SPONSORED BY
INDUSTRY NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
I
Carrie Berney Ripples Lindfield
’ve been working at Ripples Lindfield since October 2024. I meet clients to discuss their brief, go to site to measure their bathroom, and dream up their brief into a set of beautiful renders. I present design ideas to the clients in the showroom. I’ll often go and get fresh bakery goods, make teas and coffees and walk the clients through the design alongside a physical mood board. After project sign-off, I’ll order product and organise deliveries. I create detailed fitting packs for the installers, always visit partway through the install and at the end to see the finished bathroom and give clients a couple of goodies!
I completed a Neuroscience degree and fell into a science role after university, but kept being drawn to interiors. With nobody willing to hire me with no experience, I started a post-graduate diploma outside of working hours. Almost out of steam for applying and getting rejected, I applied to work with Danii at Ripples Lindfield. She was intrigued by my passion for interiors despite my science background, so she gave me a call instantly. We hit it off over the phone, and she was so taken aback by my enthusiasm for the role that she invited me in to see her, and the rest is history!
Being new to the industry and learning things for the first time, I want to ensure the knowledge I’m gaining is really solidified before I start relying on AI tools. I’d much rather put the hours in to learn everything first-hand so that when I use AI to save time, I can spot any mistakes it makes. In my future, at least, I know I’ll use AI as a quick image generation tool, to create digital mood boards and write emails that require referring to our Terms and Conditions. Using Quoting Software has both saved us time and allowed us to work more efficiently. Operating through one interface also means that when one of us is away, we still have a clear picture of everything that’s going on with that client, should we need it.
I Gemma Harris
KCA – Kitchen Connection of Ascot
was promoted from Trainee Designer to Design Consultant in January 2026. In my current role, I work closely with clients from the initial consultation through to order preparation. This includes understanding their needs, taking a detailed brief, creating tailored design concepts, producing quotes, and confidently presenting and selling the final proposal. I also ensure everything is accurately prepared for order, maintaining both design integrity and practicality.
I came into this role from a background in estate agency, where I developed strong communication and client-facing skills. However, I found myself most passionate about the interior design of the properties I was selling. That interest naturally led me toward a design-focused career where I could combine creativity with working directly with people. AI has not yet played a direct role in my day-to-day work, as we primarily rely on CAD software for designing. However, I have seen clients bring in AI-generated visuals to communicate their ideas, which can be helpful for inspiration. At present, these tools lack the technical accuracy needed for real-world application, such as precise measurements and tolerances. Looking ahead, I believe AI will become increasingly valuable, particularly in generating high- quality renders and helping clients better visualise concepts early in the process. If integrated effectively with technical design tools, it could enhance both creativity and efficiency. As someone relatively new to the industry, much of the software I use has been a learning curve. However, our SMART processing system has had a significant impact on how I work day- to-day. It has streamlined the ordering process, improved accuracy, and reduced the time spent on administrative tasks. This allows me to focus more on design quality and client experience, ultimately making the overall workflow more efficient and reliable.
BKU MAY 2026
15
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