Simon Hamilton
Published on: 2010-06-07
After gaining his BA (Hons) degree in Interior Design at Trent Polytechnic, Nottingham in 1988, Simon returned to his native London to work for a number of established interior design and architectural practices. In these early years, he developed his extensive knowledge and experience. Established in 2002, his practice, Simon Hamilton Interior Design Limited, offers residential and commercial clients comprehensive consultancy services tailored to meet their needs. Simon’s main aim is to produce outstanding designs of the highest standard preferring to specialise in contemporary interiors. From initial concept through to procurement and project co-ordination, Simon is involved until successful completion of the project. Simon’s experience includes lofts, apartments, cafés, hotels, commercial offices and family homes in city and country locations. With a variety of work in and around London – from Knightsbridge to Clerkenwell, Highbury to Bloomsbury – plus commissions in Sussex and Kent. Simon has also recently worked on projects in Southern France and Venice.
What do you wish someone would have told you when you first started out?
Among a host of things I’ve learnt during my 20 years in the design industry, one important fact is that anything can happen! It’s vital to keep on top of things in terms of quality, regulations, finances and aesthetics.
If you would hire an interior designer, what is the first question you would ask them?
It would be a dream to become a client for a change. My first question would be to ask how many recent clients could I speak to about your work?
Which aspect of your work do you find most challenging?
There are several challenges running an interior design consultancy but number one must be maintaining one’s reputation, as there are potentially so many factors that could ruin it in one simple swipe!
What do you do when you have a creative block?
If I am lacking inspiration I will often go and do something else instead such as go swimming, go to the supermarket or watch a film.
The first thing you notice when you enter a room?
Without doubt it has to be the lighting. Lighting can make or break a space. Bad lighting can make you feel stressed, unwelcome and vulnerable. Great lighting is uplifting, inviting and relaxing; depending on the colour, amount, intensity and spread.
What is the strangest thing you have ever done for a client?
I once read a bedtime story to a client’s son, as the nanny had no luck getting him off to sleep that evening.
Which is your favorite room in your house and why?
Without hesitation the kitchen, as I have so many great social memories with family and friends there. The design still works and it is flexible enough to be transformed for intimate dinners or grand parties.
If you could have the project of your dreams, what would it be?
I’d like to create a large hotel in a far-away cosmopolitan location such as Melbourne with beautiful spaces, a spa, bars, restaurants, terraces and shops.
What do you consider to be the most significant design innovation of the past 100 years?
Computers affect our daily lives especially in communication whether verbal or visual. We use digital means to an increasing extent depending on context, so this must be one of the most important innovations.
If you could have chosen any other profession what would it be?
I have a passion for flying so I would love to become a pilot.
What was it that most influenced your decision to become a designer?
My creative interest began with art at secondary school, this grew when my eldest sister moved to San Francisco and started working for architects. I’ve always expressed myself visually and regularly rearranged rooms at home before discovering interior de
Which celebrity’s home would you love to design and why?
I’d choose Dame Helen Mirren as she has a personality that is both daring and sophisticated with a lot of talent, glamour, sex appeal and intelligence, which would produce fantastic opportunities for creativity.