Certificate of Interior Design - 2023

Marina Christou

Interior Designer

"The breadth of knowledge given to you at KLC really prepares you for the challenges of doing interior design as a profession. This is the course’s biggest strength, but it definitely pushes you to bring the best out of yourself and work hard."


What were you doing before KLC and why did you decide to study at the school? 
My career started in the commercial sector at the age of 18 years.  I worked on many prestigious, diverse and interesting projects. This culminated in me being the lead designer on the largest new build commercial project in Europe. I wanted to move from commercial to residential and push the extremities of luxury interior design. I felt that KLC was the right place to broaden my knowledge to achieve my goal. 

Can you identify some of the highlights and challenges of your time at KLC? 
I loved my time at KLC and was particularly interested in the changing styles of furniture, architecture and art through the Centuries.  The subject was taught by such inspiring and passionate people. The breadth of knowledge given to you at KLC really prepares you for the challenges of doing interior design as a profession. This is the course’s biggest strength, but it definitely pushes you to bring the best out of yourself and work hard.

How has your career evolved since graduating?
I helped set up a high end Interior Design House based in Central London - 1.61 London.  My sons and I wanted to create a luxury brand in interior design that stood out from the rest and also stood the test of time. I have worked as head designer from its inception.  We have gone from strength to strength, completing over 100 projects and have won a number of international design awards for our projects.  

What kind of projects have you been working on recently? 
We recently completed a standout project off Park Lane. It was a refurbishment of a c. 2000sqft, lateral apartment. The brief for the project was to push the boundaries of interior design and implementation in all possible areas. As head designer, I had the final say over all aspects of the apartment from the space planning to the final dressing.  We used many unique and stunning finishes in the apartment to create the desired look and also collaborated with some of the best brands in the world, including the likes of Roberto Cavalli, Lalique, Sonos & Grohe. The apartment also fuses the very latest in technology delivering voice control throughout alongside the special aesthetics created.  

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