After a career in the city, resulting in a position at Lloyd’s of London as a Fine Arts Underwriter Stephen enrolled at Inchbald after enjoying the process of redesigning his own house with his wife Pippa. Stephen brought an incisive mind to the process of design and enjoyed the analytical edge the Post Graduate Diploma added to the professional course.
During his time at the Inchbald School, he gained work experience with Kelly Hoppen and then at a later stage with Lighting consultants VBK Light Matters. He then worked at Pierce Design as an Interior Designer focusing on hotel projects. He was with Jestico and Whiles for two years as an Interior Designer on hotel and spa projects/restaurants and bars in London, Europe and Asia.
A year ago Stephen set up his own business called Residence Interior Design Limited. He is currently running three refurbishment projects in Hampstead, Pimlico and Parliament view.
Whilst Stephen was working for Jestico and Whiles, he featured in the Andrew Martin Interior Design Review – volume 10 as part of the Jestico and Whiles team.
With a ten year career as a Chartered Surveyor behind him and a Directorship at Nelson Bakewell Property Consultants, Michael was an interesting candidate for the Inchbald. His desire to get into the ‘character’ of a space sparked his initial enquiry into interior design. The decorative elements, that perhaps a surveyor might not consider in terms of the sensory value of a space, became a much more integral part of Michaels sphere of interest. He won the Directors Prize at the end of year exhibition for a consistently high level of design work and presentation.
When he left the Inchbald School he worked for Stephen Ryan for a year also forging links with Sieff Design and Hubert Zandberg. This experience it was a logical and somewhat easier decision to set up as an independent interior designer which he did a little over a year ago. Michael has featured in both House and Gardens magazine and the Evening Standard.
Prior to studying at the Inchbald Staffan worked in the film industry running a production company for several years with a special interest in direction and scriptwriting. His visual awareness was an asset whilst at Inchbald as was his skills in presentation and the technology of the image.
After graduating with a Post Graduate Diploma he went to work for award winning designer Rabih Hage.
In February 2005 Staffan set up his own company called the Staffan Tollgard Design Group to reflect the collaborative and cooperative spirit of this, primarily Inchbald alumni practice. Their projects have been wide-ranging in scale and style with a primarily residential brief. They have worked on and completed a number of high – end residential projects in both London and overseas and have grown to include a commercial design consultancy service that has resulted in some interesting property development projects in the UK and Europe.
In the Summer of 2007 Staffan launched another company Red Thread, with Inchbald Graduate Richard Newling – Ward. Red Thread is focusing on commercial projects. They are about to embark on the Orient Express’s waiting room in Victoria Station.
In July 2008 Staffan was featured in House and Gardens.
www.tollgard.co.uk
Initially training as a Fine Artist, Jessica Brook has been creating interiors for over 10 years for both the residential and commercial market.
Having held positions of Design Manager, Acting Creative Director, and Account Managing experience Jessica went on to graduate with a Masters in Architectural Interior Design, with Distinction and Special Award of Merit from Inchbald School of Design. Drawing on her experience as Senior Designer for world renowned Mary Fox-Linton, Jessica Brook Design Ltd was formed in 2006 and provides Architectural Interior Design, Interior Decoration, Furniture and Product Design for high-end residential and commercial projects. With two colleagues Jessica then formed Collective Interiors Ltd in January 2007. Projects include a high end new build residential project in Hertfordshire, the decoration of a house in Florida and the refurbishment of executive offices in Hampstead.
Jessica’s work is typified by her creative approach and mature aesthetic sensibility. Discernable in each project is her attention to detail, emphasis on the use of natural materials, layering of texture and her sophisticated combination of classic and contemporary elements. The results are beautifully conceived, detailed and executed interiors with atmosphere, a sense of growth and understated elegance.
www.jessicabrookdesign.com
Leaving a career in advertising and television in New York 18 years ago, Merilee relocated to the UK. Once in London she used her skills and qualifications in Cuisine and Patisserie to set up a successful catering business whilst she raised her three children. The decision to study again saw her enroll at the Inchbald on the One Year Diploma in Architectural Interior Design. With clients clamoring to use her even when still at the school Merilee started work on her first big residential project in Nantucket which was published in New England Homes Magazine in the Summer of 2008. Merilee works in the UK and overseas developing her unique blend of Anglo-American design in both the residential and the hospitality field.
She is currently working on two very big country homes in Salisbury CT. She is also working for the Connaught Flats which adjoin the Connaught Hotel.
