Working at PDG Architectural in a small, fast-growing environment offered incredible hands-on experiences. Between my core marketing duties, I began designing interior design mood boards for clients who sought to elevate their architectural projects with tailored interior solutions. 

Initially, I had guidance and support, but as my knack for design became evident, I started developing my own concepts, and soon, I was crafting unique mood boards independently. This not only sharpened my design skills but also contributed to PDG’s growth by enhancing our full-service offering. My work quickly gained positive feedback from clients, helping us grow our interior design services. 

One example is this Look & Feel Document I completed for PDG Architectural’s client, Owen Phillips, in Halifax. This project involved converting existing vacant mill buildings, including rooftop and upper-floor extensions, to create 33 residential apartments. These units were tailored for professionals working in Halifax’s town centre, catering to roles from healthcare and hospitality to tech and civil services. 

The client wanted a modern and minimalist aesthetic for the apartments, aiming for a refined and polished look. My concept for the interiors featured a whitewashed chevron-pattern timber floor, balancing modern design with subtle nods to the building’s heritage. The design elements were meticulously chosen to create a light, airy feel throughout, meeting the client’s vision for a sophisticated, minimalist aesthetic. 

When COVID hit in 2020, I found myself in the middle of moving houses, something that, in hindsight, couldn’t have been better timed. With extra time on my hands, I had the rare opportunity to rethink my space entirely, not just to decorate but to truly design a home from scratch. What I didn’t know then was that this would be the start of my interior design journey.

I’ve always loved design in all its forms, but until that point, my experience had been entirely digital. Working on brochures, websites, and branding projects was second nature, but translating those skills into a physical space? That was something else. It reminded me of the feeling you get when you finally hold a freshly printed brochure that you’d only ever seen on a screen, the thrill of turning an idea into something tangible.

Armed with nothing but Paint 3D and a vision, I designed every inch of my new home digitally, mapping out furniture placement, colours, and layouts to make the most of the space. And a few months later, I was walking through the very design I had created, living inside my own render.

The challenge? Doing it all on a budget while working around rental restrictions: no drilling, no major modifications, and definitely no permanent changes. But limitations often breed creativity, and this was no exception. I found workarounds with tapestry, nano adhesive tape (which, surprisingly, even held up bathroom mirrors), and a focus on minimalism with multifunctional pieces. 

One of my favourite projects was the handmade king-size pallet bed. I wanted something rustic yet modern, budget-friendly but sturdy. The result was a sleek, low-profile bed with hidden lighting underneath, adding both ambience and practicality to the space. The beauty of pallet furniture is its versatility, you can stack them for extra height, repurpose them as side tables, or leave them as-is for a clean, minimalistic look.

The dining room quickly became my favourite space, doubling as a conservatory with a skylight that bathed the room in natural light. It became the perfect reading nook, made even cosier at night with fairy lights. And just like the rest of the house, the furniture was carefully sourced second-hand treasures found on Marketplace and Shpock for a fraction of the price, proving that great design doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

More than just a home makeover, this project was a lesson in resourcefulness, sustainability, and the sheer joy of bringing a vision to life. It reinforced something I’ve always believed: design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about function, feeling, and the way a space can shape our everyday lives.

This was just the beginning of my interior design journey, but it set the foundation for everything that followed.

Years went by, and by this point, I had already worked on quite a few interior design projects. But this time was different: I was moving into a place where I had complete creative freedom. No restrictions, no compromises. I could do anything I wanted.

So, I went wild and fulfilled my deepest desire: painting the walls in a full, rich colour throughout. I’ve always loved deep shades of green and blue, and for this home, I wanted to feel like I was stepping into a forest. I chose an emerald green from Dulux, a colour that instantly transformed the space into a moody, elegant retreat.

Most of the decor was either repurposed from my previous projects or thrifted for a fraction of the price you’d normally pay. Talk about grandeur on a budget, right? This project is proof that with a little extra time, creativity, and a whole lot of love, you can create a luxurious, vintage-inspired space without the luxury price tag.

There’s still so much I want to do, but for now, I just have to say how much I’ve loved the process, especially hand-painting the hallway pattern, a labour of love that added so much character to the space. And next on my list? Giving my bathroom a completely fresh look, without the costly hassle of replacing tiles or flooring.

Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months. But for now, here’s what I’ve managed to do in less than a year!

This project holds a special place in my heart, as it marked a return to my passion for interior design, this time leading the charge from within the Marketing Department. Starting with a blank canvas, the reception area renovation became a large-scale, collaborative effort blending creativity and craftsmanship. It allowed us to bring the best of our skills together to completely transform this essential space at the steel manufacturer.

The journey began with brainstorming concepts, drawing inspiration from the company’s history, and incorporating a modern touch that aligned with its innovative ethos. I crafted the vision and layout, conceptualising a design that was both spacious and visually captivating. With a clear idea in place, I collaborated closely with Tom Hey, whose meticulous attention to detail brought the wall graphics to life in a way that enhanced the entire room’s aesthetic.

From there, Graham, Paul Crossland, and the management team stepped in to handle the logistics and execution. Their efforts kept the project moving, organising resources and managing the timeline needed to bring our vision to life. Working hand-in-hand with them was an enriching experience; everyone’s contributions fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork.

At the heart of the newly renovated reception stands a striking feature wall, a true centrepiece that encapsulates the company’s rich legacy and forward-looking spirit. The wall’s dynamic design includes back-lit LED windows, spotlighting key images that tell the story of the manufacturer’s journey—from significant projects to detailed technical drawings that have shaped the industry. We also incorporated vintage slides displaying historical project photos, paying homage to our roots and the legacy that has propelled the company forward.

This feature wall serves as a bridge between past and future, embodying our commitment to excellence and inspiring both visitors and our team to continue innovating in the construction industry. The addition of shelves proudly displaying groundbreaking solutions further highlights our nearly century-long contributions to the field.

The "before and after" photos capture the incredible transformation of the reception area, showcasing a welcoming, modern, and iconic space that everyone can be proud of.

In December, we embarked on a small but exciting renovation project to breathe new life into an unused porter cabin. Initially, the idea was simple: convert it into an additional meeting room to create more collaborative space. But as we got deeper into the process, we realised the potential to do something even more impactful. That’s when inspiration struck—why not transform it into a dedicated marketing filming studio for the steel manufacturer?

The graphic designer and I started by sketching out ideas, exploring ways to make the most of the space while ensuring it was both functional and visually striking. After refining our vision and securing the green light from other teams, we got to work. What followed was a true cross-department effort, with colleagues from different areas pitching in to bring the project to life. We painted the walls, recarpeted the floor, and sourced high-quality furniture that would make the space both practical and inspiring.

What started as a simple refresh quickly became something much more: a dynamic, multi-purpose space designed not only for meetings but also to elevate our marketing efforts. The room is now a dedicated filming studio, providing a professional backdrop to enhance our video content and make our messaging more engaging than ever.

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! Whether it’s being used for team discussions or high-quality content creation, the transformation has been a win for everyone. Seeing an underutilised space evolve into something so valuable has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s a testament to what can be achieved when creativity and collaboration come together.