Expert Profile
Experienced in hospitality design with major clients such as Hilton and InterContinental Hotel Group. Also experienced in residential and commercial design for new build developments and refurbishment projects.
Skills include concept development; feasibility studies; space planning; FF&E design; specification, data sheets and control book documentation; planning documentation; tender documentation through to working drawings; procurement; solid understanding and knowledge of Building Regulations
I have a strong passion and enthusiasm for design and creativity. I have worked as an interior designer for 7 years, prior to which I had 5 years of interior design education, and I understand my degree is equivalent to Part 1 Architecture. I have gained invaluable experience in both residential and commercial projects through a variety of different design proposals. My love of travel, architecture, and colour provide a blend of inspirations that continue to shape my designs, and coupled with my drive, ambition and experience, allow me to grow and develop as a designer.
Owner of ***** *****
Freelance Architectural Interior Designer 2009 - Present
Charles Leon Associates
Alastair Bell Design Limited
Senior Architectural Interior Designer August 2004 – January 2009
Bell Slater Limited
Projects ranged from £50k to £50million
Hospitality Sector – Hotels, bars & restaurants
Architectural Interior Designer
June 2003 – August 2004
The Banfield Stevens Partnership
Projects ranged from 20k to 1.5million
Predominantly residential - housing developments, conversions, extensions, with some smaller one-off commercial projects
Architectural Administrator Assistant January 2003 – June 2003
Aukett (now Aukett Fitzroy Robinson)
Architectural Interior Designer July 2002-November 2002
Mike Hooper Architects
Projects ranged from 5k to 750k
Barn conversions & holiday lets
Commercial buildings - offices and retail
Domestic dwelling extensions and new builds
BA (Hons) Interior Design/Architecture – attained 2002 Manchester Metropolitan University
Dissertation – ‘Post-war Housing in Britain: Successes, Failures & Solutions’
Third Year – Studio 1 ‘Sustainable Architecture & Portable Structures’
Studio 2 ‘Architectural Regeneration’
BTEC National Diploma in Interior Décor & Design – attained 1999 Plymouth College of Art & Design
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Telematics ~ Web Entrepreneur (1 year online study) – attained 2006
NCFE Jewellery (1 year part time) – attained 1999 Plymouth College of Art & Design
Hospitality Sector – Hotels, bars & restaurants
Developed the new brand concept ‘Hampton by Hilton’ for Hilton International, UK & Europe market
Hotel renovations & new build interior design projects for Intercontinental Hotel Group - Crowne Plaza; Holiday Inn & Holiday Inn Express
Knowledge of franchise agreements – Hilton Doubletree; Hilton Garden Inn; Hampton by Hilton; Staybridge Suites; Holiday Inn New Generation; Holiday Inn Express
Assistant Project Architect - worked closely liaising with Clients, Planners, Consultants, Contractors and Sub-Contractors for a new build hotel project
Good knowledge & understanding of Building Regulations
Responsible for other team members
Feasibility studies
Space planning
Produced tender documentation through to working drawings
FF&E design – data sheets & control books
Concept development & design boards
Procurement - obtaining quotations, arranging orders, inventorying
Independent hotel design
Work within budget constraints & timescales
Residential - housing developments, conversions, extensions
Perform site surveys & feasibility studies
Submit planning applications & liaise with planners
Arrange & attend client meetings / site visits
Produce initial sketches & working drawings
Furniture & fixture design