We're in Manchester to explore the chemistry between interior designers and private residential clients. It can be hugely satisfying and fun to work on private residential projects. Indeed, interior designers can have a massively positive impact on the lives of clients and their families. All designers dream of working for delighted, grateful, non-quibbling, fee-paying, private clients, but, in reality, how easy is this to achieve? And, what can you do to avoid some of the possible pitfalls? Fiona Watkins of Fiona Watkins Design joins co-host Susie Rumbold, Head of Tessuto Interiors and a Past President of the British Institute of Interior Design, to share their experiences and offer practical advice. We also take the temperature of business in the North with the help of Natalie Holden from NH Interiors and Melinda Kiss of Keyhole Interiors. Natalie and Melinda are the founders of Concept North, the region's fast-growing community for designers. We find out what Concept North is all about and the type of events, activities and support that they offer to help interior designers in the North. This episode is recorded in the Havwoods Manchester Showroom, located in Deansgate, the Design Quarter of the city. The Interior Design Business is a Wildwood and Alfi Media production. ...
We examine the secrets of successful sourcing in another live audience special. Once upon a time, interior designers were only as good as the contents of their “little black book”. Favoured suppliers and specialist tradespeople were jealously guarded secrets. In today’s age of the internet and globalisation, we’re in a different place but one where designers can still add value to their client’s projects through clever sourcing. But how? Sharing their insights with co-hosts Jeff Hayward and Susie Rumbold are Jim Hamilton of Jim Hamilton Design and Creative Director of the internationally acclaimed consultancy, Graven, alongside BBC Scotland’s Home of the Year judge, Anna Campbell-Jones from Habitus. This episode is brought to you from the magnificent Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed Billiard Room at the Willow in the heart of Glasgow. Jim, Anna and Susie also take questions from our audience of designers as part of this wonderful and wide-ranging conversation. ...
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. ...
