In our third Designer Spotlight interview, we spoke to Hayley Mitchell, Principal at Mitchell & Eades. With projects in 13 countries and representation in 7 global cities, it is safe to say that Hayley knows a thing or two about interior design. Continue reading to learn more about Hayley’s incredible career in the industry, how she approaches her projects, and what inspires her to design.

U. How did you get into design?

H. Watching ‘Changing Rooms’ on the sofa with my family when I was 7 years old!

U. Mitchell and Eades have a huge portfolio of beautiful hospitality projects, which is your favourite and why?

H. It’s a tie currently between Grana at Hinchcliff House and Six Senses Fort Barwara. Both are in beautiful heritage buildings (one significantly older than the other!) and demonstrate a genuine approachable luxury.

Grana | Sydney, NSW

U. You have also done several international projects, how were you able take your brand international?

H. I was born in the UK where I lived and worked before moving to Singapore and then a few years later, Bangkok. Sam spent a lot of time back and forth between New York, Hong Kong and Melbourne. We have connected with so many talented individuals and inspirational projects as a result of our cross-continental lives!

U. What is your design process, and does it change much depending on the project?

H. Every project is different. We always start on site, with our clients and team and evolve from there!

U. How would you describe your design style?

H. Mitchell & Eades pride ourselves on our ability to pivot our style. Hospitality design must be deeply empathetic to the concept and the client therefore cannot ever be a prescribed style which works across all venues.

Six Senses | Fort Barwara, India

U. What are your tips for collaborating with clients to create the best possible space?

H. Agree on the brief early! Be open, collaborative and egoless.

U. What do you love most about design?

H. Every day is different! I love creating spaces that people live and breathe.

U. What advice would you give to someone entering the interior design business?

H. Get out there, get experience, walk through doors, ask questions, collect mentors, don’t shy away from new experiences.

U. What are your upcoming trends predictions?

H. The return to tactile, personal interaction within hospitality. Combined with robots…. Obviously.

Lana | Sydney, NSW

Quick Fire Questions:

U. Working digitally or on paper?

H. 50/50

U. Early bird or night owl?

H. Both! Life with a young family!

U. Guilty pleasure?

H. Terry’s chocolate orange.

U. Best and worst interior design trends?

H. What goes around comes around. I don’t think there is good or bad.

U. You’re hosting your dream dinner party, who are your three guests?

H. Ian Schrager, Nicholas Hoult, Obama (who recently dined at our Hinchcliff House!)

U. What’s next for Mitchell and Eades?

H. Our first hotels in Tokyo and Dubai!

Learn more about Mitchell & Eades here. 

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