Joanna Wood International Interior Design have been shortlisted for Residential £10 Million Plus (Property Value) Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021. Read more about Founder, Joanna Wood, below:

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Name: Joanna Wood

Company: Joanna Wood International Interior Design Practice 

Position within company: Company Director

Website: www.joannawood.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:
I started my career working for Aspreys Interior Design before setting up my own design company in the 80s. I also began companies making fabrics, wallpapers, upholstery, furniture, lighting and then opened the Joanna Wood shop…so I was doing a bit of everything really!  

How would you describe your personal design style?
Definitely multi-faceted; we don’t have a ‘house style’ as such. I find it stimulating to be working on diverse projects – a super modern city penthouse through to shabby chic in a French chateau or an English country house. We design for the architecture (it’s very important to me to keep as many existing architectural features as possible) and for the client. Everything we design has to be practical and comfortable.  

Where does your design inspiration come from?
I am very inspired by my travels; I often pick up pieces for the shop when I’m abroad.  I adore the theatre and the ballet and often get ideas from sets and costumes.  I also love looking at nature for unusual colour combinations and can often find a scheme from, say, a sunset or a country view.   

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
The end of 2020 saw a real shift towards upcycling / repairing and restoring furniture and giving items in our homes a new lease of life. Not only is it financially appealing but it’s more sustainable and that’s something I think we’re all more conscious of. 

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
– Longevity
– Art
– Scale
– Sustainability
– Style  

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Time spent planning before purchasing is never wasted!  

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
It is valuable to have one’s work judged against the best opposition and the Awards are a great forum for showcasing design and innovation from industry leaders.  

What projects are you currently working on?
The restoration of a 1720s William & Mary townhouse; a block of flats in Knightsbridge, a house on a cliff in Ireland and a new build in the English countryside…we’re busy!  

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
My favourite is always the next project that comes in….I do love the space planning stages and the excitement of each new client is the best part of my job.  

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
A house on the coast outside Oslo in Norway. Our site visits took place in mid-Winter at minus 10 degrees. It was the most beautiful setting but bitterly cold!  

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
Great joinery. Perfect detailing in an interior is absolutely critical and I have some wonderful joiners who I’ve worked with for years.   

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To give a party and have a well earned holiday!  

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

Your most treasured possession?
My family  

Your favourite holiday destination?
Somewhere I haven’t yet been.  

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Too numerous to mention!  

Your favourite book, film & song?
– The Elements of Style by Stephen Calloway – a bible for every Interior Designer.
– My Fair Lady is such a classic film
– I love anything by Ella FitzGerald

Your favourite food and drink?
Pizza with a glass of good red wine  

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
In my garden in the sunshine with a bunch of friends and family.  

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A set designer for theatre  

Anything else interesting?
I like to make the process of designing projects interesting and fun for clients.  

Joanna Wood International Interior Design have been shortlisted for Residential £10 Million Plus (Property Value) Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards.

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