Interior Architecture Graduates, Part 5

WILL SALTER (graduated 2015)

Senior Lighting Designer, Nulty Lighting

It was whilst researching a case study on a gallery at the Science Museum for my design report for my degree, that I discovered the field of Architectural Lighting, and as I had a background in stage lighting it was an ideal blend of my experience and studies.

There are two key elements to lighting design; the first is to enhance the architecture and interiors whilst supporting the proposed narrative. The second is the technical perspective to ensure the correct light levels are achieved on different surfaces and adhering to recommended guidelines.
 
After graduating I joined DHA Designs, a studio who focus on the Museum and Heritage sector. They also designed the lighting scheme for the Wellcome Wing gallery that I did my case study on! During my time at DHA Designs I was lucky enough to work on some incredible exhibitions at major London Museums such as the V&A, British Museum, and the National Gallery, as well as architectural projects such as Westminster Abbey, Hintze Hall (Science Museum) and Encore Boston Harbour Casino.
 
I’m currently working as a Senior Designer at Nulty Lighting who predominantly work on Hospitality and Retail projects. A strong narrative and concept are required on these projects, where breaking down the different layers of light (ambient, accent and feature) and analysing how they complement the visitor experience is very important.
 
Working as a Lighting Designer I have been able to work with some incredible designers such as Es Devlin, Casson Mann, David Adjaye and Foster + Partners. Having studied Interior Architecture and Design made the process of working with these studios much smoother.
 
Lighting Designers are required on projects as frequently as Interior Designers and Architects. I would highly recommend that students gain a basic understanding of the principles of lighting so that they are better equipped for the design process once in the industry.

JADE KERSHAW (graduated 2014)

Interior Designer, 5plus architects - Manchester

After gaining some experience working in Interiors in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia, I joined 5plus architects in 2018. I have worked in a variety of sectors from workplace and education to Private Rented Sector (PRS) residential schemes. 

During the pandemic I was heavily involved in the design and delivery of the new BASF UK headquarters in Stockport Exchange which completed at the end of 2020. We worked closely with the client to create a personal office space, building a new linking stair between the two floors, and researching into the interior finishes, which contain BASF raw materials to showcase BASF products. 

I am currently working alongside our London studio on an office roll out scheme for NHS Property Services where the largest hub to date completed in London in February 2022. 

EMILY EASON (graduated 2012)

Senior Interior Designer, Jamie Fobert Architects Ltd - London

I have worked for both small and large practices gaining experience designing high-end private houses, residential developments, retail, and office spaces.

I joined Jamie Fobert Architects in 2017 where I now primarily focus on private houses and retail design. I thoroughly enjoy the diversity of the two disciplines. Private homes tend to demand a more sensitive approach while retail often offers the opportunity to be playful and experimental.

I am currently working on an extension and renovation to a Grade II listed studio and home in London.

ABI SPEAR (graduated 2011)

Co-Founder and Principal, Design Object - USA

After graduating university in 2011 and working on small scale corporate projects for 2 years, I moved to London to work for BAM design and worked on multiple projects in the Kings Cross development including Heatherwick’s Coal Drops Yard.

From London, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee and started working for Hastings Architecture where I continued to work on corporate Interior Architecture projects for clients such as Microsoft and Siemens. In January of 2022 I left Hastings and set up my own practice named Design Object.

MARTIN DOURISH (graduated 2006)

Co-Founder and Director, Project: ff&e - Manchester

With over 15 years’ worth of experience working within award winning architectural and interior design practices in both London and Manchester across multiple sectors, my experience has seen me work on everything from new build high rise developments to complex restoration projects. 

After graduating from Leeds in 2006, I moved into professional practice to join London based practice Claridge Architects. In my time there I oversaw the design and delivery of over 40 projects within the luxury residential, commercial and hotel sectors.

Key projects included design and delivery of a Code Level 4 Eco housing scheme in South London, the conversion of a Grade 2* listed former hunting lodge into a 4*+ Boutique hotel in the Cotswolds, along with the design development for 2 new build hotel projects, which included a boutique 60-bedroom hotel in central Birmingham and 4* 204-bedroom hotel in East London. 

In my time at the practice, we saw it grow from a staff of 7, to over 25 during which the practice was short-listed for BD’s young architectural practice of the year in three consecutive years. This small-scale design focused practice allowed me to gain first-hand experience across multiple RIBA Stages and allowed me to develop from a graduate to a team lead.

After 6 years spent in London, I moved to Manchester to work for Ollier Smurthwaite Architects. During my time with the practice, it grew from 4 to 20+ staff. I was responsible for the design and delivery of several MSA and RIBA award winning projects, most notably the restoration and conversion of the Grade 2 listed Trinity Church in Bowdon Cheshire, which received the Architect’s Journal Retrofit award in the award in the category for projects under £5 million.

In February 2018 I was approached by award winning Interior Designer, author and broadcaster, Naomi Cleaver, to set up and manage her Northern Studio. In my time there I managed a small team and oversaw the design and delivery of Moda Livings Built to Rent scheme ‘Angel Gardens’, along with their second site ‘The Lexington’ in Liverpool and third site ‘The Mercian’ in Birmingham, with a combined construction value of over £300 million. The Angel Gardens project won development of year at the 2020 Resi Awards and my work on the ‘The Calico’, a 700-unit student housing scheme in Liverpool won the ‘Best student learning environment’ at the Global Student Living Awards 2021.

In late 2021 I made the decision to launch my own Interior Design Studio. In a short space of time the studio’s work has gained a reputation for telling a story through sensitivity to context and place, a consideration of form, materiality and craft and an understanding of the quality and simplicity of spaces and objects that are well considered and well made. We have some exciting projects lined up for the year ahead in the BTR, PBSA, Co-Living and Co-Working sectors working with some incredible forward-thinking collaborators and clients, I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my career.