60 Seconds With Lauren Matthews, Managing Director At Matthews Rea
We often just feature the beautiful, finished projects that our Directors create, but it’s always nice to also take a minute to hear what inspires them and a little more about their path into Interior Design.
Here’s A 60-Second Q&A Coffee Break With Managing Director Lauren Matthews.
Q: How did you get into interior design?
LM: As a child, my Mother was always decorating and extending the house, I grew up in. This first-hand experience of a project in part prompted me to follow my dreams and to attend university for 5 years to gain a First-Class BA Honours Degree in Interior Architecture and Design.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
LM: My daughter. Particularly over the past year and the amazing handling of her business in lockdown. Working in the beauty industry and not being able to meet clients yet still growing her business!
Q: Who’s your design icon?
LM: Philipe Stark. I love the way he uses intersecting planes and oversize bespoke pieces. I’ve stayed at the Paramount Hotel in NYC that was design by him. I love the way he depicts a single element with a shard of light to emphasise its unique qualities.
Q: If you could redesign the house of anyone in the world who would it be and why?
LM: I’d like to collectively design keyworkers homes, a sanctuary, somewhere for them to rest after the year we’ve had!
Q: What’s been the most challenging project you’ve worked on?
LM: In 2017 we undertook the furnishing of a luxury villa in St Tropez and were given 10 weeks from commission to completion. The real challenge was the logistics of transporting all furniture and accessories in a tight time frame. We undertook detailed planning and delivered on time and on budget. The client had been planning to sell the property but loved it so much after our transformation they decided not to sell! (Read more about this project here)
Q: What are you currently working on?
LM: We currently have 6 live projects, in Surrey, Hampshire and central London, ranging from luxury new build houses to apartment renovations.
Q: What key skills do you need to make it in the world of interior design?
LM: Organisation!! Great communication skills, a natural design eye helps and most importantly a passion for design.
Q: What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?
LM: In both business and life – Hope for the best. Plan for the worst.
To talk to Lauren about your dream project contact Matthews Rea at info@matthewsrea.com or call us Phone: 01932 212646