The role of Interior Designer is often touted as a dream job. But what's really involved? We followed Interior Designer Stephanie Haddon as she went about a typical day here at Cooper Robinson. Steph oversees a myriad of Interior Design projects from concept stage to completion, working closely with our Design Director Megan Robinson. Meeting and communicating with her clients, managing tight supplier deadlines and making sure everyone is continually on the same page is all in a days' work. Steph's is a role that requires creativity, sensitivity and a whole lot of organisation!
9 am
Design Meeting- Megan and I meet every few days, with many emails, phone calls and office chats in-between, to go over each design project. This morning Megan shows me a sofa she thinks would work for a long term client. I update her on two particular projects. A South Yarra apartment in the preliminary phase; I met with the owner earlier in the week; it's the first time she's engaged a designer. She was a little nervous at first, but by the time I left, she was excited to get the project going. The other, a family home in Albert Park, is nearing completion, we schedule a date for the installation. I can't wait to see it all come together!
11 am
Armadillo & Co- We love Armadillo & Co., their rugs are incredible; such a unique focal point in a room. Not only are they beautiful, but they're also a fairtrade business with a social conscience. Ticking boxes! I check on the lead time for a rug I've ordered; it's due next week. My clients' will be thrilled! I'm also sourcing for a job that needs a bold rug; I'm in love with the deep peach colour from the Egyptian Collection. I'm hoping my clients' will be too!
“ Steph’s is a role that requires creativity, sensitivity and a whole lot of organisation!”
12 pm
An appointment in Toorak. I meet with our paint specialist, Paul Baker. The homeowners' are overseas; he needs a paint chip to colour match. I take the opportunity to check some fabric swatches in the property's midday sun. It's amazing how colours change in a different light!
12.45 pm
Phone calls and messages- I call an Albert Park client to confirm their install date. I check in with Adam, our warehouse manager, to see if some deliveries have arrived. It's a negative, so I email the supplier to check the ETA.
1.15 pm
Lunch! Luckily, Mokum is located directly across the road from a great little cafe. I order (frittata, salad and a kombucha) and check my phone for Slack messages and updates.
2 pm
Mokum- Selecting fabric for key furniture pieces such as sofas is one of the first things I do when embarking on a design job; from there, I can start sourcing everything else. Mokum has an enormous range of fabrics. I chat with Maria about an upcoming trend forecasting event and when an order is due to arrive. This week! Very happy about that. I gather some samples and a few hangers to work with, sitting for a while to go over some ideas.
3.30 pm
Office- I head back to the office. The Cooper Robinson team is buzzing and almost always chatty! I make a cup of tea and catch up with everyone before sitting down to check emails. The rest of my afternoon is spent organising my appointments and materials for tomorrow.
5 pm
The office clears out, as do I! It's been a productive day, and I feel good. Time to relax and recharge for tomorrow!
Photo Credits: Dan Schache, Armadillo & Co., Mokum