13th January 2025 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn Claudine Murphy, Founder and Lead Designer at Doverfield Designs, has given her insights into the industry. I started out my career working in exhibition management for commercial art galleries where my days ranged from working with artist studios on how to make their visions for exhibitions come to life (indoor pool anyone? and yes, we did make that happen!) to working with clients on curating artwork for their homes across the globe. I’m no stranger to understanding spaces and how each element can affect your experience in a room. This led to a natural progression from the gallery world into interior design. I trained at KLC School of Design and went on to work with several London based design studios (These White Walls, Nefarious Design & Studio RioLondon). I set up Doverfield Designs in 2023 and have been lucky to work on some great projects with even greater clients! Why did you want to work in the interior design profession? It wasn’t something I had always dreamed of but working in art galleries I really understood how people experience a space and the journey it can take them on. A huge part of that job was managing clients, complicated logistics and problem solving. I think most designers would agree that those are some of the most important skills aside from the actual designing. The shift happened for me after I had worked my way up to managerial roles in 2 galleries and I felt like I was ready for my next challenge. Interiors was a natural progression and so I retrained and set about working my way up in this industry. Doverfield Designs Doverfield Designs Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most? One of the most rewarding aspects of interior design is the opportunity to create spaces that genuinely improve people’s lives. The ability to design environments that support our client’s lifestyles and needs is incredibly fulfilling. I particularly enjoy the personal connections I build with clients and the challenge of translating their unique preferences and needs into functional, beautiful designs. The process of understanding a client’s vision and then bringing it to life in a way that exceeds their expectations is always a highlight for me. Then there is the transformation. It’s easy for us to forget where a project started, especially when you see it progress every step of the way. So, seeing the finished results compared with the before is incredibly rewarding. Doverfield Designs What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year? I think having a 6 double page spread in an interior’s publication (Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms) a few months into opening the studio will always be a proud moment. I wrote a list of goals I’d like to achieve and that was pretty high up so I can’t believe it happened so quickly. It was a great experience walking into shops and being able to pick it up off the shelf, flick through and see my work! Doverfield Designs Doverfield Designs What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why? I particularly enjoy working on residential projects because they allow me to create deeply personal spaces that reflect the client’s individual style and lifestyle. There’s something incredibly rewarding about taking a house and transforming it into a home where people feel comfortable and at ease. I also enjoy the creative challenge of balancing aesthetics with functionality—every decision must serve both the emotional and practical needs of our clients. What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design? One of the most challenging aspects of interior design is managing client expectations. Every project is a collaboration and aligning a client’s vision with what’s realistically achievable—within time, budget, and space constraints—can be tricky. Clients often come with big dreams, and part of my job is to guide them through the process of prioritising and making informed decisions, while still delivering a design that reflects their desires. Another challenge is navigating the logistics and coordination between various stakeholders. Keeping everything on track, ensuring deadlines are met, and handling unforeseen issues that arise during construction can be stressful. Despite these challenges, the process of seeing a project through from concept to completion is incredibly rewarding. Doverfield Designs What do you wish you knew before working in the field? One thing I wish I had known earlier in my career is the importance of networking and relationship-building within the industry. Interior design is often a team effort, and forming strong relationships with contractors, suppliers, and other designers can really make a difference in the success of a project. If you don’t have a reliable team to work with then it really can make or break a project. More often than not you have to learn this the hard way! Doverfield Designs Doverfield Designs If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be? My advice to aspiring designers would be to develop a strong foundation in both creativity and practicality. The ability to think outside the box is critical, but it’s equally important to understand the technical aspects of design, from building codes to spatial planning. The most successful designers I know strike a balance between innovation and functionality. The more you learn about materials, construction processes, and how spaces work on a physical level, the better you can bring your creative ideas to life. Another important tip is to stay curious and never stop learning. The design world is constantly evolving—whether it’s new trends, technologies, or materials. Keeping an open mind and being willing to experiment with different styles and methods will help you grow as a designer and stay relevant in the field. How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead? The interior design industry is likely to continue its shift toward more sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Clients are becoming increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their choices, and designers are responding by sourcing sustainable materials, incorporating energy-efficient solutions, and creating spaces that prioritise health and well-being. This trend is not just about aesthetics but about creating long-lasting, responsible designs that can positively impact the environment. The industry is also still very much feeling the disruption to the supply of materials from Europe, as new customs regulations, tariffs, and border controls have slowed down imports. This has led to delays in projects, increased costs for materials, and even shortages of certain products, which has required interior designers to be more resourceful and adaptable. Many designers are now more focused on sourcing locally to mitigate the risks of supply chain interruptions. Claudine Murphy, Founder and Lead Designer at Doverfield Designs Doverfield Designs What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you? Being accredited with the SBID is a huge accomplishment. The rise of interior design in the past few years has been meteoric and the interest in the profession has also increased significantly. What is important to note is that interior design isn’t just about choosing paint colours and fluffing cushions as people sometimes think. The technical aspects and knowledge you need to have to run a project in a responsible manner is hugely important. We aren’t a regulated industry so by being accredited with the SBID it demonstrates that I am a trained, experienced and therefore qualified interior designer that clients can trust. I feel very proud to display that badge on my website. About Doverfield Designs Doverfield Designs is London based interior design studio specialising in full service renovation projects. They craft cosy and inviting homes across London and the surrounding areas with a focus on creating homes that aren’t just beautiful but also functional. Visit Profile If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.