20/12/06

1. From sunrise to sunset, describe a typical day in your working week?
   The day starts at 8am with a coffee to get me going. I try to arrange most of my meetings for the morning which gives me my afternoons to concentrate on design. My day is never the same – I can be visiting a range of properties from a castle I’m working on in Royal Deeside to a residential project in Aberdeen. We work on commercial and private properties and can project manage the entire process from concept to completion.
   
2. What's the most interesting aspect of your job?
   I love working with people and helping them create their perfect home. Interior design is always evolving and its important to keep up to date with the latest trends – we are constantly learning about fashion, colours and fabrics as we need to be able to pass this onto our clients.
   
3. What’s the biggest mistake you made at work and what did you learn from it?
   I think I’ve been lucky to have had a successful business without any mistakes so far! Fingers crossed it continues…
   
4. When you were a little what did you dream of becoming?
   A ballet dancer – I think all little girls have this dream.
   
5. What does success mean to you?
   I would like to be recognized as a designer who brings homes to life with style and atmosphere.
   
6. 'Watch the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves' - what is your business mantra?
   You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem , and smarter than you think
   
7. How do you switch off?
   Usually by reading a good book or a copy of Vogue! And walking my dog.
   
8. What's been your most extravagant purchase to date?
   A very expensive hangbag - i have a little addiction, that and shoes
   
9. Are you a boardroom ball-breaker or a people pleaser?
   A people pleaser, in my line of work its all about understanding exactly what the client wants and interpreting that into a workable design.
   
10. What/who is your No1 secret to being successful at work?
    Following my instincts. I also have a wonderful business associate who keeps me smiling day-to-day.
    
11. What is your major source of inspiration and why?
    Magazines and traveling – I have a strong signature style that come instinctively so I’m always trying to broaden my horizons for new creative ideas.
    
12. What kind of car do you drive?
    Audi A3
    
13. What new projects are you looking forward to?
    I am about to open a new studio in the West End of Aberdeen – it will be great to work in an atmosphere solely dedicated to interior design. We have a number of forthcoming projects including a rundown ballroom which we will be converting into a stunning wedding venue.
    
14. What's your top tip for the top?
    Always listen to experience - draw from it what you need to make your own decisions and stick by them.
    

Quick-fire questions

• Dragons' Den or The Apprentice? The Apprentice
• Diet or dumpling? Diet
• Plastic surgery or grow old gracefully? Absolutely grow old gracefully
• Jackie Collins or William Shakespeare? I would have to say Shakespeare, not a Jackie Collins fan - Sorry Jackie!
• Keep your distance or hands-on-boss? Definitely hands on boss
• Five star or five-man tent? Five star
• Is the glass half empty or half full? Half full
• Interior design or DIY? Interior design
• Customer care or business knows best? Customer care - every time
• Pinstripes or bling bling? Bit of both….