14 MAY 2020 My name is Jemma Ryan. I’m originally from Tunbridge Wells (the Garden of England) in Kent. I have lived in London since moving here after university in 2004, it’s my mecca!

I think I’ve always been a creative deep down. From a young age, art and music have been huge influences in my life both fueled by culture-hungry parents who are a constant source of inspiration. They have always encouraged me to follow my passions and do what I love. In its simplest form, creating is my release. It’s a healing process, both for myself and my clients.

I fell into live event production after completing a Fashion Degree, and I enjoyed the adrenaline, travel and more than anything, the opportunity to work with talented, likeminded producers, show directors and creative teams. But it always felt like something was missing. After 15 years, I realised I didn’t want to work with creatives, I wanted to be one. And with that, I retrained in Interior Design and mid-pandemic have changed careers—crazy but true!

Starting a new interior design practise mid-pandemic is by no means without challenge. Not being able to conduct site visits in an industry that relies heavily on in person interaction, not only to measure and get a feeling for a space but to build trust with clients and suppliers, now requires new workarounds.

Ordering samples, for example, is proving a lengthier process due to delayed deliveries. Quite often the disparity of digital versus physical samples means several more rounds of orders are required to find the perfect match.

In essence, the design process in its traditional form is on hold whilst the pandemic continues to impact our everyday; the comforting reassurance of routine and structure has vanished overnight.

Consequently, designers are discovering new ways of working through significant trial and error and rapidly adapting. It’s not easy, but it’s a fantastic challenge.

Embracing the opportunity to offer E-Design Packages in place of end-to-end interior design services is a fantastic way to showcase the importance and art of interior design in a more accessible way, so I am thrilled to be able to offer this as a new service.

For now, offering unconditional support, empathy and resilience to our clients at the heart of our service is what helps get us through the more challenging days.

I am a huge schedule nerd—a terrible hangover from event production—but honestly, it’s keeping me sane! I write a to-do list at the end of every day to prevent any potential procrastination the following day. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still falling into the occasional Pinterest or Instagram rabbit hole, but it helps me feel like I’m still pushing myself and achieving even the smallest of tasks.

My one year-old English Bullterrier, Lenny, is also a great source of distraction. Walking him three times a day gives me time to reflect on what is and isn’t worth worrying about. It helps me to keep a calm head amongst the craziness.

I try hard to limit time spent on my phone to no more than 2 hours a day. At its worst, I was peaking at 7 hours… shocking! Now I only use my phone to keep in touch with friends and family; thanks to the digital wonders of Zoom, Whatsapp and Facetime, I now see all their faces more than I did pre-pandemic. It’s amazing!

Hugging my family and friends. I miss them, even more, knowing that I can’t physically see them. Nothing can replace a hug from my mum.

Otherwise, I’m looking forward to deciding what to eat from a physical menu, long lunches with friends, rainy Sunday afternoons in the cinema and being able to book a flight without having to quarantine.

The entrepreneurial spirit of both the hospitality and creative industries. Restaurants are offering cook-at-home kits and micro-breweries are offering online craft beer tastings. It’s amazing how everyone is adapting and seeing the pandemic as a refreshing challenge instead of a global crisis.

Above all else, the humbling support everyone is lending to their favourite retailers, markets, independent shops, galleries, bars, restaurants—may this continue long after Covid-19 and encourage collaboration within local and global communities for years to come.

If anyone is looking for interior design support on a project they are planning within 6-12 months time, get in touch! There is a huge opportunity to work through the pre-planning and administrative side of project management now while it’s quiet.

Or, if lockdown is taking a toll and you’re craving a more calm, still and uncluttered aesthetic, please check out the Make No Bones: E-Design package.

E-Design is an affordable way to transform any space from the comfort of your own home. We offer a remote service for anyone looking for a refresh without committing to full end-to-end interior design, when budget and time constraints may have been holding you back.