Over the last two years, Natalie has built her experience across a variety of projects at 5plus. Passionate about inclusive design, she believes the built environment can have a positive impact on how people feel, interact, and work.

What sparked your interest in interior design and construction?
I’ve always been a creative person, and interior design appealed to me because it combines creativity with the opportunity to create real environments that people can experience and interact with. During university, I became particularly interested in designing spaces around the needs of the people who use them, especially inclusive environments that support neurodivergent users and create positive experiences for everyone.

What have you enjoyed most since joining 5plus?
One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about my time at 5plus is that there’s always something new to learn. Every project brings different challenges, opportunities, and ways of working, which has helped me continue developing my skills and experience.

My favourite project so far has been West Ham Bus Garage. I’ve had the opportunity to see it progress from the earliest client conversations and stakeholder engagement through to construction on site. Watching a project evolve from an initial concept into a real, functioning environment has been incredibly rewarding.

What keeps you excited about interior and workplace design?
Every project presents a unique challenge to solve. I enjoy the balance between creativity and technical coordination, whether that’s developing a concept, selecting finishes and furniture, or working through details with the wider team.

Seeing a project transform from an idea on paper into a completed space that people use every day is what keeps me motivated and excited about the industry.

What inspires you?
A lot of my inspiration comes from the people around me. Working with colleagues from different disciplines and hearing a variety of perspectives regularly challenges my thinking and encourages me to approach ideas in new ways. Outside of work, I enjoy travelling and visiting art exhibitions. Experiencing different places, cultures, and forms of creativity often sparks fresh ideas and inspiration that I can bring back into my design work.

What do you think the next generation of designers will do differently?
I think future designers will be even more adaptable as the way we live and work continues to evolve. There will be a growing focus on creating spaces that are inclusive, sustainable, and flexible enough to respond to different needs and ways of working. Technology will also play an increasingly important role, giving designers new tools to explore ideas, collaborate, and communicate designs more effectively.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in interiors?
Stay curious and be open to learning from everyone around you. Some of the biggest learning opportunities come from collaborating with others and working through challenges as a team. Great design isn’t just about how a space looks. It’s about how people experience it, how it functions, and the positive impact it can have on those who use it every day.