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Diana designs a great business

23 June 2014

 

Design graduate Diana Higgs’ determination to overcome obstacles in her working life is now being amply rewarded as the architectural design company she started enjoys a “phenomenal” year.

Revere Interior & Architectural Design Ltd moved into new premises at the Innovation Centre run by UK Steel Enterprise on Redcar’s Kirkleatham Business Park just a few months ago but is already planning to take on a bigger workshop. Current projects range from designs for a kitchen to full structural refurbishments such as a property in Ingleby Barwick where Revere has designed and is overseeing major changes that include a new layout, an extension, orangery, bathrooms, family room and a complete interior design scheme. Diana said: 'I love the variety of working on single room designs to projects costing six figures.

'Demand is soaring, mostly from recommendation, and the domestic market is particularly busy although the commercial side is growing too.' Diana started her working life in nursing homes until a back injury forced a re-think. She enrolled at Teesside University, combining her studies with looking after her young son, and graduated in 2004 with a BA Hons in Interior Architecture & Design. When the downturn in the construction sector then led to redundancy from a design studio, she decided to use her experience and contacts to go it alone. 'The Innovation Centre move has been ideal for us as we now have excellent facilities, great support from the UK Steel Enterprise team and free parking which really helps with transporting heavy samples and for visiting clients.' Diana already needs extra space to store samples as her list of suppliers, including Farrow & Ball, Zoffany, Cole & Son, Crown Imperial, Luce, Matki, Armitage Shanks and Fired Earth, grows. 'I’m delighted that so many quality suppliers have agreed to come on board with us as we now have an impressive range of kitchens, bathrooms, light fittings, wallpapers, paints, worktops, furniture and fabrics at excellent prices,' she said.

'We are an independent adviser so our clients can be sure that their needs and budgets always come first.' Revere also has an extensive bank of builders, joiners, electricians and other experts who work with the company on major projects. Diana added: 'My five year plan includes taking on a Project Manager, hopefully next year, followed by an assistant, an interior architect and a junior.

'There are talented designers coming out of Teesside University and I want to give work opportunities to local people. Currently I have a graduate interior architect and a student who wants to study architecture on work experience with me but I hope to create my first job soon. 'People are often surprised that it doesn’t cost a fortune to work with a designer - in fact, it often helps to avoid costly mistakes. Our initial consultations and quotations are free and our design service, which starts at only £100, can be upgraded to include CAD 3D visuals that really help people to see the finished result. 'Most clients go on to work with us to complete their design but they can cost and source their own materials if they prefer. I am delighted with the way business is growing and it makes all the hard work worthwhile.' Sarah Thorpe of UK Steel Enterprise said: 'Our two Innovation Centres on Teesside are now home to around 80 exciting young companies and we are pleased to be playing a part in helping Revere to expand.'


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