Meet the team: Ellie

Having first joined us for a week’s work experience back in her university days before coming on board permanently, there’s nothing Ellie does that she doesn’t sprinkle a little of her magic on. Amongst her top skills she lists design, snacks, and theatre shows, of which we can thoroughly back her up on all three (if you’re ever in need of a theatre show recommendation or some obscure snack, Ellie’s your gal). There’s also no message for which Ellie can not find an appropriate Schitt’s Creek gif to respond with - quite a skill if you ask us. But beyond being a woman of many skills, there isn’t a room that Ellie can’t light up with her smile, warmth and general loveliness, and for that, and for her incredible design talents, creativity, and drive to always find a better way, we’re all eternally grateful. We asked Ellie a few questions to help you all get to know her a bit better.

Tell us a little bit about you, your background and your new position at spacelab_

I studied Interior Design at Falmouth University and actually started at Spacelab on work experience back in 2017. After graduating, I then joined full-time! I’m now a Senior Designer in the team and still loving every moment. My favourite projects are the retrofit ones where we bring the space back to life and give it a new purpose.  

What do you like the most about your work?

I think watching a project progress, from initial meetings, to sketches, to finished designs, visuals, drawing packs then construction and seeing those ideas, however many months ago, become a reality.

What have been the most rewarding project moments during your time at spacelab_’?

While speaking to clients or consultants we’ve worked with in the past and reminiscing about how much fun the project was or how well it turned out - this always warms my heart.

What made you want to join the lab_?

When I joined on work experience, I had very minimal knowledge of what the industry was like but after those two weeks, I couldn’t get enough! Everyone at the lab_ was so friendly and open, how could you not want to join that vibe?

What inspires you?

I’m always keeping an eye out for new inspirations, whether it be museums with new exhibitions, talks in the industry, exploring different cities, and my new favourite - going through auctions!

What would your ideal project be?

I’d love to one day work on a listed building where sustainability and reuse are at the centre of the project. Sourcing and integrating pre-loved furniture into a new space.

If you could change one thing within the industry what would it be?

That it becomes the norm on all projects to reuse and adapt items that are already in a space, rather than simply ripping it all out and throwing it away. The industry can be hugely wasteful in terms of resources and materials, and as designers, we have both a responsibility and the opportunity to change this. We also need to shift away from designing based on the latest and current trends and move instead towards creating spaces that really work for the long term. This, in turn, will help us move towards a more sustainable world.