Get To Know The Designer – Susan Roach
Could you tell us about your background?
I studied Interior Design at university in Cambridge. From there, I was very fortunate to land a design position with a successful mid-high end bathroom showroom, going on to design another branch later on in my time with them. After 4 years, I was offered the opportunity to design luxury kitchens and decided to grab it. However kitchens were not as fun as bathrooms. Currently, I’m now working in the big smoke of London, loving the diversity and fast pace of working for London’s top bathroom retailer.
Are you influenced by the latest trends?
Definitely. London being one the worlds design hubs, you have to keep up with the trends because customers want the inspiration.. The black trend is fading out and is overtaken by more feminine tones of bronzes, soft brasses and pale coral colours. Less minimalist looks and more patterns, either geometric or florals. Green is starting to make a resurgence, more earthy and natural.
What defines you as a designer?
I would say I’m a good listener. I take a client’s brief and develop their ideas. This not only inspires them but enables me to reach their budgets whilst proposing creative solutions.
Could you describe to us what your favourite bathroom would look like?
I have a different favourite for everyday of the week! However I LOVE Statuario Marble. Therefore my bathroom would showcase book matched slabs of this, with the Bette Lux inset bath and then a mirrored plinth underneath, making it look like a floating shelf. This teamed up with Dornbracht’s dark brass matt VAIA brassware, with Oasis Academy vanity units – something understated but quite glamorous
Have you ever gone the extra mile for a client?
When a customer believes they cannot have something, yet we make it happen! Nothing is impossible. Most commonly clients, believe they cannot have a wet room. However, there is almost never a real reason why.
Another situation is when someone wanted a separate shower and bath. I overcame this by incorporating additional internal stud walls. This tends to accommodate the basin or W.C. As a result, it allows us to separate the shower area.
Get To Know The Designer series features our designer: Susan Roach. Susan works out of our Clerkenwell showroom.
