A Natural Creative
Meet Giorgia Lacey-Colley, an MA Interior Design Graduate whose journey in interior design has been shaped by a rich blend of family influence and professional experience. Hailing from a creatively driven family, with a mother who is an artist and a father specializing in commercial kitchen design, Giorgia’s passion for design has been a lifelong affair. Her upbringing, surrounded by antiques, art, and exceptional furnishings, ignited her love for the field and set her on a path to transform her creative flair into professional expertise. Giorgia is dedicated to refining her skills and expanding her horizons. Discover how her journey is shaping her future in interior design and what drives her to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional.
What first sparked your passion for design?
I’ve been fascinated by design as long as I can remember. I grew up in an incredibly creative family. With an artist as a mother and a father who designs commercial kitchens for a living, creativity has been a constant presence in my life. I feel I inherited the creative flair and love of design from my parents – our house was a treasure trove of antiques, interesting art, and amazing furniture and furnishings.
Who is your biggest design inspiration?
It’s hard to choose just one designer, as there are so many whose work I find inspirational. Initially, I’m drawn to Charles Rennie Mackintosh for his visionary approach to interiors. His ability to blend the starkness of geometric lines with the elegance of Art Nouveau curves—often drawing inspiration from Japanese design principles—was revolutionary. His work is a harmony between form and function, something I deeply admire. However, if I had to pinpoint one designer who has truly shaped my work, it would be Fernanda Marques. She’s an inspiring figure, not only for her bold, innovative designs but also for her ability to balance strength and artistry in her interiors. I love her use of natural materials and her seamless integration of nature into modern spaces. Studying Fernanda Marques led me down the path of Biophilic Design and influences a lot of my university work.
How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Three words that describe my design style would be bold, functional, and contemporary.
What made you apply to the National Design Academy?
I had been designing commercial kitchens for eight years, and whenever the opportunity arose, I would contribute my ideas to the design of the seating areas. My flair for design didn’t go unnoticed, and my employer recognised the potential to bring an additional creative element to the business. They generously offered to fund an interior design course to help refine my skills. When searching for a course that would fit around my job, we quickly came across the National Design Academy (NDA). The flexibility of the program, coupled with its excellent reviews, made it the perfect choice. I’m really pleased with the decision, as it has significantly enhanced my design expertise.
What is the most unexpected thing you have learned from the course?
One thing I’ve learned from the course is the importance of effectively presenting your work to the client. Good designs are essential of course, but the course taught me that no matter how strong your design concepts are, their impact is only as powerful as your ability to convey them to the client.
What was your favourite course module and why?
My favourite course module has definitely been Module 04: Cultural Contexts in Interior Design. I find this fascinating, especially since I often design for heritage clients. Drawing inspiration from culture and history plays a crucial role in my work, not just for heritage projects but for all my designs. Beyond design, I have a genuine interest in the art, philosophy, and literature of various cultures, which gave this module an added layer of interest for me.
What's your favourite project that you have worked on?
This is a tough question because I find something interesting in every project I work on. If I had to choose, I’d say the Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings stands out as a favourite. I have a particular fascination with the Industrial Revolution in Britain, and being part of a project that involves such a significant piece of industrial history was incredibly rewarding. I’m also currently working on a couple of exciting heritage site projects, so watch this space!
What advice would you give to potential National Design Academy students?
Manage your time effectively so you can fully enjoy each aspect of the course. Personally, I absolutely loved the research phase of every project—I could have spent forever diving into it! However, I quickly learned the importance of balancing my time between research and presentation. By managing your schedule well, you can ensure that you give each phase the attention it deserves and really enjoy the process from start to finish.
Now that you have finished your course, what are you doing next?
Now that I’ve finished my course, I’m focusing on integrating interior design into Cooper8 Ltd to offer a full and comprehensive hospitality package. My goal is to design not only efficient space layouts and commercial kitchens, but also beautiful interiors that enhance the overall experience. It’s exciting to bring this expanded design service to the business and create cohesive, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
