Inside the Studio: Getting to Know Our Design Director

Behind every PJB Interiors show home is a team of passionate designers, planners and creatives — and at the heart of it all is our Design Director, Katy.

With over 15 years of experience in the interior design industry, Katy has played a huge part in shaping PJB Interiors into the business it is today. After studying Interior Design at university and gaining valuable experience in the industry, Katy eventually joined PJB Interiors — and in 2019, she took over the business.

Since then, PJB has continued to grow, while maintaining the family feel and personal approach that has always been at the heart of the company.

We sat down with Katy to find out what inspired her to become an interior designer, what she loves most about designing show homes, and what life is really like behind the scenes at PJB.

What made you get into interior design?

 I was always creative and really enjoyed art at school. From a young age, I loved redecorating my bedroom and experimenting with styling different spaces.

 When I discovered that there was a university course in Interior Design, I thought it would be the perfect way to explore my creativity and turn something I was passionate about into a career. From then on, I knew interior design was what I wanted to do.

What do you love most about your job?

 Definitely the team around me. PJB wouldn’t be what it is today without every member of the team playing their part.

 We have such a lovely family feel in our office, and I think that’s one of the things that makes PJB so special. We genuinely enjoy working together and seeing each project come to life.

 We’re also very lucky to have team members who have been with us for 20 years — which says a lot about the people and culture we have created here.

What’s the best part about designing a show home?

 Seeing the whole process from start to finish.

 We often get involved with our developers very early on, sometimes before construction has even started. This means we can be involved in so many of the decisions that shape the finished home, from flooring and kitchens to bathrooms, lighting and, of course, the interiors.

 There’s something really satisfying about seeing all those decisions come together and watching our initial vision become a finished show home.

What’s your favourite room to design and why?

 It would have to be the master bedroom.

 We love creating a space that feels luxurious and relaxing — almost like a retreat within the home. It’s always fun to combine different textures, fabrics and colours to create a bedroom that feels inviting and makes prospective buyers think, “I could see myself living here.”

How would you describe your own personal style?

 I’d say Modern Farmhouse.

 I love the combination of rustic charm and modern functionality, with natural woods, neutral colours and lots of layered textures.

 At home, I’m all about creating a space that feels comfortable, cosy and lived-in. I love to relax in front of my inglenook fire on a cold winters evening with a glass of wine and my dog at my feet.

What’s one thing people incorrectly assume about being an interior designer?

 That it’s all shopping!

 Being an interior designer is about so much more than choosing beautiful furniture and accessories. You need to think carefully about how a space is going to work, as well as how it looks.

 We think about the functionality of every room, how the different spaces work together and how to create a sense of continuity throughout the home, while making sure each room is designed specifically for its purpose.

 And there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes. We spend plenty of time on building sites, managing projects and coordinating with developers and suppliers. Organisation is a huge part of the job, and you have to be prepared for schedules and timelines to change along the way!

A little more about Katy

 From discovering her passion for interiors at a young age to now leading the PJB team, Katy’s career has come a long way — but her love of creating beautiful, welcoming spaces remains at the heart of what she does.

 With a talented team around her and decades of experience within PJB Interiors, she continues to bring creativity, experience and a very personal approach to every show home we design.