Interior design plays a pivotal role in animating your space and converting it into an aesthetically appealing environment. Professionals in this field guide you through various elements, ensuring harmony and balance in the design, including the interior architecture, lighting and colour scheme, to create the ideal atmosphere and appearance for your residence. April Hudson for the Katharine Pooley Studio prioritizes a client-centric design approach, valuing versatility and adaptability in her design style. The studio undertakes a diverse array of projects, across the globe varying in both style and size. April’s recent ventures with the studio range from one of the largest private residences in the South of France, Villa residences on The Palm Dubai, prime apartments within The Chelsea Barracks and Lancasters development in London. The KPL portfolio extends to traditional homes and historic castles in Scotland and England, opulent palaces in Kuwait and Qatar, and sophisticated urban homes in Kuala Lumpur, New York, and London. The Studio consistently receives recognition for design expertise through commissions and accolades for outstanding commercial and residential projects, both locally and internationally. April Hudson, the Managing Director of Katharine Pooley Design Studio, has extensive industry experience in crafting cutting-edge interior designs for clients.

During a personal interview, she shared insights about her early life, her journey into the industry, and her upcoming plans and aspirations.

Guide us through the crucial early years of your life. What were the significant early influences that moulded you into the person you are today?

I am April Hudson, the Managing Director at Katharine Pooley Interior Design Studio for over 13 years, over­seeing nearly 50 diverse global projects encompassing commercial, residential design. In recent years, my role expanded from Creative Director to MD and thus now includes the management of the full studio team, and the creative direction in collaboration with Katharine of the business as a whole, both at the micro level of project design direction through to the macro level of holistic business strategy such as global PR, financial forecasting, product development and regional plan­ning to name a few. My educational journey started with a multidisciplinary foundation course at Chelsea  College of Art and Design, University of the Arts London followed by specializing in Interior Architecture and Spatial design through an FDA and BA courses. Along­side my formal education, my family's blend of business acumen and creativity influenced my career trajectory. Notably, my extensive involvement in the Royal British Legion band from ages eight to 21 deeply shaped my values, fostering dedication, teamwork, and self-man­agement, all integral aspects of my present approach to the role.

“Take moments to reflect on past projects and assess the impact you've had in different circumstances”

Detail your past experience in the industry that you bring to your current role. What specific areas do you excel in as a leader within the field of interior design?

I grasp that interior design is more than creativity; it involves project management and extensive social interaction. Adapting solutions for diverse clients requires understanding various cultures, regulations, and construction methodologies. The approach varies significantly, whether in India, the Middle East, or the United States due to distinct rules, practices but perhaps more important cultural way of life – it can be very sub­tle but you have to understand and respect the nuances. Adaptability and a personable approach are vital, espe­cially for a young female managing construction sites in various regions. Budgeting, finance management, trou­bleshooting, and logistics are equally vital. Of course, the creative aspect is paramount. My exposure to diverse artistic mediums and engagement within London's art and fashion scenes inspire me and allow me to remain relevant, giving me the confidence to comminate our ideas and inspire the Client to trust in our vision.

Tell us about the key business challenges you face as a leader in interior design and how you overcome them.

The interior design industry presents several challeng­es. These include overseeing international projects, and managing the intricate global supply chain - navigating political influences which often affect shipping and production then in juxtaposition to this working with affluent clients whose expectations are incredibly high and are typically short of time. A significant hurdle is achieving a high standard of construction finish inter­nationally where some crafts and processes we consid­er typical in Europe are not known and adjusting our processes to overcome this yet still achieving the level of finish we set out to create. Drawing from many years of experience, I've seen Katharine adeptly handle such challenges and have partnered with her on developing strong troubleshooting skills while maintaining con­tinued successful relationships whether that be Client or supplier side. For me, the key is to maintain focus on solutions amidst the inevitable setbacks in this indus­try which often see my counterparts have an emotive response, which can cloud your judgement.

Introduce us to the Katharine Pooley Design Studio and elaborate on your strategic areas of focus to propel the company's growth.

Katharine Pooley is an interior design studio with near­ly two decades of industry experience, placing a strong emphasis on client-centric design. Our diverse team of 50 skilled designers specializes in various domains such as interior and architectural design, marine and aviation design, furniture, lighting, and project man­agement. Our design ethos centres around creating distinctive, timeless, and functional designs that align seamlessly with the context and architecture of each project. Achieving an impressive 95 percent customer retention rate, we prioritize fully customized turnkey projects. Our strategic growth plan is targeted towards Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the US, with a firm commitment to sustainability within the luxury sector. Recent initiatives involve expanding our footprint in the Marine & Aviation market, introducing unique product lines within our homewares Boutique, and thus enhanc­ing our E-commerce platform to offer exclusive capsule collections. Amidst this growth, we always value and nurture relationships with our existing clientele.

In your view, what qualities distinguish you as a leader? Can you share your guiding principles for success?

To lead effectively within the creative sector, it's crucial to nurture a collaborative and supportive team envi­ronment where mutual growth and contribution are emphasized. Recognize the importance of each team member and their role in the collective success. Encour­age a passion for excellence without imposing it, allow­ing individuals the space to discover and embrace their enthusiasm for the work, drawing inspiration from posi­tive outcomes. Lead by example, demonstrating a will­ingness to undertake tasks you delegate and embodying a strong work ethic. Prioritize respecting others' time and promoting clear communication, ensuring everyone understands timelines and expectations. Additionally, stay proactive and relevant yourself, always seeking growth and being ready to pivot or adapt when neces­sary. A key principle is to find enjoyment and fulfilment in your work while striving for progress and growth without compromising sensibility. Remember to stop and look up.

April Hudson, Managing Director, Katharine Pooley Design Studio

April Hudson, an accomplished Managing Director, boasts an extensive portfolio encompassing completed international properties within the hospitality and upscale residential domains. With a versatile design approach, her focus lies on culturally inspired, livable, and timeless interiors. These designs are crafted from thoughtfully curated materials, celebrating the space's architectural heritage and unique character.