About
WORK
A UK based, award winning designer maker; I create high end, custom designed decorations and props for retailers and design savvy individuals.
I work directly with couples who are planning their own weddings and professional planners and stylists who are pulling together a specific look for their clients.
Teaming my passion for design and creativity with 12+ years of industry experience, I work on complete projects from concept, design and research to production, manufacture and installation. My background is in VM (visual merchandising) and retail display design which requires a range of design disciplines from graphic design to 3D modelling.
I love the process but the real satisfaction comes when I see a project through to completion at an event or on site. My aim is to instil confidence throughout and see elated faces at the end result.
I understand your vision; I have worked on a wide range of design briefs and have a keen eye for design. I have a knack for understanding what you’re after, even if you’re not quite sure yourself!
I am reliable and have a practical approach to problem solving. Props and decorations are beautiful but also considered and well designed to ensure installations run smoothly.
I have worked on a wide range of briefs during my career; a selection of which can be seen on my portfolio page.
SERVICES
This is a loose outline of my services, please visit my design process page if you would like more detail on what it might be like to work together.
RESEARCH / IDEAS
All ideas start with a conversation and perhaps a Pinterest image or a sketch. I work with you to pull together a coherent scheme/event/installation that conveys yours or your brand’s taste and personaility.
DESIGN / MANUFACTURE
The design stage varies depending on the project. For a wedding styling job, we might start with a mood board and a site visit to brainstorm what is possible. Or, for a hanging installation, site measurements and a spark of an idea can lead to a final design and drawings.
I manufacture almost all of the props in-house. My background means I have a wide knowlege of manufacturing capabilities and am also used to working with other suppliers such as wood workers and laser cutters. I will liaise directly with them to enure the end result is perfect.
INSTALLATION / STYLING
After years going up and down ladders in stores and mock shops, I am phased by very little! I am organised and experienced at planning tight scheduled installs. A self confessed perfectionist with a practical approach to solving any problems that might pop up on the day.
BACKGROUND
After graduating with a degree in Contemporary Furniture Design, I embarked on a career in VM and retail display. Starting out as a mannequin and window display dresser for a large high street brand, I worked my way up through design agencies where I designed the decorations and props that I had previously installed.
This commercial experience has proven invaluable to me. During my agency years, I expanded my knowledge of manufacturing and learnt about efficient workflow and how the two need to tie together with creativity for the best results.
I have been an avid crafter since childhood and, like a lot of others who are involved in the world of weddings, my journey to working for myself started with my own wedding back in 2012.
It allowed me a creative freedom that could sometimes be missing at work. Our wedding was published and so it began! My skills and style have developed a lot in the intervening 6 years but our wedding will always be ours.
I left my last full-time employed job as a the Window Design Manager at another high street brand’s head office 5 years ago when my orders increased to a point where juggling the two became impossible and I haven’t looked back!
We have recently moved out of London and bought our first house by the sea, in Hastings. It’s full of mid century gems that we have been collecting for the past 10+ years. I am a real home bird and in my happy place on our sofa with a coffee and my husband, Mike, while our daughter Ada potters about. If I’m lucky, I also have that knitting project that I started in my pre Mum days!
Top two images: Jo Ritchie – Bottom image: Assassynation