Inspiring the Next Generation: A Fireside Chat with Sophie Paterson

United in Design recently hosted an intimate and Fireside Chat with renowned interior designer Sophie Paterson. Held in an elegant, relaxed setting in London, the event served as a bridge between one of the industry's leading voices and a community of passionate, aspiring designers eager to make their mark.

The success of the session came as no surprise; Sophie has built a career and reputation defined as "best in class". At her core, she has always prioritized sharing her knowledge and expertise, a commitment that recently culminated in the launch of her comprehensive interior design course.

During the chat, the conversation delved deep into the realities of the design world, moving beyond aesthetics to tackle the "unseen structures" of the profession. This included discussing the emotional weight felt by those coming from families or communities that may not view the creative arts as a viable career path. Sophie’s humility and honesty resonated with the room as she spoke about the importance of putting oneself in environments where skills and confidence are stretched and challenged. She emphasized that while growth is not easy, it is achieved through community, courage, and pursuing opportunities even when one might not feel entirely ready.

Reflecting on the experience, Sophie shared:

"I did a talk in London for United In Design a lovely informal fireside chat all about how I broke into the interior design industry, lessons I’ve learnt and answering questions on how aspiring designers can start their career and stand out... I came away feeling really proud and inspired by all the passionate new designers coming up in the industry."

The session was a masterclass in mentorship, providing a space for "real talk" on barriers and breakthroughs while fostering a true sense of belonging within the design community.