Graduate lands dream project with leading homebuilder

Charlie Dempster won an interior design project launched by Miller Homes in conjunction with Q Interiors while she was a student - and now two years on, she is working full-time as an interior designer, with the homebuilder being one of her clients.

While studying interior design at Teesside University, Charlie took part in a competitive pitch to present a children’s bedroom design.

Judges from Miller Homes and Q Interiors chose one winning design to be brought to life within the show home at Hunters Fold in Middleton St George. That design was created by Charlie.

While working alongside Q Interiors to create her winning bedroom scheme, Charlie stayed with the team to complete a summer placement before returning to university for her final year. After graduating Charlie was offered a full-time job with Q Interiors.

Now after almost 18 months with the company, Charlie recently worked on the show home design for one of Miller Homes’ newest developments, Hurworth Hall Farm - but on this occasion presenting to the homebuilder as a fully-fledged interior designer.

Charlie said: 'To have worked on the interior design of a real life project as a student was such a good experience, and it gave me the opportunity to build a relationship with Q Interiors. To now be in the job I dreamed of during my time at university is an amazing feeling, and it all stems back to the project with Miller Homes.

'I have really enjoyed being out in the industry and have developed so much. I’ve been involved with many different design projects but The Jura show home at Hurworth Hall Farm has to be my favourite. It’s special to me as it’s a Miller Homes development.'

Andrew Somerville, sales director at Miller Homes North East, said: 'We spotted Charlie’s flair for interior design from our first meeting and it’s brilliant that the partnership with Teesside University and Q Interiors has led to her doing what she’s always wanted to do. Charlie has now worked on a number of our show homes and hopefully we’ll continue to work together as her bright career flourishes.'

Julie Watson, director at Q Interiors, added: 'We fully supported Miller Homes in giving students the chance to work on a real life project, and ever since her pitch have been so impressed with Charlie’s creativity. When the opportunity came to offer her the chance to join our team we didn’t hesitate.'

---