Meet the Team: Charlie Leeder

Is Interior Design something you always wanted to do?

I’ve always been a very creative person and have always loved working with 3D, like making models and bringing ideas to life. I knew I wanted to do something in design, but I wasn’t really sure what exactly until I studied Art & Design at college. Thats when I discovered my love for interior design, and studying it at university only confirmed that it was the path I wanted to pursue.

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Where do you get your inspiration?

I get my inspiration from a variety of places. One of the main ways is through supplier visits, where they introduce new products such as furniture, fabrics and flooring. These visits help me stay updated with current trends and new materials. I also love to have a scroll on Pinterest to find creative ideas and inspiration. At Layrd we also have R&D days where we visit Showrooms which is great a great source of inspiration as it allows me to see products in person and understand how different elements work together in a space.

What does a typical day look like in the studio as a Junior Designer?

Working at Layrd no day is the same. As a junior designer, I work across the design sectors and collaborate closely with the team, supporting projects at various stages of the design process. This gives me clear view of how projects come together from start to finish. Some days also involve going to showrooms, site visits or meeting with suppliers, which is a great way to gain inspiration and learn about new products.

Why did you want to join Layrd?

I was really drawn to Layrd because it was a young and growing company, which felt like an exciting environment to be part of. I was also interested in working somewhere that values sustainability, so seeing that reflected in Layrd’s work really stood out to me. I had always wanted to work within commercial design, and when I first came across Layrd I was really inspired by the projects the team had worked on and knew I wanted to be a part of that.

If you could design any space, where would it be and what would it look like?

If I could design any space, it would be a recovery space. I would aim to create a calm and tranquil environment with lots of natural light and plants to support people during the healing process. I believe that the environment someone is in can significantly influence the speed and quality of recovery. Elements such as natural light, greenery, and thoughtful spatial design can improve mood, reduce stress, and create a more comforting atmosphere. By designing a space that promotes positivity and relaxation, people may feel more uplifted and supported throughout their recovery.

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