The Bernard Interiors design team continues to strengthen with the addition of two new Interior Architectural Designers. Vicky Stewart (pictured left) joins as Lead Interior Architectural Designer and Lizzie Clarke (pictured right) as Junior Interior Architectural Designer. Both hold degrees in Interior Architecture from Northumbria University and have spent time working in London on high-end, luxury projects. We asked Vicky and Lizzie to share a little more about their design background and how they are settling in so far…
Vicky Stewart
What were you doing before joining Bernard Interiors?
I was working as a Senior Design Consultant for a number of high-end hospitality brands based in London, creating concepts and tender packs for Private Members Clubs based in Mayfair, London & St Andrews Square, Edinburgh.
What brings you back to the north east?
I studied Interior Architecture at Northumbria University and fell in love with Newcastle. It’s a great city with a rich culture of art & design. There’s always amazing independent clothing brands and food concepts to discover. I was very sad to leave for London after graduating and have been trying to find my way back to the North East ever since.
What has been your career highlight to date?
Working on the refurbishment of The Gleneagles Hotel in Perth, Scotland. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of the design history of a world renowned Hotel and to bring back the spirit of the estate. Notable projects included The Retail Arcade, The Birnam Brasserie, The Garden Café, The Ballroom, Billiard & Terrace rooms & Ochil House, an award-winning meeting & events space.
How are you settling into studio life at Bernard Interiors?
I’m really enjoying it so far! The team have been so welcoming and friendly, I feel at home here already.
What are you working on at the moment?
The development of a historic estate in Solihull which includes new build residential apartments, nursing and care facilities and the refurbishment of a listed mansion.
What do you find most rewarding about working in interior architecture?
There’s nothing better than fulfilling and exceeding a client’s expectations by creating beautiful, design led spaces and experiences. I love being on site and seeing the vision come to life. It’s so rewarding working with historic and listed buildings, sensitively bringing them back to their glory days for people to enjoy.
Who inspires you in the design world?
I’m a huge fan of interior architect & designer Alidad – he works on some incredible projects from new builds in sympathetic period styles to the refurbishment of stately homes and mansions. My top Interior Instagram follows at the moment are Lorenzo Castillo, Studio Laloc & Julien Devergnies of Percaline.
What do you get up to outside of work?
I can usually be found out and about on a walk with my dogs either at the coast or across some fields. A favourite weekend activity of mine is exploring a National Trust site, enjoying the grounds followed by tea & cake!
Lizzie Clarke
What were you doing before joining Bernard Interiors?
I was living a very fast-paced life in South West London working for a design practice specialising in high-end residential interiors. Day to day I would be travelling across London to different sites to meet clients, suppliers or site teams.
What brings you back to the north east?
I always had in my mind that I would move back up to Newcastle – it’s always felt like a home from home. There aren’t many places in the country where you get stunning beaches and great city life within 10 miles of each other!
What has been your career highlight to date?
The first project I ever completed. I was part of the project from the very beginning, working closely with the clients right through to installation. The clients were so happy with the end result – it’s so rewarding and makes the hard work all worth it!
How are you settling into studio life at Bernard Interiors?
Fabulous, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else! Everyone is so friendly and invests time into making sure you’re settled in.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’ve been assisting on various commercial projects and I’m just about to start work on two new high-end residential projects.
What do you find most rewarding about working in interior architecture?
Working on a project from start to finish and then seeing the end result is extremely rewarding. I like to describe the process as a jigsaw puzzle – it takes hard work, concentration and lots of problem solving. It’s such a wonderful feeling when all of the pieces finally fit together!
Who inspires you in the design world?
The architect who really influenced my design perception is Mies Van der Rohe, his exceptional attention to detail and presentation is something that I will carry with me throughout my career. As a designer you become very observational, curiously looking at details anywhere and everywhere!
What do you get up to outside of work?
When I lived in London I would often visit galleries and go to design festivals so I’m really looking forward to exploring the design scene in Newcastle and seeing how it’s moved on since I last lived here. I’m originally from the East Midlands so it’s always nice heading back there to visit friends and family too.
