Chatting with the Designers Q&A: Suzanne Webster and SWDesign Ltd.

In conversation with Suzanne Webster...

Having worked as a stylist and writer, what made you want to hone in on interior design more specifically? 

It was when I moved back to North Yorkshire after 20-plus years of Interior Styling in London that my focus became interior design. There was less work and whilst working on a project with a big Ad agency they asked me if I had styled any show homes. It naturally progressed from there. 

What are your favourite aspects of working as a designer?

Love creating a brand-new space. It can be a show home install or helping a client create a home they love. I get so much pleasure from seeing how happy they are after our work is completed. 

 

Collection Eleven

What took you down the path of working in the creative industry?

I studied Special Effects Make Up at the London College of Fashion, and whilst I didn’t take that route directly, it led me to work in a Hair and Makeup Agency in Old Street London where they had a photographic studio. I got to work with lots of photographers and loved the interior side of things rather than just the fashion. 

Styling the interiors for photoshoots is a big part of your design work, what do you love most about the variety of projects you get to work on? What's your favourite aspect of the creative process? 

I love the fact that every shoot is different, every client job is a fresh brief, and get to visit some amazing locations! But my favourite aspect is the design work after the brief. Every shoot is different, and every client wants something fresh. The design work is logistically heavy but never fails to be a creative outlet. 

 

Do you have a favourite project?

Working on a VIP event at The Dubai World Cup. It was literally out of this world! It was a different world, with no budget, what you need you’ve got. With it being the richest horse race in the world it didn’t fail to excite and the surroundings at the venues provided the best backdrop to the design work.  

 

Suzanne at SWDesign Ltd

How does interior design differ from when you started?

I started as an Interior Stylist which is more staged than permanent. Things only need to look good for the photographs. With Interior Design it has to function, as well as look beautiful.

What styles interest you right now?

Always a fan of opulent classics – a style that is timeless and is luxurious with finishes of brass. 

 

Where do you look for inspiration, and where do you find it?

Magazines, Pinterest, whilst out and about. I even find it in the location houses we visit.

Is there an interior, whether you designed it or someone else, that you love?

A beautiful private castle in Scotland. The location and view were stunning! The curved walls meant we needed bespoke pieces of furniture and being able to do so in a listed building was unique.

What's the most fulfilling part of working as an interior designer?

The final install day when we hand over to the client. It is always a fulfilling moment when you get to see the clients’ reactions and one where I feel pride in our team. 

 

Finally, what do you expect to see in the future of interior design?

I think homes over the past couple of years have become so much more important as a place to hunker down, entertain, work from home, etc. We are having to adapt our spaces as multifunctional, and of course, bring our outside space in. I don’t see that trend disappearing as we are also becoming so much so aware of the environment. I see Green issues becoming more important so anything that saves energy, money, etc., I see in the future of interior design.

Francesca Lea