Meet the Founder of SPEAK
Hi and welcome to SPEAK interior design. We hope our blog provides you with interesting and inspirational content. This blog features an interview with Lisa Crombleholme the founder of SPEAK with questions centred around the interior design profession, what the future of sustainable interior design looks like and what value an interior designer brings to a project.
Q: How did you know you wanted to work in interior design?
Lisa: Design is my passion!
I love to speak, touch, listen, engage and inspire with people. Hearing the stories, vision and design ideas behind the projects is what inspires me most and incorporating the personal details and expressions of these stories is what delights me and makes people engage with them. Recently a client wanted to incorporate into an office design an element of what her daughter wanted to be when she grows up: a ballet dancer. We incorporated ‘tutu pink’ and included shapes and forms influenced by dance through art and accessories within the design.
Q: What can an interior designer bring to a project?
Lisa: There are an abundance of qualities and technical ‘know-how’ in addition to experience, expertise an interior designer can bring to a project. Designers also bring the ‘invaluable’ those forgot about functional details of an interior. Great designers work meticulously on those details, the important details relating to space maximisation, colour, texture and light as well as creative flair and design style signatures which really make a difference. There is the addition of what is known as ‘the eye’ a natural in-built affinity with what works and compliments and respects each other within a space.
Q: Are Interior Designers only for wealthy people?
Are interior designers only for wealthy people? I get asked this question a lot, combined with the perception that designers only serve the interior needs of the elite. This is a good question to ask and I love nothing more than dispelling this myth! Designers work with a variety of clients on both large and small scale projects. For me personally I like to work on projects which ultimately allow me artistic freedom and creativity, but most importantly I am a lover of people and working with people, understanding their stories and inspirations and making a connection, exceeding expectations and completing the project to the desired vision and goals matters more than the size of the project and the budget.
Q: Do you prefer functionality or design appeal?
Lisa: I believe there are no reasons for compromise, I prefer well-thought out design that takes into account all the functional needs of the user and in addition has aesthetic appeal. Great design is constantly changing and adapting to align to the reflective needs of the user. We love nothing more at SPEAK than working with upcoming designers and industry stalwarts: creative artists whose new visions are paving the way into the future of design and sustainability.
Q: How do you keep up with industry changes?
Lisa: All industries are susceptible to change; especially in these current times of Covid 19. Technology is the main driver of change in all industries of recent. Interior design is a physical services profession and although there has been an increase in virtual design services there is no greater value than a designer seeing a physical space and being able to appreciate the architectural details and finer points of a space, and meeting with the unique person, family and story behind the project.
Q: Have you ever exceeded the budget for a project?
Lisa: No, I like to work to a client’s specific remit, budget and timeline. I frequently get asked to provide additional project work as the initial project is in progress! I always find, there are lots of requests form clients regarding the placement of items, and what should go where and the technical reasoning and understanding behind this. I always advise clients to include within their budget remit an interim budget for things that change within a project or unexpected building work that needs to take place. Especially if the property is listed or in need of extensive remodelling.
Q: What do you need to consider when designing?
Lisa: Lots! How long have you got! There are a multitude of things to consider when designing a space: there are the technical aspects of what the natural lighting, structural elements, terrain. A lot of people think an interior designer places ‘pretty’ items within a room. There is an absolute ton of work that happens behind the scenes: the sheer man hours needed to source certain items would make your eyes water! Liaising with various levels of suppliers and parties in order to fulfil the project completion is one of multiple layers to a project.
Q: Were you artistic as a child?
Yes! Absolutely! I love nothing more than wandering through an art gallery and spending hours looking through potential new designers’ portfolios and design pieces. When I was younger, I would spend hours collecting things like a magpie!, and studying these items for the material properties and how they were composed. I have always been fascinated by antiques and design that that has a heritage. I chose to study art for the sheer love and theory of it. Nothing excites me more that art from the past, present and future.
Q: Which designers do you admire most?
Lisa: Wow! there are so many! Particular favourites include Dorothy Draper: so ahead of her time and the use of colour was simply exceptional. Alberto and Linda Pinto: every-time I see a room designed by Alberto and Linda Pinto I see pure perfection. I really admire Kelly Wearstler’s use of the ‘unique’ and the layering of an interior space technique she applies.
Q: What do you see in the future for sustainability within design?
Lisa: This design topic gets me super excited! There are limitless possibilities and because this topic is so high on the human agenda right now, sustainability is now driving an agenda that had been previously forgotten. The future is changing as we speak and there are lots of initiatives happening that are allowing design to evolve for a more sustainable future. We love to incorporate within our projects stylish sustainable design pieces which are committed to a better environment and are aesthetically pleasing. I personally feel that there exists a myth that sustainable design is not stylish design.
Q: What would be your dessert island designer item?
Lisa: Tough question! Professional colour charts and material sample books. It is not normal behaviour how much time I actually spend with my head in either one of these!
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Lisa: Quality time with my husband, son and family pet is the most important thing to me when I am not working. I work really long hours, on occasions through the night. I am extremely lucky that I get to take family time during the weekends.
Q: Where do you see SPEAK in 5 years’ time?
Lisa: I am starting to build a unique capsule collection of interior design furniture pieces available to purchase online. Design pieces should be seen as an investment that speak volumes. I am also working on some exciting online projects, so watch this space!
We hope you enjoyed reading this informative blog.
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Hello From Speak,
We relish the opportunity to home stage and create interior design’s that inspires. We love to maximise space, leverage colour, and blend architectural features with modern design.
Contact us to SPEAK about your home staging or interior design project’s. We would love to hear from you and explore the rich possibilities!