While I was studying graphic design, I found an interior design job through my college.

What do you love most about being an interior designer?

The process of seeing a space or a room transform. This can happen when you enlarge a window in a dark area, attach a new handle to an old cupboard or use furniture in a clever way to complement the architecture.

How did your company come about?

My friend Robyn and I were at a point where we both needed change and a challenge. We decided to team up. I had been involved in corporate interior design for about seven years by then, so I was ready to add colour and a softer feel to my projects by venturing into residential and retail design.

Which decorating trends will be big in South Africa in 2012?

Colour blocking with fabrics and accessories onto grey or neutral bases and walls. I also foresee more use of locally designed fabrics and furniture. Another trend is the creation of space for hobbies at home. We are designing trendy and fun small home gyms and modern home wine cellars.

What has been your most enjoyable project?

Designing and decorating a home for a cooking fanatic who collects books, art, music, wine, toys and things for the kitchen. We had to sort out and catalogue everything before we began designing. Once we had an idea of the amount and type of storage required, we could start the creative process.

In the design for every room we had to accommodate storage for future collectables.

The best outcome was the kitchen, which had a central height-adjustable extractor unit and all the cupboard space the client needed - and this was the room he was most proud of.

Are you working on any exciting projects at the moment?

We have quite a few different projects at the moment: a total revamp of a young professional couple's home using South African fabrics; a glass and wood orangery that will be used for family meals and entertainment; and a cute renovation of a one-room cottage into a hip and contemporary studio apartment with clever use of space and light.

Top tip for breathing life into a tired space?

Rearranging furniture, art pieces and accessories instantly re-identifies the pieces and the space. Changing the function of an item, for example an old bookcase can be used in a kitchen to store daily crockery and kitchen linen.

The decor or design item in your home that you love most?

My handbags and hats on my walls. These items I don't generally wear; I enjoy looking at them.

Your advice for aspiring interior designers?

Learn every facet of the business at your first job. Learn about the technical elements of designing and decorating products and product history. Attend industry presentations and fairs. Read as much as possible and keep abreast of new design developments. Most important, be ready for good, hard work. There are no short cuts.

Which city is the most inspirational for you in terms of design?

Cape Town. Its renovated face-brick buildings, loft-style apartments, eclectic coffee shops and the background of the sea.