When Jen Bernard established Bernard Interiors in 2008 she had plans to steadily build a company AND build a reputation. She now leads an award-winning interior architecture and design studio specialising in later living, healthcare and luxury residences throughout the UK and abroad, with offices in both Newcastle and London.
The team of 21 include senior management, an in-house procurement team, interior architectural designers, and the interior specialists who deal with artwork, furniture and accessories.
But Jen isn’t someone who will sit back and reflect on her success
she has grand designs on taking Bernard Interiors forward.
“From day one, when I sat in my kitchen in Gosforth, I knew exactly what I wanted to achieve,” says Jen. “I couldn’t be happier with the way things have gone, but I know that I can do much more which is we’re now embarking on a five year plan to take the company to the next level.
“The company will separate into three divisions. There’s one division which I currently can’t tell you about, but the other two will see us moving our private, high-net-worth clients to a new London office
one of our team has already located down south
and will mainly concentrate on residential design and architectural work in the UK. A second division will focus on our hugely successful commercial clients, particularly those in the later living and care sector. We work with investors, large corporates and real estate firms and currently have a significant commercial order book which stretches to 2030. For many developers, our interior architectural design expertise is seen as being a key asset to powering growth within their chosen market and adding considerable brand value. Our creativity and commercial acumen set us apart, we’re strategic in our approach, offering timeless designs, tailored to the vision of our clients with impeccable attention to detail.
Two of Bernard Interiors commercial clients who work in the field of later living are Audley Villages and Hardrian Healthcare. Audley offers high quality housing options for the over 55’s with tailored luxury amenities. They allow the end user to rent or own a property and to maintain their dignity and independence. Audley is currently offering eleven projects which Bernard Interiors has worked on. Within the Care sector, North East based Hadrian Healthcare is another leading example of an operator who is changing the perceptions of Care Homes. I’m particularly proud of this relationship as we’ve built a highly successful, trusted partnership, transforming circa 10 developments over the last 16 years.
“The last couple of years has been tremendous for us. We’re looking to move further into the European market
we’ve already increased the team by 25%
revenue is up by 44%
and we’re looking to add a further five to eight people over the next year or so. We’re especially keen to promote local talent. It’s so important to nurture young people
that’s why we’re helping a youth community project in Cowgate called Projects 4 Change. I’m involved with Northumbria University and we regularly offer placements to students. We also go to schools and colleges to give talks on interior design to hopefully encourage young people to consider a career in this field.”
Bernard Interiors offer a complete turn-key service. From an initial discussion all the way through to fitting-out properties for commercial and private clients, it really does mean that they work on every aspect of a project to ensure seamless execution.
“One of the beauties of how we operate is that we see projects through from start to finish. We frequently work on a project in pre-planning, sometimes for four/five years before the client finally either takes over or moves in. It really can be a case of going from a few sketches on a piece of paper when we first meet a client, all the way through to laying carpets, fitting joinery, hanging pictures and finally handing over the keys. Some clients have their own ideas
most just trust us and leave us to it.
“And yes, it’s fair to say that every project is different which means all of our work is bespoke and tailor-made to each individual client or brand. We ensure egos are left at the door here at Bernard Interiors, working collaboratively to ensure a unique end-result.”
In other words, Bernard Interiors can work on providing you with solutions. You’ll be working with an award-winning agency which has the experience to design precisely what you both want and need.
Interested?
The first thing we’d do it recommend that you check out their excellent website
www.bernardinteriors.co.uk which gives you more details of what they’ve been up to and what they’re currently working on.
You could even call in and discuss some ideas over a coffee at their studio in Newcastle.
Contact them on 01661 821 427 or email enquiries@bernardinteriors.co.uk
