Interior Designer
What were you doing before KLC and why did you decide to study at the school?
After working at Colefax and Fowler I took a curtain making course at KLC years ago. Setting up a curtain making business was an initial foray into the world of interiors before deciding to venture into other creative industries. I first worked at Tiffany’s where I was instrumental in putting the brand on the map in London.
A move to Paris followed and led me to gain valuable knowledge of other luxury names. Life switched between London and Paris during which time I undertook my first house renovation while also studying photography.
With a focus on proportion, scale and perspective, I have drawn on this training and found it most valuable for spatial awareness and planning. More house renovations followed both in London and France and having three children led to a change of career. Wanting to get back into the workplace and pursue my passion for interior design I decided to study at KLC.
Can you identify some of the highlights and challenges of your time at KLC?
It was great being in a learning environment with people of mixed ages and from many different cultures - I found that very inspiring. The full time course is very demanding and quick paced, this is a great preparation for the industry which is built not only on creative but organisational skills. As to the challenges: I had not been in a full time learning environment for a while and I loved the buzz - I don’t think I slept much for the three months but I thrived on it!
How has your career evolved since graduating?
After graduating with Merit, I first interned in a large London interior design studio before working for Todhunter Earle Interiors, one of the UK’s leading interior design firms. I was incredibly lucky to have had this opportunity to work with such talented and respected designers. I set up Oakley Moore Interior Design in January 2017, a boutique design studio committed to creating bespoke interiors with personality.
What kind of projects have you been working on recently?
We have been extremely fortunate to work on a variety of projects far and wide. We have worked on the refurbishment of a 7 bedroom chalet in Switzerland, a townhouse in Paris, a villa on the shores of Lake Geneva, a large country house in Worcestershire, and a London townhouse. We are currently working on projects in London, Switzerland, and France.
What advice would you give anyone starting out in the industry?
“The details are not the details. They make the design.” Charles Eames
Be prepared to work hard and love what you do.
