Gail Race on Nurturing Wellbeing & Designing with Purpose
people • designers
With over 15 years of experience, Gail has been assisting her clients in creating homes they adore, guiding them through the process and using her expertise to help save time, money, and reduce stress. Located in West Sussex and London, Gail Race Interior Design is renowned for crafting elegant, contemporary interiors with an emphasis on wellness and sustainability.
WEBSITE: gailrace.com INSTAGRAM: @gailracestudio
Words: designeers
September 2024
designeers
Could you please give us a quick introduction? When did you first decide you wanted to become an interior designer?
Gail Race
Hi I’m Gail. I’m the founder and creative director of Gail Race Interior Design. We are based in West Sussex and London and primarily work on residential projects. Originally I trained as an illustrator and graphic designer, I’ve always been excited by great design and the power it has to transform. I then worked as a homeware buyer and product developer for a number of years whilst renovating my own homes and selling on at a profit. This naturally progressed into helping other people and twenty years, and many projects later, I still love creating gorgeous homes for my clients.
designeers
What is your main priority when starting projects? Is there a foundational element inherent to your practice, philosophy, and approach?
Gail race
We start each project by really getting to know our clients, what are the elements of a home that really matter to them? Not just on a practical and aesthetic level but on an emotional and energetic level too. Creating a home that supports our clients well-being is core to our philosophy and we discuss early on subjects like air quality, natural light, acoustics and how to avoid bringing toxic materials into the home.
designeers
How do you organise and manage the competing demands of modern business and life? Do you have any tips or tricks you could share with us that help you in your day-to-day?
Gail Race
I am very strict with my working day and there really is no such thing as an emergency in interior design! Any emails, messages or calls received after 5.30pm will be attended to the next morning. I aim to keep Monday and Friday as my office days and any site meetings more to the middle of the week. I like to do a weekly Friday update email to my current clients so they feel in the loop and have the weekend to discuss any outstanding decisions they need to make. That way I feel like I have handed over and can sign off for the weekend!
designeers
What do you feel is the most challenging part of being a designer today? And if you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
gail race
Being an interior designer is a really complicated profession and there are so many difficult and expensive situations you can find yourself in. I think it is really important to have friends in the industry that you can reach out to and chat about day-to-day issues, we are all going through the same things! So I think that sharing knowledge and being a less guarded industry would be a win-win.
“I have always been very interested in wellness and how we can maximise our human potential through the choices we make.”
gail race
designeers
What advice would you give to emerging designers who want to follow your path? What was one of your biggest lessons learned since starting your firm?
gail race
I would strongly recommend working for a couple of established design firms before starting up on your own. I learnt on the job, which was an extremely steep learning curve. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is to say no and stick to your guns. From the client who wants to know exactly how much commission you are earning on a product to a potentially difficult client that you politely decline. Get your Terms and Conditions good and clear from the get-go and don’t be afraid to refer back to them when a client oversteps the mark.
designeers
What’s next – can you share with us your vision and some of your goals?
gail race
I have always been very interested in wellness and how we can maximise our human potential through the choices we make. The quality of the food we eat, the avoidance of toxins in our environment, protecting mental health and respecting our amazing planet. I’m working on how I can use and grow the knowledge I have, to create a bigger, more positive impact, not only to our clients’ lives but to a wider audience too.
designeers
Best design hotel in the world?
gail race
I’d find it impossible to choose just one and Italy is having a big moment with me right now. I recently stayed at Masseria Auraterrae, Puglia and Furnirussi Tenuta, Puglia. Both absolutely beautiful. When I’m in New York I often stay at 1 Hotel Central Park.
designeers
On your coffee table right now?
gail race
Lots of books and an asparagus fern. Current coffee table favorites are Gilles & Boissier, Piet Oudolf Landscapes, Poetry of Place McAlpine , The Kinfolk Entrepreneur
designeers
What are the top 3 suppliers you love working with?
gail race
Pierre Frey for the sheer number of beautiful fabrics, Elitis for gorgeous cushions and Arté for stunning wall coverings.
designeers
Design inspiration hero?
gail race
I would say that Christian Liaigre was the first interior designer whose work truly stopped me in my tracks and made me want to understand how one creates beautiful, intelligent, poetic spaces.
