11 Nov 2024
Get to know Cat, our Senior Interior Designer at CPMG, as she shares her passion for creating spaces that inspire and connect. From her journey into interior design to her expertise in colour theory, Cat’s approach brings warmth, creativity, and a unique perspective to every project.
What sparked your interest in interior design, and what made you choose this path over other design fields?
From an early age, I’ve always been drawn to creative subjects, especially environments that shape our everyday experiences. I realised how impactful design can be, which led me to study interior design at university and pursue it as my career.
How do you incorporate client preferences and needs into your designs?
When designing, the client’s vision and needs are at the heart of the process. It’s essential to keep their goals front and centre while using our expertise to guide and refine the design.
What do you find most rewarding about being an interior designer?
Seeing a project come to life from start to finish, and knowing it makes a positive impact for the end user, is incredibly fulfilling. That sense of satisfaction is hard to describe.
In your view, how does interior design influence people’s experiences in a space?
Interior design affects us every day, whether we’re at home, at work or in a café. A well-designed space can uplift, calm or energise, so it’s important to consider these effects when creating environments.
How do you keep your creativity flowing?
I find inspiration by styling my own home, keeping up with trends and exploring new places. I’m also passionate about jewellery-making, which adds a creative balance to my work in design.
What’s been a memorable project for you, and why?
Ten Traffic Street, a student accommodation in Nottingham, stands out for me. The project allowed me to be as creative as I desired. I built a strong relationship with the client, and together we created a vibrant, welcoming space for students, pushing design boundaries through colour and creativity, that would make the students feel at home straight away.
In your opinion, what makes a great interior designer?
A great designer isn’t afraid to step outside their comfort zone, push boundaries and add their unique flair whenever possible.
What sparked your interest in colour theory, and how has it influenced your design journey?
My love for colour has grown over the last couple of years, whether I’m wearing it, surrounded by it in my own home or a place I am visiting, it brings me joy. I try my best where I can to influence colour in my projects, as I want others to feel the advantages that I do when surrounded by colour.
How would you describe the role of colour in setting a space’s mood?
Colour is fundamental in shaping the atmosphere. Certain colours can make you feel certain emotions, cool tones like blues and greens promote calm, while vibrant hues like oranges and yellows create energy and be seen as more playful. The choice depends on the client’s vision and the space’s purpose.
Could you share a project where the colour palette was key to the design’s success?
At Ten Traffic Street, we started with a safe palette but later took risks that made the space truly stand out. It was a turning point in the design and brought a unique character to the project.
How do you balance client colour preferences with colour theory principles?
We always take clients’ preferences into account and then refine the palette through design principles. It’s our job to guide them, sometimes tweaking choices to ensure each colour supports the final vision and purpose of the space.
Cat’s journey and passion for interior design shows how each project is an opportunity to shape spaces that inspire and connect. We can’t wait to see the exciting designs she’ll bring to life next!
