From a Suppliers Point of View
by ARMAC MARTIN
What’s your top tip for anyone starting a career in Interior Design?
From a supplier’s point of view, we would always encourage designers to keep an open mind and to make it part of their week/month to research. We often speak to interior designers using suppliers that they aren’t having the best experience however it’s what they are used to. There will always be a company that can better support your needs so it’s a case of researching to find the one.
What are the top five qualities you are looking for in a new employee?
We are looking for candidates who meet our core values; dedication to excellence, accountability, honesty and integrity, with a can-do attitude and someone who fosters innovation.
What is the best thing an applicant/ new employee can do to impress you?
Really immerse themselves in the business, taking time to get to know all departments - it’s a team effort and every role matters. Challenging the current processes is also really important as we strive for excellence and so are open to continually evolving and improving.
How do you think an applicant can stand out from the crowd?
It really begins with a CV that will cut through the volume of applicants so think about what it is you really want the employer to know about you. When interviewing, be prepared; do your research to show your interest in the role, and don’t be afraid to showcase your skills so bring along your portfolio etc.
How do you define professionalism?
For us, this really comes down to caring about what you do - working towards a wider team goal and doing your best to get there. Reliability is also paramount.
What are the top three reasons you might reject an applicant and do you have any tips for candidates?
It works both ways, the company and the candidate have to be the right fit to make it work. Our top reasons for not hiring would be if the applicant is not a culture fit, if they don’t have the right skills and if there is a lack of passion/interest.
Tell us the one thing you wish you’d known about a career in the interior industry when you started out.
The interior design industry is constantly changing with new design trends and technologies. It’s a dynamic industry and no two days are the same so it’s important to make time to keep up to date with what’s new in the industry. When designing timeless hardware, it’s important to take note of the latest trends without being dictated by what’s ‘in’ - first and foremost our brassware is always designed and made to last.