What do you enjoy most about being an interior designer?

I enjoy the challenge of a new project – taking the client’s requirements and coming up with solutions that surprise them. And of course seeing the completed project after months of hard work, and clients enjoying their new space.

Where do you draw inspiration?

My inspiration comes from projects with challenging requirements. Finding solutions to unique problems that are beautiful and functional gets my creativity going. There is also so much innovation with products and materials that offer interesting solutions and can really add to the design and use of the space.

How has the interior design industry changed over the span of your career?

I’ve been a designer for over 40 years, so I’ve seen the industry transform quite a bit. There is now much more regulation in the industry, requiring higher educational requirements, certifications and ongoing education. I welcome these changes because they ensure professionalism and accountability. Our clients and the general public recognize the expertise and value of registered interior designers.

What are the new trends are you seeing and what do you think about them?

The last few years hot desking has been very popular. I’m not a big fan of the trend as it’s often poorly executed – big open spaces with rows of desks. I think that people should be entitled to some form of privacy – at a minimum, panels to create some type of visual privacy and acoustic control. But I do love collaborative spaces that are now a big part of office culture. Overall, there needs to be a good balance between more private, quiet spaces where people can focus and work with minimal distractions, and community spaces to collaborate and socialize with your coworkers.

In your opinion, what is good design?

Good design is a process that results in an end product that meets or even exceeds the client’s requirements, both functionally and aesthetically, and achieves it all on schedule and budget.