Introducing Katharine Pooley, British Interior Designer of the Decade
Meet Katharine Pooley, one of the most sought-after interior designers working internationally today. Recently named ‘British Interior Designer of the Decade’, ‘International Designer in Asia of the Year’ and ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ Katharine’s design ethos is both highly respected and uniquely far-reaching.
She established her London studio almost twenty years ago during which time the practice has grown from a UK firm predominantly working on domestic projects to an internationally well-respected brand and studio undertaking architectural design, interior design, project management, product design and property development.
Katharine is personally involved in every facet of the studio, which has grown organically and has been lucky enough to create many designs around the world. The studio is incredibly busy right now, with current projects in London, New York, Monaco, Sardinia, St Tropez, the Bahamas, Kuwait, Dubai (and many more locations). Her personal passion for creating one-of-a-kind, bespoke luxurious interior designs that showcase the best of British and European craftsmanship is the driving force behind the business and she prides herself on their impeccably crafted designs.
Katharine has visited more than 150 countries, summited many of the world’s highest mountains, driven a dog sled to the north pole, and crossed the Sahara on horseback. She’s also a philanthropist, whose work has included partnering with the Childhood Trust to aid London’s disadvantaged children in its decorate a child’s life programme. Katharine also sits on the Board of Trustees for The British Forces Foundation and is an Ambassador for Johara Global, a social enterprise membership organisation that connects women from the GCC Region and globally to provide female leaders and the next generation's change-makers with a trusted support network and a platform to share knowledge, experiences, and the tools to succeed in all aspects of life.
“My love of design stretches back a long time, the design studio I founded in London will turn twenty next year, and planning for this anniversary has really made me evaluate afresh what has been achieved over the past two decades and look at what we as a team have built.
I started as a small boutique on Walton St, in Chelsea, and through some fabulous clients, who really trusted in my vision from the start, we have grown year on year to become one of most influential British Interior Design Studios. My team now numbers 49 interior designers and architects, and we work together on flag-ship projects around the world including Chateaus, castles, yachts, city residencies, yachts and planes. I was recently honoured to be named British ‘Designer of the Decade’, reflecting our work worldwide across multiple spheres and genres of design.”
How did you develop your signature style?
My style has evolved over time, and is very much inspired by my travels. I have been fortunate to visit many countries and experience so many differing cultures, and viewpoints, which definitely give every design a unique depth and patina. Our projects have a European sensibility, and that is something my clients are drawn to: the craftsmanship, detailing, richness of finishes we have available to us is second to none, and I adore introducing the work of master craftsmen, artists and artisans to every project. It is a privilege to be able to support and continue the centuries old work of Europe’s ateliers and workshops.
What or who inspired your career into Interiors?
Even as a child my parents would say that I have always been drawn to unusual and beautiful objects and enjoyed arranging spaces to looks as attractive as possible. Before London, twenty years ago now, I worked in banking for Morgan Stanley in Hong Kong and my home there was a fabulous backdrop for displaying the wonderful pieces I would find on my travels. I suppose that was when my true love of design came to the fore and I returned to London with the ambition of starting a boutique and design studio. Looking back now it was quite a daring move! But I am so happy that I took that risk to walk the creative path less travelled, and I must say that 16 years in banking is the most terrific grounding for running a company and ensuring a fastidious control of large, complex, budgets for my clients. While it may seem an unusual entry point into interior design, it has proven immeasurably important over the years in running a large and successful business.
You are a champion of British workmanship, are there any craftsmen who you turn to again and again?
Yes absolutely, there are a handful of joiners and cabinetry makers and timber craftsmen working in England right now who’s pieces are unsurpassed in quality and they are truly making the collectable antiques of the future. I am thinking particularly of Silverlining, Halstock and Bill Cleyndert They can take the most detailed and complex designs from one of our in-house furniture designers and create a beautiful poker table, ping-pong table or bespoke coffee table and the finished piece will be extraordinary.
What were the key steps to starting and growing your business?
Having the courage to swim against the tide is incredibly important and I really believe in looking for inspiration outside of the industry. Structure, efficiency and transparency are absolutely key, especially in a creative environment. I am a firm believer in processes, as they give the design team the space to design without inhibition or restriction. The key step, from a business point of view, is building and retaining a core management team to ensure the structure of a large design studio flows efficiently from day one. Most of my management team of 12 directors and heads of department have been with me for between one and two decades, their experience, skillsets, loyalty and dedication give me the headspace to captain the ship and make key strategic and creative decisions.
What do you wish you had known before you started?
I wish I had known that karma really does come full circle in the end. I believe in working hard, following a positive mantra and always acting generously.
You have created a distinctive portfolio of luxurious designs, are there any projects that you are particularly fond of?
We have created so many incredible projects but our recent project in the South of France stands out, it is the largest remaining estate on the Cote D’Azur, a legendary Belle Époque Chateau unparalleled in the beauty of its architecture, its sublime mediterranean views and the scale of its surrounding gardens and its magical history. Dating back to the 19th century, the property became infamous in 1955 as the set of Hitchcock’s ‘To Catch a Thief ’starring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. We designed 42,000 sq ft of living space and continue to work at the moment on a spa, tennis center and private art gallery in the Italianate gardens.
What have been some of the highs, and lows, in your business?
Designing for royalty and international governments has been a great honor, and winning accolades and awards for our designs is always humbling. Being named the best British designer for luxury interior design was an incredible moment, especially as I still have so much I want to achieve! I think the award we were given this year (by House & GardenMagazine), for our philanthropy work has been a really wonderful high for me. We have worked for several years now on a charity partnership with the Childhood Trust who work with children living in poverty in London. It’s incredibly meaningful to lead the ‘Decorate A Child’s Life’ campaign and has given me a great deal of personal happiness.
There have undoubtedly been concerns along the way, when Government’s announce recessions for example, but luckily, due to our international client base, we have always remained impervious to market changes. I run a very tight ship and maintain a strong and close-knit team, my banking background and a first-class in-house finance department help to ensure that the company is unusually resilient.
A love for travel and exploration is in your DNA, what are some of the notable experiences that have shaped your outlook on life, both personally and in work?
Travel is probably the defining feature and passion of my life. I live to travel and I love to travel. I love adventure and getting to see new places, new cultures, new inspirations. It's both exhilarating and a privilege to travel, and one that I try never to take for granted Every year I make sure I fit in some new personal expeditions, be it mountain climbing and trekking in the Antarctic, hiking in South Africa, or traveling across Burma with my 85 year old father as I did a few years ago. Travelling makes me feel alive, it re-energizes me and drives my ambitions. How has travel impacted my life? In every way - it has made me who I am and the memories of my travels inspire me every day.
Philanthropy and sustainability are significant pillars for your life, what are some of the key challenges you wish to address, and how?
Working with the Childhood Trust I see so often how difficult and unfair many children’s living environments are, even in a developed country like Britain (80,000 children living in poverty in London). We, who by comparison are incredibly lucky, are beholden to face this problem and try to alleviate it wherever possible. Our designers and our suppliers work together to transform the bedrooms of children who have very little and whose living environments are squalid and unsafe. Its incredibly uplifting when you see how something as simple as a clean, colourful and cosy bedroom can raise a child’s hopes and dreams and give them pride and respect. I would suggest that every business owner looks at what they do, what they create, and thinks how can those same tools be put to use to help the community that surrounds us.
What are your top five tips for someone starting their own business?
1. Make a plan at the start of every year of what you wish to achieve (I write mine in a special book) then revisit it often and work towards those goals tirelessly and without deviation. Its easy to get distracted, don’t let yourself be.
2. Look for a mentor, my mentor in banking taught me so much, you are just beginning your journey but others will want to help and have invaluable experience to share, reach out to them, I am always thrilled when someone asks me.
3. Have a fantastic accountant and lawyer, they are your back bone and with their advise and input you can surmount any problem.
4. Join or contact an industry body – the BIDA in the UK or the Design Leadership in the US are fonts of information and offer strong support networks and advise.
5. Finally have confidence and faith in yourself, you are the master of your own destiny. Fundamentally as a business owner its your name on the door, trust yourself and if your gut tells you to steer clear of something or to go in specific direction go for it!
WEALTH
Describe your relationship with money and personal finance in three words?
Detailed, strategic, precise
What does Wealth mean to you?
Wealth is having the freedom to choose. That could be a painting, a property or simply what to eat. Wealth allows you to follow a passion, as travel is for me. Wealth also means hard work to me, it has value because it reflects work undertaken and goals achieved. Wealth also means the freedom to spend time with loved ones. I work incredibly hard, and my company is successful, but spending time with my children, travelling with them, introducing them to the magic of the world is my true pleasure and joy.
What is the best financial decision you have ever made (business or personal)?
Starting my business
What did you learn about finance and money when you were growing up?
My parents are an invaluable source of information and my father has his own successful business ‘Pooley Swords’ after working in aviation for many years.
What is the best piece of financial advice you've ever received?
To start my business.
What tools or systems do you use to manage and organise your personal finances?
I am old school and I love a simple pen and paper and Excel, but within the company we use a procurement program called Estimac.
Who manages the finances in your household?
My husband and I approach everything as a team.
How often do you talk about money with your friends?
We British historically don’t like to talk about Sex, Money and Politics! well I think that has changed, we are much more open now, and I suppose these things are spoken about more than before but always with delicacy and with the other persons position in mind.
What was your first investment, and where is it now?
Wine, which I still have, with Berry Brothers in London. Even if it went down in value I knew I could drink and enjoy it, or future generations of my family could.
What tools do you use to manage your personal finances?
Spreadsheets
What is your most valuable possession?
My children.
Which area of finance do you wish you knew more about?
Diamonds and the stock market
WELLNESS
Do you have a mentor or inspirational figure that has guided or influenced you?
Not any more, I did once but sadly he is no longer alive.
What was your first job?
With Sinclair a pioneering technology company.
What do you do to relax?
Walk my dogs.
Where do you go to escape?
The seaside.
What wellness experts or practitioners do you turn to for ‘me time’?
I once went to Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland, it was fabulous and I look forward to visiting again.
What’s next for you?
We some very exciting new projects, including new hotel projects in the US, in the pipeline.
Top 5 Instagram accounts to follow?
@vamuseum
@travelwithdalt
@archdigest
@condenasttraveller
@fthtsi