We talk to interior designer, Francesca Rowan Plowden who, in trying to find a way to show her appreciation for NHS workers, alighted on a brilliant but simple idea. What if she could bring the interior design and construction communities together to give our NHS heroes the sort of beautiful rooms that would become havens for them from the stresses and fatigue of their daily working lives? The result was new charity Design Havens for Heroes. In this episode, Francesca tells us about the charity and how designers, brands and others can get involved to support this fantastic initiative. ...
You’ve worked hard to get your interior design qualifications and you have spent years working even harder in other people’s design studios honing your knowledge and skills. Finally, you feel ready to break free, spread your entrepreneurial wings and run your own interior design company. But how do you know when the time is right to take the first step? And do you go it alone or join forces with a partner? Should you rush out and rent office space? And, most importantly, how will you let prospective clients know you are open for business and ready to take on their projects? New kids on the block, Courtney Giles and Marianne Roe, explain how and why they set up Studio Smiths and what's making their partnership such a success. This episode is a Wildwood production. ...
In this episode, we explore interior design and the circular economy with Jules Haines from The Haines Collection and Chaline Church from 540 World. In 2018, a major study concluded that the world was only 9% circular with more than 90% of raw materials not being cycled back into the economy. Clearly, for the health of the planet and the survival of the human race, we must become more sustainable and resource-resilient. But how will this new thinking impact the sourcing and use of materials in the construction industry? How can interior designers embed circularity into their approach to design? And, how can we best encourage our clients to embrace this new way of consuming? This episode was recorded at the Sustainability Studio of series supporter, Parkside Architectural Tiles in Clerkenwell. Thanks also John Lewis & Partners Business for their support. ...
