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The design team interviews: Phoebe Morris

This month we meet Phoebe, a designer here at HØLTE. She tells us about her background in set design, her year spent working in Berlin, and her top tips for the best places to visit south of the Thames.

Could you begin by introducing yourself and telling us about your background?

I grew up in Hertfordshire, near Welwyn Garden City, and studied product and furniture design at Kingston School of Art. After that, I gained an Erasmus scholarship to intern in Berlin for a year; I did two six-month internships – one at an interior design studio and the second with an artist doing installation design.

The interior design studio was interesting to work for as they design commercial spaces as well as create a furniture range. I mostly worked on lighting; I developed raffia-fringed lighting designs that were fun and playful.

When I returned to the UK, I worked in set design for the fashion industry for about four or five years. We did a lot of window displays, video-based work and sets for fashion shows, all for global brands. After a while, I became disillusioned with the lack of sustainability in the fashion industry and decided I wanted a change.

What led you to work at HØLTE?

I always followed HØLTE on Instagram because I liked their work and values. At this point, I was questioning my set design job and rethinking where I’d see myself in the future. I saw the job advertised and thought I should go for it, and here I am!

What’s the best thing about working at HØLTE?

Right from the start, I really liked the whole team. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. Work-wise, I think the company attracts like-minded clients – we often have interesting people come in who are from creative backgrounds. I really like that variety.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

It’s great when you get good feedback from the client, especially when it’s about something you discussed with them and implemented into the design. I find that rewarding.

What’s the best thing about working in Hackney?

Working here is a good excuse to explore East London. It’s nice to walk up to Broadway Market, and we’re also close to London Fields; when I need a break, I take a walk up there.

How would your co-workers describe you?

I think they’d describe me as a very dedicated commuter; I cycle here every day! Generally, I think they would say I’m calm and positive. I’m always trying to find solutions to problems.

Who’s your favourite designer or design brand?

Since university, my favourite designers have been the Belgian design studio Muller Van Severen. I love how simple but exaggerated their shapes and their colours are. I find them quite theatrical, so I’m hugely drawn to that.

And now on to some questions about London life. Whereabouts in London do you live?

I’ve always lived in South London and am currently living in the Forest Hill area, near Brockley. It’s not necessarily the most exciting part of London, but I like that Peckham and Camberwell are nearby. It’s also nice to get away to quieter areas like the Horniman Museum, Hilly Fields park, and Telegraph Hill. I love those areas; they feel really calm.

What’s your favourite day out in London?

I usually like going out for a nice lunch, to the cinema or an art gallery. There’s an app called Art Rabbit which I typically check for free exhibitions. I also like just meeting friends and going to the pub. I have a lot of friends who live in East London, but I also love areas like Soho and Brixton as well.

And now on to all things cooking and kitchens!

What would your signature dish be?

Lately, I haven’t been spending much time cooking as I’ve been moving house, so at the moment, my dish would be a one-pan surprise! I often just chuck a load of vegetables in a pan and mix it with halloumi; I’m vegetarian and try to eat quite healthily.

What’s your favourite sweet treat?

I’ve been obsessed with white chocolate since I was a kid. I have such a sweet tooth.

Which famous designer would you like to design your dream kitchen?

I like the designer Faye Toogood – I’d like to incorporate her style into a kitchen. My dream kitchen would probably be green as I’ve always loved the colour; I think it makes me feel calmer.

I would also like to see how the Italian modernist designer Enzo Mari would design a kitchen. He wanted to make furniture design accessible to everybody, so he did a project where he limited himself to just using timber and some screws. It was a whole collection of furniture pieces – chairs, stools, and wardrobes. I like how it made design accessible to everybody. It’s similar to how HØLTE use the IKEA kitchen system as a base – it’s an accessible way of making good design affordable to people.

And now for a quickfire round!

Do you have a nickname?
My main nickname is just Feebs – that’s what I’m called when you get to know me well enough!

What’s your most prized possession?
I have an electric Brompton; it’s very handy for the commute.

What kind of animal would you be?
I went travelling in Canada, and there were lots of moose, so that would probably be my animal.

What’s the worst item of clothing?
When I was in my tweenager phase, I had a belt covered in diamanté discs; I still cringe when I think about that.

Do you have a guilty pleasure song?
It’s got to be something by the Spice Girls. The song ‘Goodbye’ makes me cry!

What’s something that everyone looks stupid doing?
Anyone who does park workouts on those funny little machines!

What’s your favourite conspiracy theory?
That the earth is flat – it’s just bizarre to consider that that could even be possible.