensington that stands out because it was really tricky.

We were having a bordered runner on the staircase and every step was slightly different to the next. Sandringham carried out the installation in stages, starting with templating each individual step and riser, then supervising the manufacture and the stitching together of two different carpets to create the seamless finished look. Then it all had to be fitted, which was painstaking and exacting. They did an incredible job and were super patient and professional.

What is the most valuable lesson you have had?

Trust your gut. When you get that feeling listen to it – it never steers you wrong. You might not initially remember a previous occasion that’s caused that gnawing feeling, but you’ll be OK if you go with your instinct.

Lindi Reynolds


Lindi Reynolds Architectural Interior Design


https://www.lindireynolds.co.uk

How long have you been an interior designer?

I have been doing interior design for 15 years – ever since my daughter was six months old.

Do you specialise in a specific area of design?

Very high end residential.

How many people in your team?

Three, but we have a broad range of carefully approved suppliers and partners too.

What is the best part of your job?

I adore working with people – I like cracking the identity of the client and really getting them – I see that as crucial to the success of interior design. Of course, I love the creating side too – being able to deliver something that brings great joy is so special.

Tell us about a project you are really proud of

I know everyone says this, but I really am proud of all of our projects.

A standout project is a new build in Esher – we were shortlisted for the International Design and Architectural Awards for our work on this property. It was a massive project and there was no element we didn’t have an input on. There was a significant budget, but the house sold for well in excess of that, providing a very high return on investment for the owner. Being able to add that value is a great feeling.

What is the most challenging project you have ever tackled?

To be honest interior design is a challenging business – there are so many things to balance, but that’s what keeps it interesting.

I have to say it’s not glamorous, despite what people think! It’s hard work, and you spend a lot of time on building sites!

How difficult do you find it handling projects outside of the UK?

It’s not that different to here. Recent times have taught us to handle remote working where ever you are based. The design process doesn’t change that much – it just needs to be very detailed.

The installation side can be more difficult – you have to plan every last detail to make sure it goes well.

What is your favourite project involving Sandringham Carpets?

It was a project to design a whole house alongside an architect. It was purchased as a bungalow but then completely transformed into a house. We had the contract for all of the internals – design, specification and fit. We did change a lot of the layout as we were working on it, including remodelling the staircase. I have to say we are so proud of the staircase – it’s made such a big difference to the feel of the house, adding real character and value.

We had the gorgeous eco-friendly Maribella carpet from Sandringham fitted throughout the second floor – it looks fantastic, and the client loved it.

Who would you most love to work with?

Kate Kemp – I adore what she does.

What is the most valuable lesson you have had?

Clients appoint us because they don’t have the knowledge or inclination to organise this. They are smart people who are time poor- they want an expert.

They also need you to say “no” sometimes – they are buying your direction and expertise, and you need to have confidence in your role, which is to guide and advise.

Interior design should be a joyful experience. It’s very personal, so the client should revel in it – you want the end result to feel unique and special to that stage of their life. I feel quite blessed to have that role.

Laura Hammett


Laura Hammett Luxury Interiors


https://www.laurahammett.com

How long have you been an interior designer?

I graduated in 2003 and started the company in 2008.

Do you specialise in a specific area of design?

Very high end residential – both private clients and property developers – across the globe. We have projects spanning ten different countries right now.

How many people in your team? 

15 at the moment

What is the best part of your job?

Working with my husband who is co-Director of the business.

And working in this industry – it’s something I am totally passionate about and I consider it to be a great privilege.

Tell us about a project you are really proud of?

To be honest that’s tough, because I am proud of all of our projects.

However, a standout project was a family home on the Isle of Man. We just formed a great relationship with the family. It was a dream come true for them – they had worked incredibly hard to get their dream home. We worked very closely with the client to achieve the best possible result for them and their four children.

It is so lovely as they still send us updates now, and we are just starting on a second project for them.

What is the most challenging project you have ever tackled?

We have had a few challenges over the years, and quite a lot of those are for projects with listed buildings.

At the moment we are doing a project on a Grade I listed property in central London. It certainly has its limitations. The client wants to fuse contemporary with the traditional architecture and style of the house – bespoke joinery and so on. We are working closely with an architect, but it is a long process.

How difficult do you find it handling projects outside of the UK?

To be honest it’s not that different to here. In the current climate everything is remote – even our London projects. The design process doesn’t change that much – it just needs to be very detailed.

The installation side can be more difficult – you have to plan every last detail to make sure it goes well.

What is your favourite project involving Sandringham Carpets?

I have to say our own previous home! We used Sandringham throughout – they are just beautiful carpets. The carpets have withstood the most unbelievable wear and tear – which is a ringing endorsement, and that I love the product enough for our own home.

We have just moved to a new country Georgian home which is a very different style. We don’t have as much carpet this time, but I am totally thrilled with the home cinema room. We have the beautiful eco-friendly Maribella in there and I just love it. The whole room is done in soft shades of blue/grey and the carpet looks amazing – and feels great underfoot.

Who would you most love to work with?

I am a lover of Parisian architecture and in particular the Haussmann style, so Georges-Eugene Haussmann would have been a dream to learn from. His impact on global architecture is remarkable.

What is the most valuable lesson you have had?

A lesson I drum into our whole team – assume everything that can go wrong will, and plan a solution for it.

That’s especially so when working overseas, as you don’t have your usual black book of people to call on. It’s important to build up a network in each location, such as French polishers and upholsterers, and that can take time to research and develop.

Cinzia Moretti


Moretti Interior Design


https://www.morettiinteriordesign.com

How long have you been an interior designer?

Over 12 years. I started in 2008 but expanded the business more significantly from 2014 when my husband joined me as a fellow Director.

Do you specialise in a specific area of design?

We handle high end residential projects. However, our speciality is Bio-Design, which is a blend of biophilic design, psychology and science. We use a lot of colour psychology which results in design that truly resonates with our clients. Most of our projects are very connected with nature, be that natural elements in the design or linking to the outdoors. This style is very close to our hearts.

How many people in your team?

Five

What is the best part of your job?

Learning about our clients. We create a different look every time that is unique to the style and personality of each client. We don’t have one style or signature look. And that’s what keeps it interesting and exciting.

Tell us about a project you are really proud of?

Naturally I am proud of all of them, but I would say that projects that make a difference really stay with you. Sometime ago we did a project in Chiswick. We got very close to the client and really understood them, and they were very happy for us to experiment with colour. It was so exciting, and it became the start of our journey moving to Bio-Design.

We are also working on a project now in Surrey that incorporates a living wall, and an unusual swimming pool. I am so looking forward to seeing the finished result.

What is the most challenging project you have ever tackled?

We worked on a penthouse in Kensington that was very tricky. There were a lot of regulations that restricted what was possible, and we had to get permission to incorporate some design features. There were also very high ceilings, and although that can be beautiful, they have to be handled sensitively.

We are currently working on a project in Pimlico, which is in a conservation area. We are doing the garden as well as the interior, and again we had to obtain permission in order to incorporate the design features we wanted to create.

What is your favourite project involving Sandringham Carpets?

That’s actually quite tough, as we work with Sandringham on most of our projects.

One of our most recent projects involved the new eco-friendly carpet range – Maribella in Mediterranean. The client loves it, and I can understand why – it is so elegant and soft. In fact, she’s invited her neighbours in and now they want it too! I have to say it looks stunning – we have added a navy blue border and it blends beautifully with the wallpaper too.

Who would you most love to work with?

Audrey Hepburn – she was just so elegant and sophisticated. I know she would inspire me so much.

What is the most valuable lesson you have had?

Check everything three or four times! Every detail needs to be reviewed to avoid mistakes. In fact, I’d go so far as to say, forecast mistakes and find solutions before it even becomes a mistake!

And trust your instinct when it comes to your designs – it rarely steers you wrong.

Peter Higgins


Peter James Design


http://www.peterjamesdesign.co.uk

How long have you been an interior designer? 

30 years.

Do you specialise in a specific area of design?

The design and restoration of old buildings – Grade I, II and II* – I’ve worked on some amazing projects including Eton College and Windsor Castle.

How many people in your team?

One – me!

What is the best part of your job?

Marrying the restoration of listed buildings with modern day living, and more recently modern work living, during COVID.

Tell us about a project that you are most proud of.

Gosh, there’s lots of those! Actually, my own home – I live in a terraced house in South Petherton. When I bought the property, it was an abandoned derelict shop, which we completely gutted and renovated into our home. It was a small building and there were lots of challenges – including a very demanding client – me! But I’m delighted with the end result and love living here.

What is the most challenging project you have ever tackled?

To be honest, because of the kind of projects I do, most of them deliver some kind of challenge.

I am doing a very interesting project that’s a bit different for me at the moment – adding an extension and making lots of internal structural changes to a brand new house – moving bathrooms, changing wiring and plumbing. It’s been particularly challenging as the clients are based overseas, and I have met them once for an hour.

I haven’t seen them since, because of COVID, so all of our communication has been via WhatsApp, FaceTime and Zoom. Trying to co-ordinate various trades, suppliers and materials during lockdown has certainly been an interesting experience.

I am due to hand over to the clients on 14 December, which is very exciting.

What is your favourite project involving Sandringham Carpets? 

I always use Sandringham Carpets if I can – they feature in most of my projects.

We did a project in Clerkenwell with edged rugs and runners which was stunning. The client loved them so much they have had them installed throughout their property in Bath too.

Who would you most love to work with?

That’s an interesting question! I’d like to work with Boris Johnson because I think he would be very interesting and challenging – I do love a challenge! Working for Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, would be spectacular.

And I know working with Dame Judi Dench would be fabulous!

What is the most valuable lesson you have had?

There’s always a lack of time!

Definitely to only ever use quality products, even if a client is pushing to reduce budget, or use a less expensive option – you always regret it if you don’t.

Georgina Taylor


Overbury Interiors


http://www.overburyinteriors.co.uk

How long have you been an interior designer? 

12-13 years but Overbury was established more than 20 years ago.

Do you specialise in a specific area of design?

High-end residential. We do a real mix of projects, some very modern and contemporary, others much more traditional. Our clients vary so much. They have different styles and tastes which means we don’t just have one style. Every project is tailored to the individual client showcasing their own personality.

How many people in your team?

Five

What is the best part of your job?

The early creative part is always great fun. I love putting schemes together for rooms choosing the colours, paints, fabrics and flooring. But I do also love getting to the end of a project and adding the finishing touches which can really inject a bit of the client’s personality into a room.

And there is nothing more satisfying than seeing a client’s delight with the end result and knowing that we nailed it!

Tell us about a project that you are most proud of.

We are proud of all our projects but a couple of stand-outs do spring to mind.

A six storey Georgian townhouse in London. We did the entire house from top to bottom and it was so wonderful to be given the opportunity to blend the décor from each part of the house achieving a very harmonious look.

We also recently completed a new-build for some clients we know very well. Again, we did the entire house – kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. It was a very contemporary project in the countryside and one I love showcasing. The clients were thrilled with the outcome. 

What is the most challenging project you have ever tackled?

Every job has its challenges and working out how to overcome them is definitely part of the fun! Old houses can be difficult because the walls are never quite straight and sometimes even the simplest task, such as drilling hole in a wall can prove problematic! 

What is the most valuable lesson you have had?

Measure, measure and measure again!

It’s also crucial to listen to your clients to try to understand what they really want. Many of our clients have very little time and can be quite brief at the outset but we’ve learned not to be phased by this and just to make a start. Experience tells us what we need to know to deliver the best job, building up a picture as we go. We usually find that the client starts to get more ideas as the project progresses and things start to come together. 

What is your favourite project involving Sandringham Carpets? 

We did a whole house with the same very pale (almost white) carpet from Sandringham. I have to say it looked pretty spectacular. Using one single carpet throughout really tied all the rooms together and gave a real sense of flow through the house.

I also love staircases. Sandringham always make a wonderful job of all the bindings which is quite a specialist skill to do well. The end result is always very impressive.

Alexandra Dixon


Alexandra Dixon Interiors


https://www.alexandradixoninteriors.co.uk

How long have you been an interior designer? 

I have had the business for over 32 years – Alexandra Dixon Interiors celebrated our 30th anniversary last year.

Do you specialise in a specific area of design?

We tend to work in the middle to top end residential market. We are very service led, which is key for residential work.

That said, we are also very well set up for turnkey projects. We do the occasional bespoke commercial project, like the recently completed boutique hotel in the Provence, France. That work tends to be for clients we already know.

Every project is different, because every client is different. But that’s what we love. It gets the creative juices flowing, and challenges the designers, which is definitely a good thing.

How many people in your team? 10

What is the best part of your job?

The relationship we have with our clients. I love meeting people and finding out about them. And to be honest, the relationship with our suppliers too – companies like Sandringham. I’m very loyal, so when I find a good supplier I don’t start shopping around for alternatives, I stick with them. I believe I get that back with commitment and good service.

Tell us about a project you are really proud of?

We did a project in Loughton. It was an Edwardian renovation. The renovation was very sympathetic to the building and era, but inside we created a very modern family space and the clients were thrilled. It really was a great success.

I also have to mention the hotel in France. I adore that project – it was a totally different style for us. There were some challenges with fitting out abroad, while being based in the UK, but we enjoyed it. We are extremely good at turnkey projects.

What is the most challenging project you have ever tackled?

Every job has its challenges. Most recently, working through the COVID pandemic has been a big challenge – the supply of materials, managing expectations, getting suppliers on site etc. But we’ve done it.

Right now, we are working on a four storey town house in Islington. It is having a totally new top floor, so that is quite a physical challenge, especially getting materials to the top… all good fun!

With any challenge, it’s about communication. Working through it and finding a resolution. I think of it as less about any mistake or a problem, but more how to resolve a situation. And that’s something I think the team are very good at.

What is your favourite project involving Sandringham Carpets?

To be honest all of our projects involve Sandringham! We had some stunning flooring in the Loughton project – the variations of carpet really enhanced the look.

We recently did a very modern project in Chalfont, Bucks with a very simple plain carpet, but it looked very elegant and the clients are delighted.

Who would you most love to work with?

Gosh, that’s a tricky one! I’d love to have worked with David Bowie, but that’s just because I’d like to have met him. I’d also love to work with the Obamas, but that’s not likely to happen either!

More realistically, I’d really love to do more work abroad. I think we are so well set up for these turnkey projects, total hands off for the client and we deal with everything, it’s something I really enjoy.

What is the most valuable lesson you have had?

Managing the client’s expectations. Well, actually everybody’s expectations – suppliers and our team too. It’s definitely about not selling something that isn’t achievable. If it’s going to take six months you have to say that, not say four months and then let everybody down. Transparency and honesty are key.

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Yes – that I am eternally grateful to the ADI team and clients. During our 30 years, it has all been organic growth. We have clients who come back again and again, and regular referrals. Honestly, we couldn’t do it without you – so a huge thank you.

Tracey Andrews


Tracey Andrews Interiors


http://www.traceyandrewsinteriors.co.uk


Over 15 years.


Mostly residential, with a speciality in curtain dressings and interior decoration.


I am the only designer, but I have a strong team around me to call upon when needed, including architects, furniture makers and my husband is my decorator, so together we are a winning team!

What is the best part of your job?
On my design journey with clients, when great rapport is built. I enjoy the challenges big projects bring, from design to implementation, and love to project manage whole house designs, rather than a couple of rooms. I particularly love seeing the changes emerge as a good design is pulled together. And finally, see the satisfaction on clients’ faces as the design nears completion.


I worked on a complete house renovation from design to completion for a couple who were remarrying. I had three months to get everything completed for them, and had carte blanche over everything. I even chose their mattress! Everything was waiting for them, even down to the beds being made, ready for them to move in when they returned from their honeymoon. And I was even invited to the wedding!


I did a high end boutique townhouse over three floors. The gorgeous Aspen carpet in Silver was the star of the show! I have done a few projects with Sandringham and always love working with them. They have an amazing graduation of colours and textures for all types of interiors, that I just can’t find anywhere else.


Jean-Louis Deniot – he runs a very successful architect and interior design business. He creates luxurious atmospheres in playground settings – I just love his style. The boutique idea – classical, modern and glitzy. His interiors are magical and timeless, bold with unreserved informality.

My own style is very much around mixing old and new to produce an eclectic interior, but I also adore the ’boutique luxe styling with high drama and contemporary feel’. But what I feel is important, about being an interior designer, is that you must be true to your client’s wishes, add the quirky and original, and not follow trends. I embrace all styles of interiors.


Always listen carefully to your clients and their wishes. And definitely, measure, measure, measure and re-measure. I always try and go back for a second check when managing a project. Certainly, when I was more involved in the creation of curtains we had a few hairy moments!

PATTI MONEY-COUTTS


Overbury Interiors


http://www.overburyinteriors.co.uk


Over 15 years.


High end residential properties.


Four.


I worked with a client who had properties in London and the West Country. They were very discerning and had fantastic taste, but equally were very trusting of us. We were able to check in now and again, but really get on and deliver for them. The client had beautiful art and antiques which we used as a backdrop for the design. We had a woven carpet created for the stairs which was stunning. We delivered lots of high quality bespoke elements to enhance the beauty of the property. The outcome was a very harmonious look, and a very happy client!


My most challenging was a a 5th floor flat in Knightsbridge I did a while ago. I was concerned about the access so worked directly with the supplier to agree everything. Everything was going well until the sofa came, and the measurements were slightly out. The soft would not go up the stairs or in the lift. But the supplier was great and would not be beaten. They hoisted it up 5 floors on the outside of the building, over the balcony and through the french doors! I’d call that customer service to the enth degree. The sofa is still there and we had another very happy client.

I also had a client based in the UK who had a heritage house in Tasmania. We co-ordinated the design in the UK whilst working with an architect in Australia. I did one site visit to appoint a team and plan the project. But then we managed the whole project from Hampshire. We shipped everything from the UK – the fabrics, the carpets… That was a bit hair-raising as we had to trust that the team in Australia would respect our vision, and get it right. The project looked fantastic and the client was delighted, but I did have a few sleepless nights!


It’s back to the project with the handwoven carpet. The carpet was for the hall, stairs and landing, and the stairs had two half landings. The pattern was quite prominent, and so it had to be just right. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to tackle it without Gary’s help, but it looked so effective when it was done. Sandringham fitted the carpets for the whole house on that project.

On another project we liaised directly with the architects for some new build houses. It’s always touch and go if the build is going to be completed on time, but Sandringham always come through. They fitted the carpets to fit in with the schedule and did a fab job. They always get the job done. I really appreciate their support, particularly Gary, and couldn’t achieve what we have without them.


William Yeoward – he designs furniture, glassware and accessories and has a wonderful shop on the King’s Road. He has a great sense of fun and doesn’t take design too seriously.

Nicky Haslam is a designer I really admire. He does really quirky designs and again has a great sense of fun. I think that’s really important. Of course you need to take it seriously and make sure the project goes well, but you have to have an injection of humour too.


Two things:

  • You have to listen to what the client says
  • You have to instil confidence. It’s really important the client knows you have their best interests at heart, and will act as their champion.

If you can’t get that right, then the project is doomed before you start. You end up second guessing them, and you feel constrained in terms of design and budget. In fact, you might as well go home! But get that right, and you know it’s going to be a dream. Everything works well, and you make sure the client has the very best they can.

DENISE LONG


Design Solutions and Interiors


http://www.interior design solutions.co.uk

How long have you been an interior designer?
Over 15 years.

Do you specialise in a specific area of design?
I have handled boutique rooms in small hotels, plus shops and offices, but I tend to do more residential, including buy to let projects. I love the variety that comes from handling a mixture of residential and commercial work.

How many people in your team?
I work with specialists for specific projects – so builders, kitchen fitters, bathroom fitters etc. I find this approach works best for my business, and because I have worked with these people for some time, I know the results are top notch.

Tell us about a project you are really proud of?
That’s a tough one, as there have been so many.

The Hand and Flowers was great. The brief was to create romantic bedrooms, each one different. I had a free rein and was able to create very unusual rooms. Knowing that guests were coming for such a wonderful experience, with delicious food, meant I needed to extend that into the rooms. It was great fun, and I am really pleased with the results.

But equally, I have some clients who have rooms they don’t enjoy. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to turn that around, giving a new lease of life to the room, and often the client. And getting the feedback “Wow – I love it!” I tackle every project as if I was doing it for myself.

What is the most challenging project you have ever tackled?
I find it hard when clients have already had an extension, particularly on an old property, and that extension wasn’t a good job. I had that recently on a project in Maidenhead. 

The trouble is you have to put that right before doing the design work.

I had a project in Gerrard’s Cross where the staircase and landings weren’t going to work. So I worked with the builder to create more of a “wow” effect. I believe that making best use of the space and budget is so important. I really want to maximise what’s already there for the client.

What is your favourite project involving Sandringham Carpets?
I worked with a couple on a property by the side of a golf course. We used lots of gorgeous carpets in soft neutrals. I really love the shades and tones of their carpets – they work so well with all fabrics and colour schemes.

What is the most valuable lesson you have had?
Always to work with people who are experts in their fields for renovations. Use the best people possible and you get a much better finish. It’s really about working with people who have the same mindset as you and take pride in their work.

But I also know it’s important to listen, but be firm when you are certain about something. Really, it’s about building trust, so the client believes in you. Sometimes, when you are working with a husband and wife you end up turning into a bit of a marriage guidance counsellor – trying to play to their strengths and tease out what they want, and what will work on the project. But ultimately, it is hugely rewarding when they see the end result.

GILLY CRAFT


Koubou Interiors


http://www.koubouinteriors.co.uk

How long have you been an interior designer?
For around 15 years.

Do you specialise in a specific area of design?
Yes, health care – primarily hospitals and specialist units. Although we do also handle residential and commercial.

How many people in your team?
Four.

Tell us about a project you are really proud of?
Frimley Park Hospital because we took the general idea of what hospitals look like and turned it on its head. I wanted to change the perceptions of interior design that it can make a difference and create an impact for both staff and patients.

I believe we have created an atmosphere that is light and airy, with artwork and nice surroundings. It shows the hospital cares, and cuts down on the aggression that is so common in certain departments like A&E. It should be seen as a place where people get better.

The hospital team are so pleased that we have handled lots of different departments now – Outpatients, A&E, Day surgery, Paediatrics, staff rooms and relative rooms. Contrary to popular belief, we haven’t been an expensive resource either – through good space planning the surgical teams can now handle more patients each day, so we have helped to save money.

What is the most challenging project you have ever tackled?
I did the refurbishment of a bedroom in an Edwardian house which was hugely challenging. The house had been badly neglected, and there were lots of children with lots of toys.

I surveyed the room and created the design, which the clients loved. However, when we started the work in the empty room I discovered a radiator on the wall that we hadn’t seen before! We had to change the design of the cupboards to fit around the radiator. Luckily, the clients were delighted with the end result.

What is your favourite project involving Sandringham Carpets?
I have worked with Sandringham for many years, and clients are always pleased with the quality of their carpets. The carpets are so lovely. So when it came to choosing carpet for my own home, Sandringham was the natural choice. I would have to say that is my favourite project!

Who would you most love to work with?
Dame Zaha Mohammad Hadid, the eminent architect. She designs very unusual spaces and I would love the challenge of creating some exciting interiors to complement her style.

What is the most valuable lesson you have had?
Know your stuff – be aware of the pitfalls and make sure you both educate yourself and keep up to date with legislation. Making mistakes can be very costly! Plus as a designer I am always mindful that we are dealing with people’s homes – the most costly thing they are ever likely to buy, so it is very personal and precious. What I do has a huge impact on a person.

When I consider commercial property I consider how important it is not to waste public money, and be aware of the knock on effects of the design.

How to handle and mitigate challenges is also helpful, on occasion!

NILOUFAR LAMAKAN


Nila Design


http://www.niladesign.co.uk

How long have you been an interior designer?
Full time since 2007

Do you specialise in a specific area of design?
Residential and offices.

How many people in your team?
It is just me, but I work collaboratively with various teams of architects, engineers and trades to produce the best results.

What is the best part of your job?
Creativity. There is a misconception that all designers have a style, but that’s not true. I work closely with the client to identify their style even though sometimes they don’t know themselves. I love talking to people and then creating something really stunning.

Tell us about a project you are really proud of?
Gosh – that’s a difficult one – I am proud of so many projects! I have had the opportunity to work in some amazing properties but the one I am most proud of is the first full refurbishment and design project.

The property is based in Canonbury, Islington. It was a big project, so pretty challenging, but the client was delighted with the end result. It also won several awards including Residential Interior Design at the International Design Awards in Los Angeles. I was also a finalist in the Kitchen Design categories at Designer Magazine and the idFx Magazine awards.

What is the most challenging project you have ever tackled?
Design for a small cloakroom/utility room. It was so tiny and so much needed to go in it. I always think small rooms are much harder. But the clients were delighted with the finished room, and I went on to do the rest of the house for them.

What is your favourite project involving Sandringham Carpets?
That’s an easy one – it was a project in Islington. I redesigned nearly the whole house and used Sandringham Carpets throughout. I used three different carpets – Regency Falcon on the stairs, Carisbrooke Dove in the children’s rooms and Westbury Ash in the master bedroom. They all blended and complemented each other so it looked good with the interior doors open. I used Sandringham’s fitters and they did a great job. I was delighted with the finish, and so were the clients.

Who would you most love to work with?
Miuccia Prada. She is so original, and she manages to blend sophisticated and quirky seamlessly in her designs.

What is the most valuable lesson you have had?
Think beyond what the client wants – take their vision one step further. I have found when you present your ideas they are really excited because they hadn’t thought of it. After all, that is why they want to work with an interior designer.

CYNTHIA GARCIA


Garcia Designs


http://www.garciadesigns.co.uk

How long have you been an interior designer?
Since 1997.

Do you specialise in a specific area of design?
High end residential and some commercial. Work with housing developer on flats and houses that are being renovated.

How many people in your team?
Mainly work on my own, but pull in experts to support me when needed.

What is the best part of your job?
Seeing the finished results and the clients being really pleased.

I enjoy the designing, and sourcing furnishings. I love space planning – I have been doing some work with some architects on this recently, particularly in bathrooms. I like working on period properties. To be honest I love everything about my job, except the admin!

Tell us about a project you are really proud of?
I worked on a period London town house that was completely re-designed. It was totally gutted and the results were really lovely – completely different to what was there before. The clients were delighted with the results.

What is the most challenging project you have ever tackled?
Early on in my career I was working for Harrods as part of their interior design team, and I had to create a design to pitch for some work. Based on my design for one room, an American businessman engaged us to do the whole mews house.

It was hugely challenging as I liaised with one of his staff and he didn’t even see the designs for most of the project. We went ahead and got all the work done, but my heart was really in my mouth about whether he would like the finished results. Luckily, he loved it, which was a huge relief, but I certainly lost a few nights of sleep worrying!

What is your favourite project involving Sandringham Carpets?
I have always been really pleased with the projects where I have used Sandringham Carpets. One project stands out, not because it was a particular favourite, but because I was so impressed with how Sandringham handled it.

I chose a velvet carpet that was being fitted in several rooms. However, once it was fitted and I checked it all over I realised that it wasn’t the right colour. It was the colour I had ordered but it was a completely different dye lot to my sample. Sandringham visited the site and agreed it was a problem. There was no fuss, they ordered a new batch making sure it was the right colour, and replaced it all. It was all done very promptly and efficiently. For me it really proved how vital good customer service is – they definitely went the extra mile, and I was very grateful.

Who would you most love to work with?
Jerry Hall. I have always admired her style and personality, and she seems like she would be great to work with.

What is the most valuable lesson you have had?
Always measure the size of the doors you have to get furniture through! I had a television cabinet commissioned once – it was a beautiful piece, a very ornate replica of an antique. The only problem was it was about 2-3cm too wide to fit through the front door. One carpenter later the problem was sorted, but I always carry my tape measure now!