About Jane
Freelance Commercial Interior Designer & Project Manager specialising in interior design for farm shops, retail, catering and hospitality.
Hi, I'm Jane.
Born and raised in Cumbria, my work has taken me across the UK, designing and delivering projects that are creative, functional and built to work hard.
My work goes far beyond choosing paint colours. I understand that a space must function before it can shine and I have extensive experience creating layouts that support customer flow, staff efficiency and the day-to-day realities of commercial businesses.
I work not only on the “pretty” front-of-house areas, but equally with the back-of-house, getting into the nitty-gritty details to make sure a design works and flows.
"My approach is simple and collaborative. I work directly with your team to drive the project over the line."
With strong conceptual skills and a practical mindset, I take projects from early sketches through to completion, always thinking laterally and pragmatically in order to create bespoke solutions to suit tight budgets and deadlines.
Where it all started...
I graduated in 2008 with a BA Honours degree in Interior Design from the University of Central Lancashire.
From 2009 to 2014, I worked in-house at Westmorland Family, directing all design and redevelopment projects across the business.
As Head of Design, I oversaw landmark projects such as the redevelopments of Tebay Services and Gloucester Services, working closely with owners, boards, architects and contractors from concept through to opening.
...to more recent times
That in-house experience has given me a strong grounding in operational, function-led spaces that see high footfall and require incredibly practical finishes and fittings that can withstand daily wear and tear.
Since 2014, I’ve worked independently through By Jane, applying that same commercially grounded approach across a wider range of retail, catering and hospitality businesses. My clients include Westmorland Family, Cranstons, Basecamp and Bryson’s of Keswick, with projects including flagship stores, full refurbishments and multi-million-pound investments.
Food-led spaces are my speciality, and farm shops remain my guilty pleasure.
How I Work
Nothing gives me more job satisfaction than bringing a project in on time and on budget and subsequently knowing that project has gone on to deliver a good return for a business.
I love seeing a project through from concept to completion.
I find such satisfaction in this and it’s what makes me love my job! I believe in designing form around function: I start with the function and what needs to be achieved and then wrap the design around that concept.
I work as part of your team.
I’ll embed myself within your business and I’ll be there on-site for face to face contact. I hold responsibility from first sketches to handover. I know the drawings, the timelines, the budget and all the little details.
Maximising your budget is always a priority.
I will work collaboratively with you on your budget at every stage and I will always look to bring you value for money. I can work with you to reuse, recycle and value engineer where needed to make sure you get the payback you are looking for.
I believe in lifelong learning and love to find new products, fittings and materials.
I’m keen on using locally-sourced materials and skills wherever possible, but always keep my eye on innovations from further afield, to ensure that my clients get the most innovative, durable and cost-effective solutions possible.
My technical expertise brings designs to life.
I can work with you to the level you wish, producing drawings ranging from simple general arrangement plans to service plans, 3D visuals or photo realistic renders. We will work together to make sure your money stays in the build rather than overly elaborate presentation packs.
01) BRIEF
Understanding how your business operates, what the space needs to achieve, and what success looks like with function, budget and timescales aligned from the outset.
03) FEASIBILITY
High-level budget and programme sense-checking to make sure the design is realistic, deliverable and commercially sound.
05) ON SITE
Managing contractors onsite, while integrating your operational needs into the programme (such as staff training, cleaning, working around peak trading periods and opening deadlines).
Every project starts in a slightly different place, so rather than a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach, I create a workflow tailored to you and your project.
This can range from light-touch support with space planning through to full interior design and project management, including budget control, programme planning and contractor coordination.
The Design Process
02) CONCEPT & SPACE PLANNING
Developing the overall design direction alongside the layout of the space. This stage typically includes moodboards, early material ideas and general arrangement plans to ensure customer flow, staff efficiency and operational logic are right before detailing begins.
04) DESIGN DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL COORDINATION
Based on feedback from the initial concepts and feasibility, we begin refining the design and coordinating all technical elements (lighting, power, services, fire systems and security), so every detail works in the real world, down to plug socket locations!
06) HANDOVER
Final checks and coordination to ensure the space is complete, compliant and ready to operate as intended.
Understanding how your business operates, what the space needs to achieve, and what success looks like with function, budget and timescales aligned from the outset.
Developing the overall design direction alongside the layout of the space. This stage typically includes moodboards, early material ideas and general arrangement plans to ensure customer flow, staff efficiency and operational logic are right before detailing begins.
High-level budget and programme sense-checking to make sure the design is realistic, deliverable and commercially sound.
Based on feedback from the initial concepts and feasibility, we begin refining the design and coordinating all technical elements (lighting, power, services, fire systems and security), so every detail works in the real world, down to plug socket locations!
Managing contractors onsite, while integrating your operational needs into the programme (such as staff training, cleaning, working around peak trading periods and opening deadlines).
Final checks and coordination to ensure the space is complete, compliant and ready to operate as intended.
