Q&A with Andrew Freestone: Balancing Creativity, Client Needs, and Daily Work life

What does a typical workday look like for you as an interior designer?

As an interior designer, my workdays are a dynamic blend of health-conscious decisions, engaging in creative design work, collaborating with a diverse range of skilled craftsmen and suppliers, interacting with clients, and efficiently managing projects. Around three out of five days, I start my day at 6 am in the gym for an hour of weight training and cardio. Health and lifestyle are important to me, so I begin my mornings with a nutritious breakfast.

I usually start work between 8:30 am and 9:00 am, either in my home office or on-site. The first task of the day is checking emails and prioritising them for replies. During the mid-morning, I follow up with suppliers and trades to gather quotations and specifications for various projects, allowing them the rest of the day to respond. Design work and drawings occupy my time before and after lunch, depending on schedules. I work on paper by hand for concept development and then progress to CAD drawings for detailing. Site visits are also a part of my day, involving ongoing projects or meetings with suppliers. I find great joy in specifying products, choosing materials, and creating wonderful interior schemes for my clients. As the day winds down, I complete costings, email suppliers, and call clients. Typically, my workday ends around 5:30 pm enabling quality time spent with my family.

How do you approach a new design project, and what steps do you take to bring your client's vision to life?

Approaching a new design project involves meeting the client, having an initial discussion, and brainstorming the client's project, design preferences, and budget. Design fees vary based on the project and are discussed from the start of your project journey. If necessary, I make a complimentary visit to spend an hour with the client, explaining our business approach and design fees to initiate the project. I need to visit the site and meet with the client to understand their style. After the first visit I will then conduct a thorough survey of the space, including photographs. This time and information serve as the foundation for the design process and specification as well as the relationship with the client. I then contact trades and professional services to compile a quotation for the project, which we fully project manage from start to finish.

How do you balance your creative vision with your client's needs and budget constraints?

Balancing my creative vision with the client's needs and budget constraints requires active listening and clear communication from the start. Managing expectations and discussing the feasibility of the project are crucial. During the design phase, I develop options and present ideas or solutions during the project presentation to inspire the clients and exceed their expectations.

What are some of the most challenging aspects of your job, and how do you overcome them?

There are several challenging aspects to my job, such as working on old buildings with hidden structures, where surprises can arise. However, with my experience in developing old buildings, I offer the best options and cost-effective solutions. Another challenge is designing small spaces and making them functional despite limited space. In such cases, creative space planning and smart design choices are key to optimising the available area.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in interior design?

To stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in interior design, I make it a habit to watch and follow other designers, suppliers, and developers on a daily and weekly basis. Whenever possible, I visit major interior design shows and explore high-end hotels in England and abroad. These experiences provide me with inspiration and insights into the latest architectural and interior design trends.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in interior design?

For aspiring interior designers, I recommend gaining hands-on work experience and becoming knowledgeable about various products and materials, as well as their installation processes. It's essential not to overcomplicate designs and limit the number of different colours and textures in a scheme. Simplicity and coherence are key to creating visually appealing and functional spaces.