We live in a mostly mass-produced, machine-made world of globalised banality. Interior spaces from north to south look and feel the same. Yet, as human beings, we revel in our individuality and crave the means to add a personal stamp to the way we live and the places we inhabit. We yearn to possess things that are unique to us and that no one else can have. Artisan-made items created by skilled and loving hands will deliver those special touches that make a room memorable and distinctive, but where should designers go to find these precious pieces? How can craft makers find an appreciative audience for their work? And how can designers best explore and source from the vast range of crafts in existence? To discuss this topic, we're joined by makers, Natasha Mann and Claire Coles, Louisa Pacifico from Future Icons, Sam Fisher from Decorex and internationally renowned interior designer, Katharine Pooley. Recorded in Katharine Pooley Studio in London. A big thank you to our series partner, Decorex

• (00:00:00) - Welcome to the Interior Design Business
• (00:01:21) - Three of London's best-known artists and their business
• (00:02:43) - What is craft in France?
• (00:04:03) - In the Elevator With Craftspeople
• (00:05:22) - How to Train to Become a Painter
• (00:11:57) - How Do You Find an Interior Designer?
• (00:13:00) - Are Artisan Made Materials Naturally More Expensive?
• (00:15:12) - Making Spaces at Decorx
• (00:16:41) - Making Spaces
• (00:20:40) - Interior Designers Work With Makers
• (00:23:08) - How to decorate a large house with an online gallery
• (00:24:52) - Claire's Small Business
• (00:26:21) - Storytelling in the Art World
• (00:27:02) - When You're On Your Own
• (00:27:50) - The Story of Interiors
• (00:31:39) - Will Your Objects Go to an Art Gallery?
• (00:32:20) - Bespoke Design: Managing Client Expectations
• (00:37:26) - The Color of Light
• (00:37:40) - Where should designers go to find the makers of tomorrow?
• (00:41:34) - Crafts in the Interior: Future Icon Selects

As interior design gains ground as a serious career and profession, more and more academic institutions are offering degree and master’s level interior design courses to teach the rudiments of this highly technical subject. But is this enough?

Susie and Jeff are joined by three renowned designers - Charu Gandi from Elicyon, Franky Rousell from Jolie Studio and Laura Hammett from Laura Hammett Interiors to discuss whether design schools adequately equip budding designers with the skills they need to take their place in our industry.

We explore the the important subjects that they don't teach at design school, and invite our panel to suggest what students and employers should do to identify and plug those gaps.

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience of designers at Arte in the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour.

Thank you to our series supporters, Decorex 2026.

We are a Wildwood Plus production.

• (00:00:00) - What Don't They Teach You in Design School?
• (00:01:45) - Interviewing Designers
• (00:04:53) - Interviewing: Fit and Hard Work
• (00:07:04) - How do you test out a candidate's portfolio?
• (00:12:13) - Have You Got What it Takes to Be a Design Designer?
• (00:13:16) - Do graduating designers have the skills they need to survive life in an
• (00:19:46) - Teaching the management of client relationships
• (00:24:17) - The role of guest lecturers in interior design
• (00:27:31) - Can Anyone Become an Interior Designer?
• (00:28:59) - Are Interior Designers Team Players?
• (00:30:26) - What do you think are the really valuable lessons that they can't
• (00:36:27) - The Secret to Working As an Interior Designer
• (00:38:34) - The Importance of Interiors
• (00:39:33) - The Interior Design Exhibition

Entering an interior design award can boost visibility, credibility, and client trust - but not all awards are created equal. In this episode, Jeff and Susie are joined by two BIID award-winning designers, Jennifer Hamilton from The Vawdrey House and Melinda Kiss from Keyhole Interiors for a deeper dive into the awards process. We'll explore how designers can identify award schemes with genuine merit and industry recognition, how to present a standout project and the storytelling techniques that capture attention and bring design concepts to life. Thanks to our episode partner, the British Institute of Interior Design, for their support. We are a Wildwood Plus production.