Diploma Interior Design -

Shafali Patel

Interior Designer

What was your background before KLC?
I was an Events Manager in the 5 star luxury hotel market in central London including The May Fair, Conrad, Langham and The Savoy Group. I primarily manage the VIP events for the Chairman.

Management of promotional activities for the brand including planning and hosting familiarisation trips, preparing room sets for filming and photography, scheduling exhibition and wedding show stands.  My clients included A-list celebrities from the film, music and sports industries, as well as global corporate organisations and private weddings.

Why did you decide to study Interior Design?
I've worked in some of London's most established venues. Being surrounded by striking, fashionable and vibrant interiors I was intrigued by the choice of furnishings and finishes. This, alongside my fascination with travelling to far flung places, sparked my senses with ideas on colour and texture, I started being attracted to captivating and stimulating schemes with a yearning of wanting to recreate these interiors.

A few years ago, a good friend of mine trusted me with the refurbishment of his restaurant, bar and lounge. After a successful rebrand and re-launch, I was encouraged by those that had seen the transformation to train as a professional within the industry.

What did you think of the course?
One of the toughest, most emotional years I have had, I feel broken but completely mendable!  To look back and realise how much I have learnt from and grown alongside such a diverse group of individuals is amazing.

What are your design interests/strengths?
Through the projects completed this year, it was very apparent that I loved the research part of each.  I was constantly craving for more knowledge and I was actively looking for ways of seeking out new information.  My strong experience in hotels together with my diploma will open the doors to designing interiors for hotels, bars and restaurants.  My past experience will give me the ability to design these spaces with confidence and flair.

What space best represents you?
Ham Yard Hotel , London. A mix of art, patterns and bright bursts of colour of which bring an urban village feel to the space. It's so much fun, lively and very intriguing wanting you to explore the spaces further.

Which are your favourite interiors?

  • Taj, Lake Palace, India
  • Ham Yard Hotel, London
  • Soho House, Global
  • Morgans Hotel Group, Global
  • Bulgari Hotel, Milan
  • Palace of Versailles, France

Who is your favourite designer?

  • Kit Kemp - eye-catching use of colour and texture to create playful, original, colourful, energetic, personal and carefree interiors, revitalising the schemes every few years to ensure that the design doesn't become so tired and stays fresh. Creates boutique hotels that can influence our own interiors with every hotel having a different feel to it.
  • Phillipe Starck - witty and engaging designs, much like himself. Quite magical.
  • Ian Schrager- cool, chic, sophisticated and fun designs in boutique properties attracting a range of guests.
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