We talk to Claudia Handel about her role as design director for Heronslea Group, and the career path that has taken her there.
Claudia, please tell us a little about yourself and how you first got involved in interior design.
I am London born and bred, married with two young children. I didn’t have a direct path into interiors. I found an interest in sculptural 3D design, which I discovered on my Art Foundation course, this developed further into interior architecture, which I studied at university, this in turn led to a passion for interiors. While I was studying for my degree, I was fortunate enough to get a placement, which turned into a job offer.
This was at an architects firm in Fulham, where I spent three years working on prestigious commercial buildings, including two years onsite on the renovation of the UK Supreme Court opposite Big Ben. I wanted to go into residential though and move away from commercial, so I decided to start my own company working for high-end residential developers and designers, one of my clients was Heronslea. After a few years I was offered a full-time role at Heronslea growing the interior design department, where I have now been for ten years.
What duties does your in-house role at Heronslea involve?
My role includes reviewing interior spatial layouts for new developments, providing lighting and electrical designs to the M&E consultants, designing kitchen and bathroom layouts and specifications for tender. Designing bespoke architectural details such as architraves/skirting, doors, wardrobes and ceiling details. Designing, specifying and organising the fit outs for show homes. Working with private clients that have bought a Heronslea home from planning to completion of their new homes. I also keep up to date with the latest trends look for new and unique finishes and products to help with the build while finding new suppliers worldwide. I attend several shows a year to gain inspiration, such as Milan’s Salone del Mobile in April, Decorex in London in September, and Maison&Objet in Paris in January.
What qualifications and work experience have been key to your career progress?
I took A levels, an Art foundation course and got a BA Hons Interior Architecture degree. I worked at central London architects on site for three years and now work in-house with interior designers on high-end residential interior design
Are there fundamental differences between in-house and agency work in the new homes sector?
Definitely, with an in-house role you have more flexibility and the freedom to have more input into a design. You are part of team and have a lot more insight in to the build process. You work directly with the project managers and can tailor homes and oversee the process from planning to completion – designs can be completely bespoke to client’s requirements. Much higher quality is achieved with in-house designers rather than outsourced, as we are working with suppliers directly rather than looking at the profit margins being made.
What do you find most rewarding about working in interior design?
I love the creativity and the journey of making someone’s dream come true seeing how important it is to them and how it can enrich their lives. You need to really get to understand what they want so great relationships are built. And the achievement of when you see it all finished is amazing, watching a design go from a 2D bespoke drawing to being installed on site.
Is there one project that gives you the most pride and satisfaction?
Yes, a show home which was then sold on to a Premier League football player at The Residence in Hadley Wood.
Are there personal qualities essential to being a successful interior designer?
You need to be an ‘all-rounder’, not just a ‘creative’ as you need to be conscious of the business aspect and being able to stick to a budget and also able to connect with not only your suppliers, however also your colleagues in the office and most importantly to your clients.
Has progress in technology had a big effect on interior design roles, and is it likely to over the coming years?
Yes, being able to explain designs through images on social media or through the design packages such as AutoCAD and 3D images all aid the design process.
What are your career ambitions?
I would love to build the interior design team even further to allow us to provide interior design services to all of the build projects that we are taking on, both residential and commercial.
Do you have advice for budding interior designers about working in the new build homes sector?
Work experience in an office and on site is key to gain an insight to the design process.
