The architectural design and delivery expertise at Bernard Interiors continues to strengthen with the addition of two new team members; Will Grieve and Connor Newton. Will joined us in July as a graduate interior architectural designer fresh out of University and Connor joins us as an architectural technologist with 8 years industry experience. We asked Will and Connor to share a little more about their design backgrounds, how they are settling in and what they get up to outside of work.
Will
What were you doing before joining Bernard Interiors?
I had just finished studying Interior Architecture at Northumbria University and working part time at Hollister in Newcastle city centre before joining Bernard Interiors, so this is my first full time job!
What was your university highlight?
My University highlight was definitely a study trip to Prague and Vienna. It was amazing seeing all the beautiful architecture and experiencing the rich history of the two cities. We went just before the pandemic so we were very lucky!
How are you settling into studio life at Bernard Interiors?
I’m settling in really well. Everybody is so lovely, and we all work so well together as a team. If you ever get stuck and need a bit of help with something there is always somebody to help you.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m working on a quite a few projects at the moment but the main one is a new café brand with the first site being in Essex. The scheme focuses heavily on sustainability so we are reusing lots of existing furniture and materials. It’s really coming along really well and is quite different to anything Bernard Interiors has designed previously so it’s very exciting to be involved with this one.
What is your favourite part of the design process?
My favourite part of the design process is definitely right at the beginning when you get introduced to the brief. My mind goes wild with concepts. I find it so much fun sketching out block plans, floor plans and starting to pull mood boards and concepts together.
Who inspires you in the design world?
I couldn’t pin it down to just one person, however I’ve always loved the Bauhaus movement, Mies van der Rohe and Mid-Century design – I’m really happy that these trends are re-emerging.
What do you get up to outside of work?
Outside of work I love travelling and exploring new places. I’ve recently come back from a trip to Iceland which was amazing. One of my life goals is to visit 100 countries – I’m currently only on 19!
Connor
What were you doing before joining Bernard Interiors?
For the last 8 years I had been working as an Architectural Technologist for a practice based in the north-east, developing tender & construction information for a diverse range of projects from specialist care to residential projects throughout the UK and overseas.
What has been your career highlight to date?
A bespoke high-end residence I designed within the Wynyard Hall Estate. I worked closely with the client from inception to completion, providing a key link between design consultants and the site team to ensure the project was successfully delivered and design intent was maintained throughout. The clients were overwhelmed with the result – it was very rewarding to see the client enjoying the architecture that I had designed.
How are you settling into studio life at Bernard Interiors?
It has been brilliant; everyone has been very friendly and welcoming, making me feel at home immediately!
What are you working on at the moment?
The refurbishment of an existing development in Chelmsford that will serve as a new generation of stylish care homes. I’m also getting involved with a new high-end residential project.
What is your favourite part of the design process?
I enjoy the initial concept stage, listening to the client, researching and translating ideas into reality. However, above all else the fine detailing and craftsmanship involved in the construction of a project has to be my favourite and most rewarding part of the whole design process.
Who inspires you in the design world?
The architect who influenced me most is John Pawson. His minimalist style and focus on ways of approaching fundamental problems of space, proportion, light and materials despite the scale and building typology really inspires my design approach, detailing and thought process.
What do you get up to outside of work?
I can usually be found out and about on a walk with my dog either at the coast or in the countryside. I also enjoy going to indie gigs and visiting new bars and restaurants in the northeast, especially in and around the Ouseburn area.
