INTERVIEW WITH KATHERINE POOLEY

it was fabulous to pause for a moment and feel appreciated for all that we do to introduce the best of British craftsmanship, manufacturing and artistry to the wider world. To be named a Great British Brand and leading British Interior Designer, specialising in luxurious projects, this year was then the cherry on the cake !” she added. Her eponymous Knightsbridge design studio was established over 15 years ago and continues to create unmatched luxury interior designs for the most discerning clients. Overseeing her team of 47 interior designers and architects, she immerses herself in every detail of her client s complex projects and thus ensures a loyal international client base for her impressive designs. An innate sense of adventure has defined Katharine s life and shaped her design philosophy. Katharine is an intrepid traveller and has visited more than 150 countries. However, what may come as a surprise is that she has summited many of the worlds highest mountains, driven a team of dogs on a sledge to the north pole, and crossed the Sahara on horseback, so one begins to form a picture of a tenacious and gutsy businesswoman & a truly original and adventurous interior designer. Katharine works tirelessly in her philanthropic pursuits. Notable recent campaigns have included partnering with The Childhood Trust to aid London ’ s disadvantaged children in their Decorate a Child s Life program. As a former banker and a world-travelling addict, Katharine Pooley is a certainty when it comes to creating the most sumptuous yet comfortable interiors where glamorous and exotic influences mix with each other. “ Each interior comes from a kaleidoscope of inspirations; from the natural world, fashion, architecture, art, but most of all from my travels. There are very few corners of the world I have not worked or travelled in now and it is an absolute joy to travel so much. I have always been inspired by my surroundings and my extensive travels are the seed of every design idea. ” Katharine told us.

“I love the variety of styles across every project and every client brief. For example in the next year, as well as the biggest Chateau in Cannes, we are also working on a truly extraordinary property new-build in Monaco, a collection of villas overlooking Hong Kong s Discovery Bay, a really exciting yacht, a contemporary and very luxurious redesign of a chalet in Zermatt, Switzerland and various other projects in London, the English countryside, as well as ongoing work Kuwait, Qatar and further a eld. It is a busy time but the variety of all the projects makes it incredibly rewarding and stimulating!”

Katharine Pooley s team is as diverse as their design services; well-travelled, trained and highly motivated to bring only the best to their clients. Whatever you can envisage, they can bring to life. “Invest in your team – no business is a success without a great team- Divide and conquer is my motto. e studio has grown over the years to be one of the biggest in Europe and they are an incredibly diverse, multicultural and talented team. I o en say to designers who are facing challenges on a project ‘I chose you, have faith. Remember I picked you for a reason. It helps remind them that I trust them and believe in them and that in turn motivates them to be the best designers they can be.”, she told us when asked about advice to the interior design world.

“My relationship with my clients is o en one of complete privacy. Many of them are public gures, Royalty or leading businessmen and woman and they prefer to live discreetly in their personal lives. I receive most commissions through private referrals and word of mouth, I have never advertised and I am not sure it is something I will ever be interested in. However,

I have enjoyed introducing projects, the design process and my life through social media, and Instagram in particular, it is inspiring to share insights, collaborate and connect personally with other designers and creatives.”

The designer is currently working on a new yacht s design, with a unique spirit and decoration. “It’s going to be elegant and chic and very luxurious, my Home Dressing team are ensuring that every accessory is considered and adds to the overall design.” she concluded.

“European cra smanship is still the best in the world, it balances artistry with a completely unique viewpoint and generations of inherited knowledge. e upholstery and cabinetry work in Britain is faultless, the tradition of glassmaking and crystal in Italy and the Czech Republic sublime and in France the creative usage of specialist nishes like straw marquetry, stingray and sculpted metals is unsurpassed. It’s an exciting time to be a designer, I nd myself surrounded by inspiration and inspiring makers and artists.”

Born into a world of design, Alessandro Munge quickly transcended his teenage sketches to become one of North America ’ s most soughtafter designers. Through his inquisitive nature and fundamental drive to provoke profound emotion, Alessandro has reshaped the preconceived notions of interior design for over 20 years. “ As a firstgeneration immigrant, I came from very humble beginnings and grew up fast. I never had much to lose, and that made me fearless. Creators need a voice. They have to be curious and brave; it takes courage to question the norm and bring forth uniqueness. ” – he stated. With an innovative point of view earning him over 150 international design awards, including Contract Magazine ’ s Designer of the Year Award and Interior Design s Hospitality Design Leader, Alessandro has inspired countless noteworthy projects worldwide, such as The William Vale in Brooklyn and Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Vancouver. Strengthening his ties to a host of top-tier hospitality brands and clients, Alessandro continues to establish himself as a multidisciplinary visionary through design architecture, landscaping and product design. His boundless passion for art, culture and travel, inspires his international team of over sixty to sculpt spaces into distinctive, signature experiences that reflect the essence and vibrancy of their inhabitants. “ Our responsibility is to give unique design solutions that are honest and relevant. No formula that will force us to do the same thing over and over because, in my world, I call that insanity. ” – said, Alessandro.

Asked about what he loves the most about his work, Alessandro Munge made it very clear. “ Although my love and passion have