United Kingdom

Having grown up in a family-run construction company, Kathryn was destined for a career in design and the built environment and studied Interior Architecture & Design at Leeds College of Art & Design. Her career began at Soon Interiors, an Architectural Interiors firm in Belfast, where she was involved in a variety of commercial design projects including bar, restaurant, retail and office spaces across the globe.

Later stepping into the niche world of carpet design at Ulster Carpets, Kathryn moved to London, where she first became involved in NEWH as Hospitality Chair. This (along with her ability to talk to anyone!) enabled her to build a large contact base of inspiring people across every aspect of the industry and she feels she owes NEWH for giving her the contacts and confidence to dive back into interior design. She spent 4.5 years with AD Associates, where she was involved predominantly in cruise design – even living on board one of the ships for 6 solid weeks during the construction phase!

Now a senior designer at Goddard Littlefair, Kathryn’s role spans concept, FF&E and design from concept to completion, and she is working on a number of hotel projects in the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

Outside of work and NEWH, Kathryn is always planning her next adventure and is an avid fan of all things theatre and dance.

Kevin hails from South Africa and has over 35 years’ experience in the Interiors sector.

He began his professional studies in Interior Design, but intrigue in Shoe Design took him to Milan where he did his training at the world-renowned school of shoe and handbag design, Arsutoria Milano. He went on to design for a leading shoe manufacturer. However, his love of Interior Design took over, and after 5 years he took the challenge and launched his own Interior Design business in a humble studio above a Classic Car showroom…which launched a successful business and saw him completing numerous large residential and hospitality projects in South Africa and the UK.

During this time he realised that although his passion was creative, his strength was in communication and project management, and so when he relocated to the UK in 2005 (in search of good weather…!) it was a natural progression into business development and the Hospitality supply sector, is where he has found his niche.

Kevin’s strength in leadership and management, along with his passion for good design has allowed him to build relationship with leading Interior design studios and to be involved with the design, manufacture and supply of interior furnishings in numerous 4 and 5 star Hotels globally … something he does not take for granted.

“I cherish the ongoing relationships I have established in my career, which carry me from one project to the next. I have learned to value the mentor figures that have been involved in my life, and now to hopefully do the same for the next generation. Don’t ever forget where you came from and make sure you laugh and have fun (and a few glasses of wine) whilst doing so.”

Chrissie studied Art History at Warwick University and started her career at Bonham’s Auction House, in their flagship store in London.

Wanting a more hands on creative role, Chrissie moved to an Art Consultancy position in the Hospitality Industry, and has since worked alongside Interior Designers across a broad spectrum of International projects, from High End Hotels and Cruise Liners through to Spas, Care Homes, and Pubs and Restaurants.

With 10 years’ experience, Chrissie is now an Associate at Indigo Art Ltd, which offers both Art Consultancy and a Fulfilment service; from its large manufacturing facility in the Wirral. Her role is to oversee the creative development of all projects she manages, from initial concept stage to on site installation.

After attending a few NEWH events and really enjoying the fresh, fun and friendly atmosphere of the different variety of events, she was keen to find out more and take a more active role in the organisation. She will work alongside Kathryn on the marketing team to spread the news about NEWH and attract more industry members to the group.

In her spare time, Chrissie will most likely be found outdoors with her faithful cockapoo in tow.

Hi, I’m Barbara, an energetic interior designer and this is my unconventional creative journey, from Venezuela to Los Angeles and now London, as a visual storyteller in the world of interior design. I previously pursued a degree in communications and explored set design in Los Angeles before finding my place in the dynamic design scene of London. Beyond my professional journey, I find joy in the arts, from dancing to film and immersing myself in cultural events like museums, exhibitions, theater, ballet, and opera. Embracing a lifestyle of healthy exercise, I incorporate yoga and barre classes into my routine. My love for the expressive power of art, in all its forms, fuels my design perspective, as I see it as a beautiful means of human communication. I’m proud to have been a previous NEWH scholarship recipient in LA, and I’m currently serving on the UK chapter Board as the Scholarship Director, contributing to the next generation of talented designers.

Kevin hails from South Africa and has over 35 years’ experience in the Interiors sector.

He began his professional studies in Interior Design, but intrigue in Shoe Design took him to Milan where he did his training at the world-renowned school of shoe and handbag design, Arsutoria Milano. He went on to design for a leading shoe manufacturer. However, his love of Interior Design took over, and after 5 years he took the challenge and launched his own Interior Design business in a humble studio above a Classic Car showroom…which launched a successful business and saw him completing numerous large residential and hospitality projects in South Africa and the UK.

During this time he realised that although his passion was creative, his strength was in communication and project management, and so when he relocated to the UK in 2005 (in search of good weather…!) it was a natural progression into business development and the Hospitality supply sector, is where he has found his niche.

Kevin’s strength in leadership and management, along with his passion for good design has allowed him to build relationship with leading Interior design studios and to be involved with the design, manufacture and supply of interior furnishings in numerous 4 and 5 star Hotels globally … something he does not take for granted.

“I cherish the ongoing relationships I have established in my career, which carry me from one project to the next. I have learned to value the mentor figures that have been involved in my life, and now to hopefully do the same for the next generation. Don’t ever forget where you came from and make sure you laugh and have fun (and a few glasses of wine) whilst doing so.”

High-end Hospitality London designer working on large project based in the Asia-Pacific region, with demonstrated experience in Residential design in Italy.

Proud member of the NEWH UK Chapter Board of Directors, joined as a Scholarship Winner (2021), worked as Secretary & Internet Communications Chair (2022/23), now part of the Scholarship team as Student Relations Director (2024/25)!

Royal College or Art MA graduate & Middlesex University graduate in BA (Hons) Interior Design & Winner of the Interior Velocity 2020 with “Sense of Space”.

As one of the NEWH UK 2021 Scholarship winner, Emily has been very impressed with the NEWH UK Chapter’s work and support for students so she decided to get involved too from the very beginning since 2021, firstly just helping with Social Media and quickly progressing through. At the beginning of 2022 becoming Scholarships Chair while helping out with social media as a personal passion. In 2023, she accepted a positions as NEWH UK Chapter Secretary, as well as retaining the title of Internet Communications Chair.

In 2024, she proudly accepted the position of Student Relations Director!

Chrissie studied Art History at Warwick University and started her career at Bonham’s Auction House, in their flagship store in London.

Wanting a more hands on creative role, Chrissie moved to an Art Consultancy position in the Hospitality Industry, and has since worked alongside Interior Designers across a broad spectrum of International projects, from High End Hotels and Cruise Liners through to Spas, Care Homes, and Pubs and Restaurants.

With 10 years’ experience, Chrissie is now an Associate at Indigo Art Ltd, which offers both Art Consultancy and a Fulfilment service; from its large manufacturing facility in the Wirral. Her role is to oversee the creative development of all projects she manages, from initial concept stage to on site installation.

After attending a few NEWH events and really enjoying the fresh, fun and friendly atmosphere of the different variety of events, she was keen to find out more and take a more active role in the organisation. She will work alongside Kathryn on the marketing team to spread the news about NEWH and attract more industry members to the group.

In her spare time, Chrissie will most likely be found outdoors with her faithful cockapoo in tow.

Rita has worked in senior marketing roles for international brands for over 30 years. Today she runs Bancmarketing, her own independent marketing consultancy business she set up in 2011, working with companies in all interior sectors, from wallcoverings, fabrics to flooring.

Rita began her career within Hanson PLC after winning the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s Young Marketeer of the Year in 1987. In 1991 she was shortlisted as a Hanson Young Achiever and progressed to a strategic business development position with Electrium. After 10 years in the electrical manufacturing industry, Rita moved into the service sector working for the Pitman family to promote learning. But she missed not working for a UK manufacturing business, so joined Brintons Carpets in 1999, progressing to Group Marketing Director responsible for global marketing communications and product development. Today she draws on her knowledge of the flooring sector by writing a regular Marketing Insights feature for the Stocklists, UK’s largest retail flooring magazine.

Rita is passionate about UK manufacturing and works closely with the British Contract Furnishing Associate, producing their sector research reports. She is also a regular features writer for Design Insider and enjoys investigating hospitality trends and catching up with manufacturers and designers working in our industry.

Kevin hails from South Africa and has over 35 years’ experience in the Interiors sector.

He began his professional studies in Interior Design, but intrigue in Shoe Design took him to Milan where he did his training at the world-renowned school of shoe and handbag design, Arsutoria Milano. He went on to design for a leading shoe manufacturer. However, his love of Interior Design took over, and after 5 years he took the challenge and launched his own Interior Design business in a humble studio above a Classic Car showroom…which launched a successful business and saw him completing numerous large residential and hospitality projects in South Africa and the UK.

During this time he realised that although his passion was creative, his strength was in communication and project management, and so when he relocated to the UK in 2005 (in search of good weather…!) it was a natural progression into business development and the Hospitality supply sector, is where he has found his niche.

Kevin’s strength in leadership and management, along with his passion for good design has allowed him to build relationship with leading Interior design studios and to be involved with the design, manufacture and supply of interior furnishings in numerous 4 and 5 star Hotels globally … something he does not take for granted.

“I cherish the ongoing relationships I have established in my career, which carry me from one project to the next. I have learned to value the mentor figures that have been involved in my life, and now to hopefully do the same for the next generation. Don’t ever forget where you came from and make sure you laugh and have fun (and a few glasses of wine) whilst doing so.”

In 2019, Lynn was welcomed into the NEWH College of Fellows; an honour bestowed on NEWH members who have made notable contributions to the Hospitality Industry and demonstrated commitment to NEWH.

Lynn has been involved within the commercial world of Fabrics /Interior Design for over 35 years. Her expertise started with Theatre Design through to Interior Design, dealing with – Interior Design, Presentations, Budgets, Negotiations, Project Management, all the commercial aspects of running a business.

She changed careers, to work in Sales of fabric for the Contract sector, working for Sanderson, Nobilis, Sinclaire and Clarke & Clarke. Her knowledge of commerce has been beneficial to working with the Designers, Hoteliers, Contractors and Purchasing Agents
After Clarke & Clarke was purchased by Walker Greenbank plc., she was again working on the contract side, with the Sanderson brand, under the umbrella of Style Library – Zoffany US – as it is known in the USA.

It was during her time at Nobilis that she became a member of the NEWH UK a newly formed chapter outside the USA. Having served as UK President twice, in 2019 she was honoured with becoming a Fellow of the NEWH UK.

Having worked in hotel, resort and branded residences development projects in over 20 countries, Paul now works with sanitary ware manufacturer Kaldewei as International Projects Manager, Hotels. Sustainability is a cornerstone of Kaldewei and this has driven his passion and interest in all aspects of sustainability in the hospitality industry.

Previous experience includes working for hotel brands such as a Wyndham Group company to 10 years running his own hospitality development advisory company.

His breath of experience enables both holistic and detailed understanding of the rapidly growing connectivity, accountability and value opportunities of sustainability in the hospitality development chain.

Before leisure property, Paul held senior commercial roles at a leading UK database marketing agency and a global consumer lifestyle data and consumer analytics company.

Away from work, Paul is a keen rugby supporter, tennis player and he also runs a not-for-profit taxi service for his two teenage sons.

Having worked in hotel, resort and branded residences development projects in over 20 countries, Paul now works with sanitary ware manufacturer Kaldewei as International Projects Manager, Hotels. Sustainability is a cornerstone of Kaldewei and this has driven his passion and interest in all aspects of sustainability in the hospitality industry.

Previous experience includes working for hotel brands such as a Wyndham Group company to 10 years running his own hospitality development advisory company.

His breath of experience enables both holistic and detailed understanding of the rapidly growing connectivity, accountability and value opportunities of sustainability in the hospitality development chain.

Before leisure property, Paul held senior commercial roles at a leading UK database marketing agency and a global consumer lifestyle data and consumer analytics company.

Away from work, Paul is a keen rugby supporter, tennis player and he also runs a not-for-profit taxi service for his two teenage sons.