Our two newest team members are recent graduates in interior design and have both relocated from different cities to join us at Bernard Interiors. Cameron graduated from Northumbria University in 2019 and joins us as an interior designer. Miri has just finished completing an HND from the British Academy of Interior Design and has joined us as an FF&E designer. We asked Cameron and Miri to share a little more about their background and how they are settling into life at Bernard Interiors.
Cameron
Can you tell us a little bit about what you did before joining Bernard Interiors?
After graduating last summer I held internships for two high-end residential practices in London – both were really great experiences that I learned a lot from. Aside from that I was living back at home in rural Lincolnshire with my family and making the most of getting to see my dog every day!
How are you settling into studio life?
It’s great. I love coming into such a great studio space and it’s a really lovely team to be a part of, everyone has been so welcoming – it’s been a very seamless transition.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’ve just started working on a brand new private residential project. It’s fantastic to be able to start a project from the very beginning and be involved in the early design concept stages.
What has been your favourite part so far about your new role?
It’s been really nice to work collaboratively with the team. Everyone bounces ideas off of one another and there is a great energy and fun atmosphere in the studio.
Do you have a personal favourite design style, era or designer?
I love mid-century design. Joseph Dirand has a great way of combining elements of the mid-century with very classic architecture and interiors. The two styles come together to give a really elegant, timeless look.
Are you enjoying living in the north east?
Love it! After studying here for four years it feels as though I’ve come home. The perfect balance of city living whilst also having Northumberland on the doorstep.
Miri
Can you tell us a little bit about what you did before joining Bernard Interiors?
Before joining Bernard Interiors I was working as a Visual Merchandiser whilst studying for my HND in Interior Design. Balancing work, life and study was challenging, but I really enjoyed learning more to support my creative nature, putting what I love into practice through numerous residential and commercial projects.
My visual role taught me many things surrounding the placement of products within a retail store, so a little bit different to where I am now. It is great to transfer these skills though, using them alongside key design aspects, technical requirements, and my passion for interiors.
How are you settling into studio life?
I’m absolutely loving working in the studio. Having been stuck at home for months on end it feels great to be in such a creative space surrounded by creative people. I already feel like part of the furniture, the team have made me feel very welcome!
What are you working on at the moment?
I am currently working on a brand new care home project. Finalising fabrics and furniture is my main priority, before I move on to complete the client presentation, as well as detailed specifications so we deliver this project to its upmost potential. It is important here to be mindful of the end-use, with specific floors within the home for dementia and nursing. Fabrics need to be hard-wearing and easy to clean, yet still bring interest, texture and colour into each space.
What has been your favourite part so far about your new role?
I really love getting stuck in and seeing all the fabrics, working with physical samples makes a huge difference and there are so many beautiful ones. Playing around with different combinations to see what works best and bringing spaces to life with pattern and colour is most definitely my favourite part so far. It’s great to see the introduction of just one element, whether a trim in a contrasting colour, or a perfect cushion fabric, can bring so much more to a design.
Do you have a personal favourite design style, era or designer?
I’m obsessed with subtle pattern and lots of texture. My personal favourite style has to be something that’s timeless with a twist of earthy, natural tones and textures. I currently love Amber Lewis (Amber Interiors) and Athena Calderone (Eyeswoon)
Are you enjoying living in the north east?
I love the North East. Originally from Chester and having lived in Manchester for a number of years, Newcastle really does feel like home. I am surrounded by lovely people and very lucky to have such beautiful scenery on my doorstep. I can’t wait to find a house to make our own, and to host our friends and family from both near and far!
