Name: CLARE PASCOE
Company: PASCOE INTERIORS LTD
Position within company: DESIGNER / DIRECTOR
Website: WWW.PASCOEINTERIORS.COM
. Tell us a little about your background in design
After graduating from Plymouth university with a BSc Honours degree in Design Technology & Business, from the engineering faculty, I spent two years as Marketing Executive for breakthrough City ISP Businessnet. A period of Travel was followed by a position as a trainee Assistant Brand Manager on the Rimmel & Cutex brands with London cosmetics giant Coty. Realising my passion lay with interior design I went on to study at the prestigious KLC School of Design in Chelsea, adding their specialist training to my Engineering Design Degree, giving me a wide ranging core of relevant training to take into working practice. I spent 8-months working as Assistant to Swedish style interior designer Sasha Waddell, before an opportunity in 2000 arose for me to take on a private client of my own, at which point I established my London based interior design firm Molten UK Ltd. 2009 saw the business move to West Sussex, where it was re-borne as Pascoe Interiors Ltd, from where we manage projects extending from the South Coast, to Norfolk, London & the Cotswolds today.
. How would you describe your personal interior design style?
I have my own distinct interior style, for which I have coined the style description of ‘Mid Century Contemporary’. Pascoe Interiors Ltd is the only firm specialising in this niche style
. Where does your design inspiration come from?
A long standing, personal love of mid century furniture & design; combined with a love of Nordic palettes and contemporary Scandinavian design; blended with a personal and professional desire to source and incorporate products from the Best of British designer makers and suppliers.
. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Interior design is not simply the aesthetic icing on the cake of a project, it is a key element to a new build, extension or refurbishment project to ensure the property meets requirements today while being future proofed to last.
More and more clients and architects are seeing the benefits of having an interior designer on board. For a home owner, we can exceed expectation by positively pushing the boundaries of, & bringing to life, their visions while using our trade buying status to make their budget go further. For architects, we are able to plan the interior to meet the lifestyle requirements of the Clients before the build dimensions are agreed; and we work with the Clients to agree final finishes at an early stage, so that the Architect has swift access to signed off decisions ahead of the contractors’ requirements.
. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2015 and beyond.
1. Sustainability in design. Over and above the use of FairTrade™ or Eco products, continually question whether products & purchases will benefit the clients for the long term.
2. Avoid short term / quick fixes because of current budget restrictions; instead consider a long game approach that will ensure your Clients get true long term value & benefit
3. Buy British – support our emerging and long standing home grown talent, to nurture and preserve British skills.
4. Space planning & detailed cost analysis – encourage clients to invest in these key early stages, and resist the pressure to fast track a project. Taking time to plan in detail will save the clients potential overspend or heart ache further down the line.
5. Enjoy every stage of the process, and take your clients on an enjoyable journey with you; and promote mutual support between all traders and specialists to create a harmonious project from concept to completion.
. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
My boss at City ISP BusinessNet told me “You have two ears and one mouth – use them in that ratio”. This is sound advice for all aspects of life!
. How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
All independent recognition is of vital importance to Interior designers, as it provides potential clients with an unbiased endorsement of our work, helping them to choose the best interior designer to work on their project. The International Design & Architecture Awards is of particular importance, not only because of it’s high ranking reputation, but because it recognises Interior Designers & Architects on a level platform.
. What projects are you currently working on?
A previous clients second home in Norfolk
A previous clients principal home in London
A Grade II listed property in the Cotswolds
An international family’s coastal British home in West Sussex
Supplying & designing kitchens using a range we exclusively import from Italy
. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To remain busy and to continue to exceed clients expectations
. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession?
A diamond heart pendant from my late Granny & an oil painting of Dorset cliffs from my late Grandfather.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Kalkan in Turkey is great for a family week away or taking off on family camping adventures.
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
Our local village pub – The Gribble Inn, or the wonderfully positioned – Crown & Anchor pub on the coast in Chichester.
Your favourite book / film / song?
Any Harry Hole novel by Jo Nesbo, or Nordic crime drama.
Your favourite food and drink?
A good mojito with friends to wash down a bucket of prawns or white bait in the sun.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Work life is so busy that I love nothing more than spending lazy sunny days with family and friends – be that at home or abroad. I could while away endless hours with the people I love.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Either an Architect, or to follow in my mother’s footsteps, a Chef.