INSPIRING WOMEN IN INTERIOR DESIGN
We are so lucky to work in an industry full of inspiring, strong and successful women. To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we caught up with some of our friends in the world of interior design. Read on to discover the women who have inspired them and the advice they wish they’d received earlier in their career.
STEPHANIE JONES, INTERIOR DESIGN DIRECTOR, ALEXANDER JAMES INTERIORS
Stephanie Jones, Alexander James Interiors
What barriers do you think still exist for women today within the interior design industry, and what steps can we take to break them?
I think the Interior Design Industry is lucky to have some strong women leading from the forefront paving the way for a positive next generation of designers. I was lucky enough to be awarded a Design et Al award last year and to sit amongst some of our industry’s greatest. I feel privileged to be in an industry that empowers women and has many women running some of the biggest design houses in the UK.
Who is a woman that has inspired you in your journey, and what impact have they had on your life or career?
I am very lucky to be surrounded by a group of strong, independent women that are so supportive of my career. I think indirectly though, one of my biggest inspirations comes from back to my early childhood. It is at a age where you are so easily influenced and so full of dreams. This lady was a teacher in my primary school who told me I would never amount to anything, and I wasn’t bright enough to succeed. It lit a fire in my belly and is a phase I refer to often. If anyone tells you that you aren’t good enough or you can't achieve something, I always think – how negative, who are you to tell me what I am able to achieve or not. It makes me work hard every day and after 16 years in this wonderful industry, I am so proud of my achievements, the company I work for and the team I now lead.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
The best piece of advice I could pass on would be to immerse yourself into every element of design. Go to the shows and the talks, be a sponge, as it will broaden your knowledge. It was the best thing I ever did, and I enjoyed every moment.
JENNY WEISS, FOUNDER DIRECTOR, HILL HOUSE INTERIORS
What barriers do you think still exist for women today within the interior design industry, and what steps can we take to break them?
As a female-led company with a predominantly female team, we’re proud to have carved out our place in the industry. While there are still significant barriers—especially when working alongside traditionally male-dominated sectors like construction—we’ve always focused on demonstrating our expertise, proving our skills, and earning the respect we now have.
In Dubai, some traditional challenges persist, but we’re continuously evolving and strengthening our team to navigate them. For us, it’s about leading by example, building relationships, and showing that exceptional design knows no gender.
Who is a woman that has inspired you in your journey, and what impact have they had on your life or career?
The first person who always comes to mind when I’m asked this question is Audrey Hepburn. Her courage, compassion, and unwavering kindness—despite the hardships she endured growing up during WWII—have always been deeply inspiring to me.
Her connection to UNICEF was profoundly personal. In 1946, it was UNICEF agents who rescued her from the devastating famine in the Netherlands, saving her life. She carried that experience with her, transforming her struggles into a driving force for good. Rather than simply resting on her success, she used her platform to create real change, becoming a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1989. She dedicated herself to improving the lives of children in need, travelling to over 20 countries to advocate for their welfare.
A true legend—graceful, strong, and endlessly giving. She showed the world that kindness and resilience can change lives.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
Jenny Weiss & Helen Bygraves, Hill House Interiors
Be thankful for closed doors—they often lead us exactly where we’re meant to be. What once felt like a setback is often just ‘cosmic redirection’ in disguise, guiding us toward better opportunities, lessons, and experiences we may never have considered otherwise.
HELEN BYGRAVES, FOUNDER DIRECTOR, HILL HOUSE INTERIORS
What barriers do you think still exist for women today within the interior design industry and what steps can we take?
We've found that in our industry, male clients can sometimes feel a natural affinity with other men, particularly when it comes to the more technical aspects of a project. That’s one of the reasons why having a male technical director in our team works so well—it helps create a balanced dynamic that benefits both our clients and our business as a whole. Rather than seeing this as a barrier, we embrace it as an opportunity to ensure our team is well-rounded, offering the perfect blend of expertise, perspective, and approachability for every client we work with.
Who is a woman that inspired you in your journey
Michelle Obama has always been a huge inspiration to me. Her unwavering commitment to uplifting women, no matter their background, is truly remarkable. Throughout her life, she has championed causes that matter—advocating for better education for girls, equal rights, healthier lifestyles, and greater support for families in need. Beyond her achievements, it’s her grace, resilience, and ability to connect with people on a deeply personal level that I find most inspiring.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
Believe in yourself, even when it feels challenging at the start. Trust your instincts, stay true to your passion, and keep going—even when the path isn’t always clear. Hard work and dedication will take you further than you can imagine, and every challenge is just another step toward something greater.
KAREN HOWES, FOUNDER & CEO, TAYLOR HOWES
Karen Howes
What barriers do you think still exist for women today within the interior design industry, and what steps can we take to break them?
While interior design has a strong female presence, challenges remain in areas like construction, project management, and leadership roles. Women are still underrepresented in decision-making positions, and there can be biases when working with contractors and developers. To create change, we need to continue advocating for equal opportunities, fostering mentorship, and supporting flexible working environments that allow women to thrive at all stages of their careers.
Who is a woman that has inspired you in your journey, and what impact have they had on your life or career?
From a design perspective, Mary Fox Linton was an innovator who redefined luxury interiors, and her influence shaped my early career. More recently, I’ve been inspired by Claire German and her exceptional leadership at DCCH—her ability to drive innovation and lead with vision is something I deeply admire
What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
I wish someone had told me that building a strong network is just as important as your knowledge. The relationships you cultivate—whether through mentorship, industry events, or collaborations—can open doors, offer support and help navigate challenges. Women have an incredible way of uplifting each other, and tapping into that network is invaluable
CHRISTINE SALADAS, PRIVATE CLIENT MANAGER, CLIVE CHRISTIAN INTERIORS
What barriers do you think still exist for women today within the interior design industry, and what steps can we take to break them?
The interior design world is full of wonderful women excelling in their careers, but as always there are still barriers to overcome. I have found that when on-site and working with construction teams, still a predominantly male environment, for naturally quieter people it can be difficult to make yourself heard and sometimes taken seriously.
Who is a woman that has inspired you in your journey, and what impact have they had on your life or career?
Christine Saladas
My mum is someone who inspires me. She left Cyprus for the UK in the 70s aged 12 and pretty much started working right away! Eventually she met my father and together they ran a manufacturing business side by side. To be an independent working woman at this time was pretty trailblazing and she always encouraged me to do the same.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
Never under estimate the power of self belief.