DESIGNER PROFILE
Hollie interned at David Hunt Lighting and returned a decade later as creative director. Her designs start life as watercolour sketches before being handcrafted in the Cotswolds
Get to know the creative director of David Hunt Lighting
Do you have a background in design? Yes, I trained at Parsons School of Design in Paris, where my speciality was photography. I then started my career working in graphic design and art direction, producing some of the largest lighting catalogues in the UK market.
What inspired you to take on the creative director role at David Hunt Lighting? The brand’s heritage and its magnificent team of talented craftspeople have stuck with me ever since my internship at just 16 years old. I feel privileged to work for a brand that manufactures here in the UK – it means my work as a designer dovetails every step of the process, from initial drawings to finishing touches. I love that we combine time-honoured craftsmanship with new techniques to ensure every piece is unique, from chandeliers and pendants to elegant table lamps.
Describe your workspace. Our workshop is based in the Cotswold town of Shipston-on-stour. My desk is covered with paint pots, brushes and samples at various stages of development, as well as inspiring photographs and postcards. There isn’t a lot of room left for my laptop!
Do you prefer to work alone or with the team? I sketch out my thoughts alone in a quiet space. Once I’m ready to share, I turn to my colleagues and we discuss how to create them. I work closely with our product manager, Steve – his practical approach balances out my creativity. Once the final design is in place, it’s up to our wonderful team of artisan craftspeople to deliver it.
Where do you turn for inspiration? The changing seasons and the stunning landscapes that surround the workshop. I also draw on film, fashion, art and historic homes, as well as the desire to meet a particular need, such as a stylish reading lamp or creating a warm cosy glow.
Hollie’s design defines elegance
Hollie discovered David Hunt as an intern and is now creative director
What influences your choice of materials? I am in awe of the craftspeople I work with at David Hunt Lighting and their artisanal skills often influence my decisions. I particularly love the hand-cast resin process – it’s so satisfying watching the piece emerge from the mould before being hand-polished.
What’s been your career highlight so far? There are so many moments that I look back on with joy, from a sunset photo shoot on a Cornish beach, to achieving that perfect finish in the workshop. I’m so grateful for my internship at David Hunt Lighting – I fell in love with the brand all those years ago, so it’s wonderful to be back and driving it forward today.
Sum up your style in three words. Authentic, enduring and elegant.