Last week we welcomed Beth Brown to the team. Beth graduated with a first class honours degree in Interior Design from Northumbria University in 2020. Despite graduating in a very difficult year, she has gained experience working on a number of residential and commercial projects throughout the north east. We asked Beth to share a little more about her background and how she’s settled into studio life…
How are you settling into studio life at Bernard Interiors?
Great! All of the team here are so friendly and happy to help with any questions. They’ve really put me at ease so I’m very excited to get stuck in.
Can you tell us a little bit about your design background?
I’ve had some fantastic opportunities to work with many talented people in both the commercial and residential sectors. This has given me valuable knowledge towards the inner workings of those industries, helping me to develop an adaptable skill-set. I’ve worked on everything from high-end residential and show homes to bars and restaurants.
Why did you decide to get into interior design?
It came a little later in life for me. In 2017 I decided to leave my previous full-time job and pursue my passion in Interior Design by heading back to University and I’m so glad I did. I’ve always loved the fast-pace of the industry and the aspect of problem solving whilst still being creative!
What attracted you to Bernard Interiors?
I had always been interested in Bernard Interiors and had a dream of working there long before I even headed back to University. In my final year at Northumbria, Jen was a guest lecturer on the professional practice module and getting to work with her was an amazing experience that taught me a lot. I also got to visit the studio as part of one of the lectures so I knew then that this is where I wanted to be.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am currently working on a 19th century manor house in Solihull. It’s a fantastic first project – the design concepts are very exciting and the building is full of beautiful original features.
What part of the interior design process do you enjoy the most?
Probably the very beginning – developing concepts and pulling moodboards and samples together. However, nothing beats project completion – seeing the space finally come to life and observing the end-user’s interaction with it is so exciting.
Who inspires you in the design world?
Amber Lewis has an amazing take on residential design over in California. Julie Chambers has also created some phenomenal spaces – her imagination knows no limits and many of her interiors are here in the North East too! I love following accounts such as World Architecture on Instagram but the best experience is to get out there and be amongst it. Travelling and exploring has always been my biggest inspiration.
What do you get up to outside of work?
I live at the coast so I’m always at the beach paddle-boarding with my little boy. I also love sketching out different ideas for our dream home or enjoying a nice meal out with friends and family.
