Name: Lori Pinkerton-Rolet
Company: Park Grove Design Ltd.
Position within company: Director
Website: www.parkgrove.co.uk

. Tell us a little about your background in design

I studied at The Inchbald School and also at what was then referred to as Chelsea College of Art and Design, now part of University of the Arts London. I’m a Past President of the British Institute of Interior Design and have been a Director at Park Grove Design since 1993. We specialise in Unique Boutique Interiors for the hotel sector and also in raising the design criteria for the built environment for the ageing population.

. How would you describe your personal design style?

My style is eclectic. I’d need to own at least nine properties to fully satisfy my design interests, but I suppose that’s why I design in the first place.

. Where does your design inspiration come from?

Always from the building and its setting combined with the specific criteria our client is trying to achieve. We then add in the little ‘extras’ which make the environment entirely unique.

. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

Design is getting more experimental which is terrific. The bold mixing of periods and even colour creates wholly unique environments for end users to experience.

. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2014 and beyond.

1)Interactive surfacing materials
2)Inclusive Design criteria across all sectors
3)Implementation of advanced research in colour theory
4)Sustainability and re-use of materials
5)Communal resource hubs

. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?

The continual absorption of new concepts and ideas is essential. You must constantly move forward.

. How important are The International Hotel and Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

The IH & P Awards serve as a focal point for design excellence in this important and expanding sector. The awards serve as an acknowledgement of the value added by great design.

. What projects are you currently working on?

Hotels in the South West (love Devon and Cornwall), and a second project for The Royal Star & Garter.

. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

I’d really like to move into new offices with additional storage facilities this year. Also I’d like to be further down the road on my Doctoral proposal which is related to resident choice within the care home sector.

. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession? My late mother-in-law’s engagement ring.
Your favourite holiday destination? Japan. In particular the Japanese ‘alps’
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar? The Queensbury Hotel and its restaurant are a favourite.
Your favourite book / film / song? ‘Oryx and Crake’ by Margret Attwood was astounding. Favourite films are tied between the melancholy ‘The Piano’ and uplifting, ‘The Wizard of Oz’. Too many songs vie for favourites!
Your favourite food and drink? Chocolate is it’s own food group. Best with red wine.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? Walking on the South Downs with my husband and communing with the wildlife.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? Farmer with a dairy smallholding.
Anything else interesting? I used to produce and direct The Grammy Awards® for international radio. Among my favourite person I met during those years was Liberace—so I’m afraid to see the film for fear it may change my memories.