Interior Designer
"The KLC Diploma was incredibly demanding, but I was totally up for all the challenges it presented. I totally immersed myself in the diverse and inspiring plethora of topics; varying from the “History of Style” to the ever evolving world of “smart home” technology."
What were you doing before KLC and why did you decide to study at the school?
Following graduation from Bristol University, I spent four years in account management at The Brunswick Group and BMP DDB. The world of corporate communications gave me a fast paced insight into the real world of business, and in conjunction with the KLC diploma, the perfect foundation for a career in interior design.
Can you identify some of the highlights and challenges of your time at KLC?
The KLC Diploma was incredibly demanding, but I was totally up for all the challenges it presented. I totally immersed myself in the diverse and inspiring plethora of topics; varying from the “History of Style” to the ever evolving world of “smart home” technology. Each provided a detailed insight into the world of interiors through a series of inspiring lectures, field trips and practical work. My personal highlight was my work experience with Todhunter Earle Interiors, where I was able to put into practice all of the classroom theory.
What were you doing before KLC and why did you decide to study at the school?
I was a Financial Futures Broker in The City, working for a large American Corp. I changed career because the exchange I worked on closed down in favour of computer platform trading and when I was at school I wanted to pursue a career in textile design. So, I needed to re-train quickly and to a high professional standard for a career I could walk into immediately. Having designed a number of my own homes by this stage, interior design ticked all the boxes, as did KLC.
Can you identify some of the highlights and challenges of your time at KLC?
All of it was a highlight and most of it was a challenge! A definite highlight was having Sue Timney work with us on conceptual design, she’s amazing.
How has your career evolved since graduating?
My career has been really varied and colourful since leaving KLC, I’ve had the opportunity to experience a lot of different projects and working environments from London residential projects to a retail design project in China, an office in Berlin and a beautiful house in the South of France. I’ve also worked as a part of a large architectural team on what at the time was the most expensive office fit-out in London for a large international media company.
How has your career evolved since graduating?
After graduating with Honours, I hit the ground running at Lifestyles Interiors, part of the exclusive Northacre property development group, and Fox Linton in London; before spending seven years with Federica Palacios Design in Geneva. I was incredibly privileged to work at these renowned interior studios and worked on a diverse range of high-end residential and commercial projects including the renovation of a listed property on Cadogan Square, a beautiful family home on the shores of Geneva and Gstaad's Grand Park Hotel.
Upon returning to live in the UK, my husband Tom and I, established Camilla Bellord Interiors. A family run studio which is committed to creating timeless interiors, infused with an eclectic elegance.
What kind of projects have you been working on recently?
We have been lucky enough to work on a number of projects both far and wide, from a chalet in Verbier to a Cotswold country retreat. Most recently, we have completed the renovation of a beautiful London townhouse, which seamlessly blends contemporary architecture and style, with a nod to the family’s traditional heritage.
What advice would you give anyone starting out in the industry?
In the words of William Morris, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”. We take inspiration from this ethos and always aim to redefine space with a harmonious blend of aesthetics and function.
