1. Could you tell us how your journey into interior design started?

I took what some may consider a traditional route into interior design, in the sense that I committed a few years to studying for a Bachelor of Design degree in Scotland and Milan, receiving First-Class Honours. From there, I undertook a number of internships before working at interior design studios in both London and New York.

Now in Hong Kong and working under my own brand, continuing to work with clients internationally.

2. Do you think there has been a defining moment in your career?

For me, it was moving to New York from London years ago. I was set on uplifting to New York to be where the action is. Starting from scratch in a new city, creating new social circles, fostering professional networks, and embracing new experiences is always exciting. Of course, it wasn’t an easy process, but it felt right at the time, as it was a city where I felt like I could grow quickly, not only career-wise but also personally. Looking back now, I think it was one of the best decisions I made.

City Residence © Common Studio

City Residence © Common Studio

3. What do you think is the key to a successful interior design? And in your business in general?

Success is measured in many different ways. Success for me is more so whether the client is happy with the end product. At the end of the day, if the client is happy with the space we’ve created for them, then that, to me, is a successful project and subsequently successful interior design. There are always many different ways and approaches to achieving the end goal. A large part of achieving a successful project is finding the best solution amongst various trades and tapping into years of expertise, whether it be from suppliers, tradesmen, peers, or even sometimes clients. Ego has no place in the projects we work on, as we prefer to be collaborative in our approach.

We always start our process by understanding the direction of our clients while taking into account the historical and cultural context of a space. In a commercially driven project, the basis would be understanding the brand of the business, who the intended clientele is, and what the intended experience should visibly translate to. With residential clients, it would be more about understanding the story of the client—their preferred aesthetics and upbringing. We find that understanding the fundamentals informs the design aesthetics and approach we take to each project.

5. How would you define your signature style? Do you have “a mantra” that encapsulates your taste in design?

Over the years, I’m asked this question a lot, and it honestly is very difficult to answer, as I prefer not to be boxed into a style. Though our mantra is more about “creating layered moments through design.”

6. What are your 3 favorite pieces from the Philia Collection?

Really quite difficult to choose three – So I’ve opted for four. What I love about these unique pieces is the texture and materiality of each piece, which is a statement in its own right.  At the moment, I’m particularly inspired by the sleek nature of metallic finishes paired with more organic forms. You can say, I like the juxtaposition of the natural materials against the purposely designed metal interventions! 

7. What would be your advice to beginner interior designers?

Be curious: Inspiration is all around us—so keep an eye out for interior spaces that you’re excited by. When I first started out, I wandered into lobbies, hotels, and restaurants, even if it was just for a flyby visit in my free time. I found it to be a fun thing to do—to look at interior spaces and appreciate them for their positives and negatives. In fact, this is still something I do to this day. I guess it’s also an organic way of capturing market research and being informed over time. It’s always important to be a sponge, in the sense that there is always much to learn and there isn’t a boundary as to when this stops. Also, don’t be afraid to switch up your environment. I find career growth is also largely about personal development, so don’t be afraid to take a chance when it comes to engaging in different opportunities.

8. Finally, what are your upcoming projects? Anything you’d like to share or add to the interview?

We created a collaboration with Silk Avenue, which we are particularly proud of, as it was an opportunity to create a collection of rugs that we find works in many different spaces! Our rug collection is inspired by the Great Outdoors. Sky & Earth is available in hand-picked palettes selected by yours truly—Sunrise, Dusk, and Terra—though it is also completely customizable.

Sky Residence © Felix Speller

Thank you so much Nora, for this lovely interview!