Milc Interiors have been shortlisted for Interior Design Scheme – London Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2023. Read more about Studio Director, Nicola McEwan, below:

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Name: Nicola McEwan

Company: Milc Interiors

Position within company: Studio Director

Website: https://milcstyle.co.uk/

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc):
Studied at Glasgow School of Art, have worked in the design industry for 23 years, within the hospitality, commercial and residential sectors.

How would you describe your personal design style?
Eclectic and fun!

Where does your design inspiration come from?
Materials and textures, how they interplay and create beautiful, crafted furniture and interiors.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Experience and LIVING in an interior as opposed to it just looking good.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2023 and beyond.
Sustainability, craftsmanship, durability, enjoyment, beauty.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Nobody is perfect – no one has it ‘right’.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards? Very – it’s good to see the level of quality that is being produced and how we need to stay on top of our game.

What projects are you currently working on?
Family home in Slovakia that is inspired by The Mandarin Oriental hotels. Hotel and residential development in Slovakia – due to be built in 2025.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
Lawn House guest house with Lady Salisbury. A combination of an Edwardian and a Georgian house that I worked closely with the Architect on to create wedding accommodation for, within the grounds of Hatfield House. Lady Salisbury was determined to use lots of heritage fabrics from Hatfield House and it was a challenge to manage the business case for how the interiors should look, and her desire to shift old pieces of furniture in there just because she liked them!

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

Which products/services could you not live without when designing? Pinterest, Architonic, Cad, InDesign.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To grow the Milc project base to include more full design consultancy projects as well as FF&E procurement.

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

Your most treasured possession?
Mothers’ engagement ring.

Your favourite holiday destination?
EuroDisney with the kids!

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Mondrian on the Southbank.

Your favourite book, film & song?  
Too many!!!!

Your favourite food and drink?
Curry and beer.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
By the beach.

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

Milc Interiors have been shortlisted for Interior Design Scheme – London Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2023.

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