Name: Susan White
Company: Iggi Interior Design
Position within company: Founder
Website: iggi.co.uk

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
With a BA (Hons) in Interior Design, Susan has become a first choice for projects ranging from extensions and conversions through to the complete refurbishment of listed properties.

How would you describe your personal interior design style?
At Iggi, we work with clients who have strong opinions about design, this mirrors my own personal style statement. I believe in being bold and pushing the limits, but of course very edited and well thought out. Fashion and art are what inspires us the most.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
It’s inspired by a culture and group of people who live with the most incredible fashion and art in their lives. We are very inspired by this and create beautiful interiors that showcase our client’s lifestyle.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Design is definitely becoming more personal and clients are asking for spaces that are more relaxed and less formal. Our homes are becoming very technologically advanced but this is being incorporated seamlessly into the space so you don’t even realise it’s there.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2017 and beyond.
I think that the following elements are really being thought about and being used in new ways:
Spatial awareness – zoning areas is so key, but we are now thinking about modern lifestyles, so making sure that there is a zen zone or a space to relax in.

Texture – thinking about how you use texture on all the surfaces, floors, walls, furniture and how they work together in a space.

Splash of colour – browsing through a client’s wardrobe often gives you a very good idea of what their favourite colour is, we then like to use this as an accent.

Artwork – personalize your home with art that inspires you.

Lighting – this is an art form on its own.  It can make or break an area.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
Have an elephant’s memory – Listen to all requested needs from the clients to contracts – be flexible & always happy to help.

How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
These awards are very important to all the stakeholders in this industry, to design firms as a formal way of recognition of the hard work we put into projects, to the industry as a whole to show other design firms what is happening and lastly to clients, so they can work with the best.

What projects are you currently working on?
Hotel in Scotland, numerous London Penthouses & rebuild of a private dwelling in Hampstead

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
In the current economic climate, which has seen many interior design companies fall by the wayside, Susan’s practice is going from strength to strength. There are many reasons for this, but her main focus is an integrity that is consistent amongst clients, suppliers and employees.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

You’re most treasured possession?

Your favourite holiday destination?
At the moment India – but looking forward to travelling around China 2018

Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
Hotel Taj Palace Hotel Mumbai, India restaurant Geranium Copenhagen – (I don’t do bars) favourite chef Marcus Wareing

Your favourite book / film / song?
Song ‘More than words’ Extreme

Your favourite food and drink?
Food I don’t have a favourite, being a foodie I travel the world looking for new experiences/tastes Drink YUZU LEMONADE from Stick n sushi restaurant

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Picnic in my woodland with family & friends

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Archaeologist

Anything else interesting?
Being on the board of Cancer charities – including Holiday House bring awareness to Breast Cancer, Launch November 2017