6th December 2023 | IN EXPERT INSIGHT | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn Carmelina Dalton, Founder and Creative Director at KEMSI has given her insights into the industry. What’s the background of KEMSI? KEMSI is a high-end design practice focusing on residential and boutique commercial properties throughout the UK and Europe. We inspire, design and curate human experiences, enabling our clients to imagine spaces based on how they would like to feel within them. Projects have ranged from London townhouses to detached period and modern residences both domestically and abroad, through to commercial spaces in prime London Mayfair and hotels abroad. Founded by Creative Director Carmelina Dalton, who leads all design projects supported by passionate and creative designers. Careful consideration of every step in the design process, from initial concept to completion, indicates a thorough and client-focused approach. Managing every detail to the highest standards ensures that KEMSI delivers on quality and, ultimately, client satisfaction. The aim of our practice is to curate spaces that are beautiful and aspirational, with an ever-underlying emphasis on the human experience. HIGHGATE Why did you want to work in the interior design profession? Growing up in Australia, I was surrounded by family members working in the construction industry. From a very young age, I enjoyed designing each room of the house as my family moved around in search of the perfect family home to build and enjoy. I was incredibly fortunate to have an insight into what it was like to work in this industry long before I began my career, as I grew up surrounded by it. With my eyes wide open, I pursued my lifelong passion for interior design in my later years and entered the design world. MAYFAIR Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most? Meeting new people is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my profession! I love designing and crafting each space based on my clients’ desires. I can envision a space before it is created, and every project should be unique and tailored to each client’s specific requirements. Adapting to their needs is crucial to creating exceptional built environments. MAYFAIR What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year? Being invited to be a guest speaker at London Design Week 2023 to share insights about all things business, strategy, marketing, industry expectations and how to turn your passion into a career. It was great to be sat alongside other leading interior designers. FRANCE What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why? I enjoy working on residential and commercial projects as they offer unique and different challenges. However, what I find most rewarding about residential projects is the opportunity to transform my clients’ living spaces completely. In fact, I remember a time when a client was moved to tears of happiness after seeing the finished result. This is the most meaningful testimonial I could receive. At KEMSI, it is crucial to incorporate my residential approach into all commercial projects. One of the most exciting projects I have worked on this year is the creative direction of a hotel abroad. Practical commercial projects are about more than just furnishings and objects. They involve designing environments that prioritise the human experience, comfort, and functionality of the people who will use them. When brand experience is combined with creative direction, spaces become more than just physical structures – they become areas where people can come together and connect. FRANCE What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design? As designers, it is our responsibility is to ensure that the spaces we create are practical, beautiful and can be executed as planned. However, during the construction phase, there may be unexpected challenges that arise. In such situations, finding solutions and solving problems collaboratively with clients and all teams involved is crucial to achieve successful results. KEMSI What do you wish you knew before working in the field? Working in the design industry can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding time and the ability to switch off. While inspiration can be found everywhere, being passionate about the work can be exhausting, as the brain always works. Juggling family life and running a practice can also be a struggle, but essential time management skills can help achieve balance and ensure you spend quality time with your loved ones. KEMSI What would it be if you could give one tip to aspiring designers? It takes time and perseverance. Things don’t happen overnight. Don’t give up and continue to grow your networks. KEMSI How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead? In the interior design industry, we are all shifting our focus towards being more environmentally conscious and mindful of our decisions. It’s becoming increasingly important to purchase items that are made to last or to repurpose quality pieces instead of throwing them away. In the field of design and construction, more and more people are looking for ways to manage their properties in an environmentally sustainable manner. This involves adopting eco-friendly practices, using renewable energy sources, and opting for sustainable materials to reduce waste and minimize our impact on the environment. RITSON What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you? Being accredited by the SBID means our company adheres to the highest technical standards. As part of a community of experts in our field, we work to the highest calibre, ensuring our clients can trust us to deliver their projects. In addition, it provides an opportunity to collaborate and share insights with our community. Carmelina Dalton, Founder and Creative Director at KEMSI About KEMSI KEMSI is a high-end design practice focusing on residential and boutique commercial properties throughout the UK and Europe. We inspire, design and curate human experiences, enabling our clients to imagine spaces based on how they would like to feel within them. Projects have ranged from London townhouses to detached period and modern residences both domestically and abroad, through to commercial spaces in prime London Mayfair and hotels abroad. 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.