Meet the Designer

Can you share a little about your role within the studio?
As founder and creative director, my role today is to ensure every project we have the privilege to work on is world class. I act as a mentor to our wonderfully talented design and leadership team, and particularly enjoy reviewing and debating design, while drawing on creative inspiration from around the world through travel.

What first drew you to interior design?
Coming from a creative family, I learnt to appreciate the impact of great design from an early age. My first job was in film production with Ridley Scott, where I experienced design on an epic scale - it was incredibly inspiring. My first project was my own home (pictured below) where we still live today and this ultimately led me to start my own design studio.

How would you define your areas of specialism?
My passion has always been for colour and textiles, which I may have inherited from my great-grandfather, a Royal Academician artist. Today, I am happiest sourcing antiques or buying art for our clients.

What’s a detail in design you pay close attention to that others might not initially notice?
I have two particular focuses when approaching a new design scheme. Firstly, the flow within a building, which informs space planning and organisation. Secondly - and no less importantly - lighting design. Thoughtful lighting can completely transform the mood and atmosphere of a space.

Is there a particular project that feels especially meaningful or memorable to you?
Working with our team on the design of our Scottish Estate project has been a career highlight. Collaboration is key and in this instance the client was at the heart of the project. The relationship and trust we built with the architects and contractor were also fundamental to its success.

Where do you find inspiration, both within and beyond interiors?
Travel has always been a great source of inspiration. Early trips to Provence, Tuscany, and Belgium in particular helped to shape our design aesthetic. More recently, I’ve been inspired by the East Coast of the USA and a small group of architects creating truly exceptional homes.

Are there any current influences shaping your ideas at the moment? 
I recently visited the archive of the Schumacher fabric house in New York - a treasure trove of historic references - which was a powerful reminder that so much great design is rooted in history and heritage. Our involvement with the charity Heritage Crafts also continually reinforces the importance of craftsmanship in everything we do at Sims Hilditch.