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The Bernard Interiors style is born from our clients’ vision. Our role is to facilitate our clients’ business aspirations or end-users dream lifestyle and our goal is simple: to exceed their expectations.
ABOUT US
Founded in 2008 by visionary designer Jen Bernard, Bernard Interiors is a leading, award-winning interior architecture and design studio, renowned for its expertise in luxury residences, later living, and healthcare environments. With a strong presence in both the North East and London, we deliver exceptional design solutions across the UK and internationally, creating spaces that inspire and elevate.
At Bernard Interiors, we believe that design is more than just aesthetics – it’s about building trust and relationships with our clients and delivering bespoke solutions that are as functional as they are beautiful. With a deep commitment to collaboration, we tailor every project to our clients’ unique vision, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and the highest standard of craftsmanship.
From full-service turnkey solutions and architectural interior design to consultancy and procurement services, we are proud to offer a comprehensive suite of services to a diverse range of sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, and luxury living. With a focus on delivering results that exceed expectations, we work tirelessly to turn each project into a seamless, inspiring, and lasting space.
We are trusted for our expertise, integrity, and unwavering commitment to quality – supported by £10 million in Professional Indemnity Insurance and a reputation for sound business decisions built on years of experience. At Bernard Interiors, we don’t just design spaces; we craft environments that stand the test of time and deliver a return on your investment.
We are a dedicated team of creative professionals with a commercial edge, committed to delivering exceptional value and positive change for our clients. As your trusted partner, we bring confidence, warmth, and attention to every detail to every project.
The bernard interiors team
Jen bernard
Jen has worked in the architecture and interior design industry since graduating from Edinburgh College of Art in interior architecture. She founded Bernard Interiors in 2008 and has earned an enviable reputation for designing exceptional interiors with a tailored approach. Jen’s ability to put clients at ease, along with her infectious energy, creativity and effortless attention to detail are the driving force behind the success of Bernard Interiors.
“My team inspire me daily, we challenge each other which helps to drive us all.”
Managing Director
Lisa Mackie
Lisa studied interior design at Glasgow School of Art. She has experience of major commercial projects across a wide variety of sectors from retirement to hospitality, including environments for dementia care and high end residential. Prior to joining Bernard Interiors Lisa designed and project managed the UK refurbishment programme of an international hotel group. She plans the design team’s workload to ensure consistent delivery, on time and on budget.
“The creative energy in the office is contagious, with great team spirit and collaborative working.”
Design Director
Oliver Holmes
After graduating with a Masters degree in Global Management from university in Arizona, Oliver has spent the last 10 years working in Banking Operations, including time spent at Deutsche Bank. Oliver oversees all operational aspects at Bernard Interiors, developing strategies and working closely with the wider Senior Management team.
“Bernard interiors is a talented, driven and fun-loving team.”
Operations Director
Kathryn Mason
Kathryn graduated from Northumbria University in interior design and interior architecture in 2010. Her career began at an architectural practice on a number of projects which received national and international recognition. Kathryn has experience across a wide range of sectors including working for IHG, Hotel Collection and Marriott. She loves to see her design vision come to life and how people react and interact in the space.
“We are a like-minded team although each of us has a different background, and we challenge each other to achieve the best outcome.”
Associate
Julia forster-smith
Julia graduated in interior architecture from Leeds College of Art. Her passion is working with historic buildings. Julia's experience prior to joining Bernard Interiors includes designing for boutique hotels and healthcare with the UK-wide rollout of a scheme for a private cancer treatment provider. Seeing the delight of clients and end users at the end of a project is what she finds most satisfying.
“I love the team spirit at Bernard Interiors. Everyone is excited to be part of a successful growing business.”
Associate
Cameron deakin
Cameron graduated from Northumbria university in 2019 with a degree in Interior Design. Since graduating he has held a number of internships for prestigious practices in London including Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam and Helen Green Design. Cameron has a strong interest in traditional and contemporary interiors to help inspire design ideas.
“With a fresh approach to interiors, Bernard Interiors is a very exciting company to work for. It’s great to be part of such a creative team.”
Designer
Elizabeth Clarke
Lizzie graduated from Northumbria University in 2018 with a degree in Interior Architecture, where she won the National Heritage Adaptation Award from the National Trust for her final project. After graduating, Lizzie moved to London for two years and worked for a practice specialising in high end residential interior design, working on projects ranging from mansions to palaces throughout London and the Middle East. Lizzie is a great problem solver and loves that no day is ever the same.
“It’s fantastic to be part of such a supportive and hands-on team like Bernard Interiors.”
Interior Architectural Designer
Celine Santiago
Celine graduated from Kingston University in 2019 with a degree in Interior Design. Since graduating, she has worked within the Regeneration Team of Sunderland City Council on various schemes, most notably the Guisborough Town Hall Gateway Project where she developed designs for a mixed-use development of the Grade II Listed building. Celine particularly enjoys the early design stages of a project, creating concepts and developing initial ideas.
“I learn something new every day which is very exciting. It’s great to be surrounded by such a talented and friendly team.”
Designer
Emilie Crowther
Emilie recently graduated from Northumbria University with a degree in Interior Architecture where she developed a passion for heritage buildings and designs that are sympathetic to the history of the existing building.
“I am enjoying learning new things and seeing the projects come to life. It is so inspiring to be surrounded by such a talented and supportive team at Bernard Interiors”
Graduate Interior Designer
Will Grieve
Will graduated in 2021 with a first class degree in Interior Architecture from Northumbria University. During his studies, Will was shortlisted for two Interior Educators awards as well as gaining work experience at a number of architectural practices in Nottingham. Will enjoys sketching out floor plans and spaces to make them as user friendly and aesthetically pleasing as possible.
“I love problem solving in existing interiors, transforming them into amazing spaces and working with such a great team!”
Interior Architectural Designer
Miriam Peers
Miriam graduated with a fashion and textiles degree from Manchester University in 2015. She has since been working on her career path into interior design, spending her time completing a HND. Developing a spaces true potential and seeing a clients reaction when a concept comes to life is what Miriam loves about design.
“It feels great to be part of an easy-going yet hardworking team at Bernard Interiors. Creativity is in everything that we do.”
FF&E Designer
Kyra Gibbs
Kyra graduated in 2020 with a first-class degree In Interior and Spatial design from Newcastle College University Centre. Whilst studying she gained experience working on various live projects including homes, bars and theatres. She joins us from a Danish furniture company.
“It’s inspiring being able to collaborate with such a talented and passionate team.”
FF&E Designer
Emily Hannant
Emily studied art and design at university before moving into finance and sales within the construction industry. With over six years experience in this field, she is an adept problem solver and excellent at developing and maintaining supplier relationships. Her creative background combined with her love of interiors brings a keen eye for detail to the role.
“I love being part of a team who are so passionate about design. Ideas become reality and it’s so satisfying to know that every person in the company contributes to that same goal/end result.”
Purchasing Coordinator
Hayley Proctor
Hayley joined the team in 2016 having previously worked in purchasing in the engineering sector. She has a degree in logistics and supply chain management from Northumbria University and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply. As each project is bespoke Hayley’s role is varied, involving contact with a wide range of different suppliers worldwide.
“I love how the whole team works together to take projects through to completion. Seeing the amazing interiors we produce makes all of the hard work worth it.”
Purchasing Coordinator
John Willmore
John has over 35 years experience working in the interior design, fit-out and architectural sectors as both a designer and a project manager.
“I love resolving the practicalities within a project,enabling a great design to happen.”
Technical Consultant
Claire Ackworth
After graduating from Teesside University with a degree in Interior Design, Claire spent 11 years working on high-end residential projects in London and the Home Counties before relocating back to the North East. Highlights include re-designing the main bathroom for the Chief Executive of Grosvenor Estates and the design and project management of a 12 apartment multi-plot development for Selfridges Group. Claire loves capturing a clients brief and bringing it to reality, seeing ideas form and evolve from paper to completion.
“It is a real pleasure to work with such a creative and friendly team.”
Design Consultant
our history
A brief journey through the history of Bernard Interiors from our inception in 2008 to now.
Accreditations And Affiliations
We hold a number of prestigious accreditations, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and professionalism.
We are a BIID registered design practice as well as an SBID member. In July 2020, we also became affiliated to ARCO, the main body representing the retirement community sector in the UK. In addition to these accreditations and affiliations, we also hold strong links with Northumbria University and the National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA).
Accreditations
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Photography © Bernard Interiors