I’m very proud to be VEGANDESIGN.ORG CERTIFIED™.  This is a pretty big deal for me. It’s really exciting to be recognised as ‘Designer of the Month’ especially as it’s based in the US with a network globally.

It’s been Veganuary and veganism is the hot topic.  It’s so good we are really thinking about what we consume or buy.  You don’t have to be vegan to make your home or business cruelty free. There’s such easy choices you can make that don’t involve animal suffering.

I’m the first interior designer in the UK to be VEGANDESIGN.ORG CERTIFIED™

I thought I had a good understanding of what went on as we had to scrutinise every material used in the store design when I was a designer for The Body Shop International.  Sadly there was lots I didn’t know.  I was horrified to learn about live plucking, the cruelty of the wool industry and the horror of the leather industry for the tannery workers as well as the animals (notice I’m not saying cows) that are skinned.

I’ve been an interior designer for over 20 years and am constantly researching and sourcing better choices for my clients. They are usually better performing too.  I’m been subconsciously delivering vegan interiors for years but I’m really wanting to seek out more for clients and include as many ethically sourced and eco-friendly elements as I can.  It’s a passion.  I really love to research and learn.

Well you’ve obviously already have seen it because you’re here – but I’ve just updated the website after some terrific advice from my friend and mentor LuAnn Nigara.

Although I love all sectors of interior design, my The Body Shop background naturally led me to the commercial interior design sector which I really enjoy.  I think I find it more challenging – having the extra layer of safety in the specifications used and I really do like to design a shopfront and work with a graphic designer on it’s signage (Dan Hinde, Stoats & Weasels, Star Deluxe to name but a few!).  I’ve recently been working with the very talented Alex Borg on a (secret) project and I thought as I’ve been in business for 12 years it’d be good to mark it with a lovely new logo designed by him.  I hope you like it!

LuAnn encouraged me to show large photos of projects instantly, as soon as someone reaches the site – and she said to show the project type I love the most. Which I have to say are ‘eateries’.  Not just restaurants but cafes, refectories, lounges and pubs as well.  One day I’d really love to combine my two favourites: ethical sourcing and an eatery project.  You never know – it might happen!