In Profile:
Charlotte Conway Design

Name: Charlotte Conway

Company: Charlotte Conway Design Ltd

Position within company: Design Director

Website: www.charlotteconwaydesign.co.uk

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I studied BA Hons textiles at Manchester Metropolitan University, I was eager to get into the workplace and get hands on experience, within an Interior Design Practice, so began working at a small number of design practices to gain experience in different fields of interior design. These ranged from a luxury bathroom company, to a Show home Interiors studio and last of all a luxury residential interiors, before setting up on my own 15 years ago.

How would you describe your personal design style?

As an individual, my personal design style is very much a mix of classic and modern. I like an eclectic mix of old and new, bringing in layers of textures and colour through different materials.

Business style….Timeless and elegant. Whether we’re working with a client who wants a neutral palette, or something with a punch of colour, we incorporate many layers of textures through different materials, bringing depth and identity.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

Anywhere!! From exploring new hotels and restaurants, to wandering European city streets. Antique markets, to Hippy markets. Architectural references play a huge impact in our work, always looking to reference a detail for internals or cabinetry.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

I’ve noticed that clients are more willing to explore a more organic paired back approach, but are happy to bring the luxurious touches through natural materials and lighting. Soft muted tones, with vibrant accents.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2024 and beyond.

• Understand your clients lifestyle (family, practicality, how the home is used)
• Do they have a particular design style or taste
• Budget
• Timescale
• How can we make the project individual to them

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

Bring in some architectural references to create depth and character. Lighting is so important, being able to create different room scenes, will complete a room and dress it beautifully.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

To be amongst the world’s leading international designers, would be an incredibly proud moment. Meeting other like-minded, passionate people to share experiences and ideas would be incredibly inspiring.

What projects are you currently working on?

Luxury residential turnkey projects in Shropshire, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and West Midlands. Plus a luxury Medi Spa in Staffordshire. We’re also working on a turnkey project for an investor, for a luxury residence.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

The project in our submission. A luxury private residence over 4 storeys, where we were able to work with the architects from the very start. Changing internal details to create something more individual and unique. Designing everything a house should need, with clients who trusted us to be involved in the full turnkey process, right to the very end where we were choosing the cutlery and dinner service.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

I wouldn’t put it down to a particular project, they all have their ups and downs. I guess the most important thing for us, is that our clients trust the process and trust us to deliver something special and individually designed for them. On the odd occasion, we will create a scheme for a client which they’re happy with, but then social media creeps in and they start asking about changing the brief, but then revert back to the original.

This is a normal process for so many designers I’m sure, we have to explore these details with clients so they get the end result they’re looking for and don’t have any regrets. 

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?

AutoCAD and sample finishes

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

The last two years have been magical for us and we’ve been fortunate to work with some incredible clients. This year we move into a larger design studio, to allow us to grow the team again. With us being so busy, we’ve all had our heads down working on our projects, but with the growth of the team I am now focussing on the growth within the business and growing our profile.

I would love to work on more International projects, a finca in Mallorca, or a town house in Ibiza, a ski lodge in the alps, or Mountain lodge in the Dolomites. It may not happen in the next 12 months, but to have the time to start exploring avenues into these areas are what we’re working towards, is in our 12 month plan.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession?

I have some very special sentimental pieces, but those I’m closest to and sharing experiences and creating memories with, are what mean the most to me, especially my 6 year old daughter.

Your favourite holiday destination?

Such a difficult one to answer, but I always find myself wanting to return to Europe. I can’t get enough of the beautiful places to visit, from the South of France wandering around the galleries in Mougin, to watching the world go by from a seafront restaurant in St Tropez. I love the mountains, whether in be Deia in Mallorca, the Dolomites in Italy, to the ski slopes of the Three French Valleys.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

So hard to call this one, as there’s so many places still to visit. Some that stand out are; Castello di Vacarello in Tuscany, I love the energy at Folie Douche in Val d’Isere, but I also love the relaxed nature of The Pig in Cornwall and an English Country pub.

Your favourite book, film & song?

I don’t have a favourite song, I like a real eclectic mix of music. My go to is usually Fleetwood Mac though. I generally love anything 80s, but I love a bit of dance music too.

Again, I have really random film choices, I love a Period Film or Series, but then on a flip side I love Batman, The Dark Knight, Gladiator and The Green Mile, Forest Gump, Man On Fire, but I also love Emily in Paris, a very random mix.

Your favourite food and drink?

Fresh seafood and salad, with ice cold Chablis

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

Quality time with my 6 year old daughter on holiday, without distractions of work.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

In Luxury Real Estate