I first ran a design business from a shared studio with architects Cameron Webster in Glasgow. We built the studio together to house both companies, as well as for other creatives to rent space from. We developed the buildings from an old glue factory and slaughter-house, and we also then went on to design my own home from an old furniture-restorers workshop.

Both building projects were an amazing design journey, which we – architect and textile designer – enjoyed and experienced together. And both projects won awards: in 2009 our studio won the GIA Best Small Works Award and an RIBA Award, as well as being shortlisted for a Scottish Design Award; in 2013 my home was the GIA Residential winner and was shortlisted for an RIBA award.

Sharing studio space with architects meant I saw first-hand how projects evolved and the issues that arose when interior designers joined the process halfway through. They are so often removed from the collaborative process, or the interiors are done in-house and seen as an add-on to the more important architectural process.

The work I now do with architects comes out of all these experiences. I use my skills to give you, the architect, an understanding of the colours, patterns and textures your client wants and needs, which alleviates the stress all round. And the upshot is an interior that your clients love and which also reflects your overarching vision.

People are often frightened of colour and pattern, but when used well these really bring life and character to an interior. My love of colour comes through in all my work – creating unusual colour palettes to reflect the clients’ interests, and creating or finding the perfect textile for each area.

I bring to every project the knowledge of the qualities of fabric, how they are made, how that affects the way they look and feel, and how they absorb sound and reflect colour. This gives you, the architect, confidence in specification, as well as in comparing costs with performance.

I regularly use my skills and experience to benefit the design industry, and since 2018 I’ve been a Judge and Council Member for Design Guild Mark. My other roles have included Advisory Council Member for The Prince’s Trust and Board Member for the Scottish Textiles Association, the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust and the Entrepreneurial Exchange.

Alongside my interior colour work, I work on my own artistic practice. I predominantly work by oil painting, mokulito printing and mono printing. I am inspired by the simplicity of the shapes of objects we see in our everyday lives. I draw what is in front of me everyday before breakfast in my daily sketchbook. Alongside keeping a colour diary of the seasons.