8th August 2025 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn Katherine Jane Channell, Founder of Katherine Jane Design Studio, has given her insights into the industry. My journey into interior design began with a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design from Nottingham Trent University, which gave me an incredible understanding of how different materials work together. This background has been invaluable in interior design – knowing how fabrics drape, which textures complement each other, and how to select upholstery that’s both beautiful and practical for real life. After completing my Diploma in Interior Design from the British College of Interior Design, I discovered my true passion for creating transformative living spaces. I founded Katherine Jane Design Studio here in Berkshire, and now I work with clients throughout the South of England, as well as internationally through my virtual design services. Whether I’m working hands-on with my UK clients or collaborating remotely with international clients, I bring that same attention to detail to every project. Katherine Jane Design Studio Katherine Jane Design Studio Why did you want to work in the interior design profession? Throughout my development years I loved designing and creating emotion through art, whether this is a bold garment or redesigning my own bedroom, so it felt calming and serene. When I left university, it was 2020 and I ended up in an upside-down world, I nearly went to do an internship at Thurstan Interior Design Studio but due to the world shutting down I ended up not knowing which direction to take. Listening to my peers I realised that fashion was not what made me tick. I went and did a few jobs here and there and then studied interior design which I then realised that this was where my heart lay. I am a homebody, and I appreciate the feeling of coming home and spending time with loved ones in a comforting and personal space. I also realised I cared more about what my home looked like than my clothes ever did! Katherine Jane Design Studio Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most? I love connecting with a wide variety of people and being able to throw myself into projects that I love. Being able to take a tired worn-out space or empty canvas and be able to transform this into a functionally timeless space makes me genuinely excited to do my job. I love helping people create a space they never even thought was possible as well as also having fun and pushing people outside of their boundaries to create exceptionally beautiful spaces. What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year? A significant highlight is my successful transition from being a solo operation to building a team – moving from working alone to now having freelancers on board and using “we” instead of “I” when talking about my business. I also have loved transitioning into the commercial space, I really enjoy building my knowledge in all areas of design and my recent project with Dr Memee has been amazing in implementing this from the design into the install. Katherine Jane Design Studio Katherine Jane Design Studio What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why? I love working with amazing clients who are willing to be bold and be open to new innovative ideas. I enjoy both commercial and residential projects however, whole-home renovations are also incredibly fulfilling because you get to see the complete transformation and really understand how a family lives. Working through multiple rooms allows me to create a cohesive flow throughout the space while still giving each room its own personality. What really makes any project special for me is when clients are collaborative and trust the process. The best projects happen when there’s that perfect balance of client input and creative freedom. What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design? Personally, I love a challenge! I enjoy making the impossible possible and working with contractors to make this happen. I will say what I am currently struggling with is as a growing business I have taken someone on a freelance basis but the transition from being a one-man band to growing a successful business where we can take on many more projects with more people working for us is a new challenge for me. Katherine Jane Design Studio Katherine Jane Design Studio What do you wish you knew before working in the field? Interior design isn’t just about creating beautiful spaces – it’s about understanding people’s emotional connections to their homes. I’ve learned that listening to what clients don’t say is often as important as what they do say. Their lifestyle, family dynamics, and even their insecurities all play into design decisions. If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be? So much of this business runs on relationships – with suppliers, contractors, other designers, and of course clients. I would recommend building a network around you, visiting as many suppliers and events as possible to immerse yourself in the design world and don’t forget to have fun! Sometimes the everyday can cause you to get stuck in a routine but remember why you are doing this. Experiment and gain inspiration whenever you can! Katherine Jane Design Studio Katherine Jane Design Studio How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead? This year has snowballed for myself, and I think the world is waking up to how important the quality of an interior is and how it can affect your mood, for example in commercial design this is so important to connect with customers/clients. I feel like this is leaking more into the residential world, clients want spaces that tell their unique story, but they also want efficiency. We’re also seeing a major push toward sustainable materials and circular design principles. Clients are increasingly asking about eco-friendly and longer lasting options, and I expect this to become the standard rather than the exception. Virtual design services are also becoming more sophisticated and widely accepted, allowing clients who may not have been able to access certain designers before are able to do so with remote collaboration. I see this segment growing significantly, especially for international projects. What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you? Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer has allowed me to communicate to my clients a mark of quality and professionalism that can help them feel at ease from the beginning. I want Katherine Jane Design Studio to be known for creating amazing, beautiful interiors that withstand the test of time and communicate the highest standard while also offering the best service to our clients so the whole process is enjoyable and exciting and this accreditation communicated this from the get go. Katherine Jane Channell, Founder of Katherine Jane Design Studio About Katherine Jane Design Studio Katherine Jane Design Studio curates exceptional interiors that feel authentically personal to each client. The refined approach transcends fleeting trends—crafting spaces that remain timeless for years to come. Meticulous attention to understanding not just how clients envision their space, but how they truly inhabit it. Through careful consultation and thoughtful planning, every precisely considered detail reflects the client’s unique lifestyle and elevates their daily experience to new heights of comfort and sophistication. Devoted to enduring design and creating spaces with lasting sophistication that won’t require constant reinvention. When partnering with Katherine Jane Design Studio, you’re investing in a home that truly enhances your everyday living. 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.