Whilst reading International Management at Manchester University and UMASS in the USA, I promoted the iconic Hacienda nightclub which sparked my interest in graphics and branding.  My early career included advising blue-chip brands across print, the internet and interactive TV games channel as well as interactive gaming at Sky.

I have always had a passion for design so whilst on maternity leave, I retrained as an interior designer at Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Art, and Inchbald.

After I designed and built our family home, I began to offer interior design services whilst raising my young kids.  One of my clients pitched a completed project to Livingetc magazine.  They promptly featured it so I decided to create a website and pursue this as a future career, which lead to the birth of Studio Suss.

The studio’s growth has been organic; all of our clients are from word of mouth recommendations.  Recognised as one of the “World’s Top 100 Interior Designers”, we work with clients who share our vision of contemporary, timeless and sustainable interiors.  We use natural materials wherever we can and employ cutting-edge industry practices.

Our projects range from new-build private residences for high-net worth individuals across the world, to commercial developments and branded office and retail spaces for companies.

My passion for sustainable design stems from my love of physical geography and travel. I have always been a geography geek; I am in awe of the natural world and have a keen interest in climate change. From the start of my design journey, I was determined to pay detailed attention to the impact of each project and, even in my own house 14 years ago, installed systems such as grey water harvesting and outdoor sockets for electric vehicles. I believe we have a chance to be a part of the solution, not the problem.

I started my Business Sustainability Management course as part of Cambridge University’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership in February 2020, a month before the world went into lockdown and found it extremely interesting and enlightening.   I realised that if I wanted to make a difference, I would need to impact the industry I worked in. In a sector where consumption is a primary focus, I felt empowered to look at things in a new light, with an emphasis on unifying interior design with conscious consumerism and in a way that does not forfeit luxury.

I sit on the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) Sustainability and Professional Practice Committee and represent the BIID on the Construction Industry Council Climate Change Committee.  I’m a founding signatory of Interior Design Declares whom I represent on the Built Environment Declares Steering Group, collaborating with colleagues to set the interior design industry’s sustainability agenda and long-term strategy.

I also guest lecture about sustainability at several interior design schools and to the industry at large, through speaking engagements at major industry events including Decorex, Design London and The Surface Design Show.

 

Share with Circle Square: Member Q&A

What 3 words best describe you?  Authentic, optimistic and fun

If you could offer your younger self one piece of advice, what would that be? Everything happens for a reason.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? Co-founding Interior Design Declares and working with colleagues to make the industry more sustainable.

Which person (dead or alive) would you most like to invite to dinner? My grandfather Sidney.  I was a teenager when he died and would love to meet him as an adult.

How has age strengthened your advantage? I recognise that life can change in a moment, so I worry less and am more grateful than ever.

What inspired you to join Circle Square?
An opportunity to collaborate with interesting people across a wide range of industries.