Podcast Summary: The Interview with Leslie Heaney – Episode "Designer To The Stars" Featuring Vicky Charles

In this compelling episode of The Interview with Leslie Heaney, host Leslie Heaney sits down with renowned celebrity interior designer Vicky Charles. As the leader of Charles & Company, Vicky has established herself as a prominent figure in the interior design world, consistently earning accolades such as being listed among Architectural Digest's Top 100 Interior Design Firms. With offices spanning New York, London, and Boss, Italy, Vicky's influence extends globally, having designed stunning interiors for high-profile clients like the Clooneys, Beckhams, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, and Harry Styles.

Early Beginnings: From Countryside to Design World

Vicky Charles shares her humble beginnings, growing up in the countryside of Gloucestershire where her parents worked as a policeman and a solicitor’s assistant, respectively. Despite having no formal training or initial interest in interior design, Vicky recounts, “I was always arranging my bedroom furniture” (02:48). Her accidental entry into the design industry began when she started waiting tables at Sohouse’s restaurant, Caffeboham, in Oxfordshire to support herself during her university years studying fine art and English literature.

Climbing the Sohouse Ladder: Event Planning to Design Directorship

Vicky’s tenure at Sohouse marked her transition from a server to a pivotal role in event planning. She explains, “My job kind of evolved as Sohouse was growing to organize these parties for the Cannes Film Festival… 03:49”. This experience honed her skills in logistics and budget management, essential for her eventual role as Design Director. Vicky was instrumental in replicating the Sohouse aesthetic across various global locations, handling everything from temporary kitchens to furniture setup for Oscar after-parties in cities like Los Angeles.

Learning from the Best: Mentorship Under Nick Jones

A significant part of Vicky’s growth attributed to her mentorship under Nick Jones, the founder of Sohouse. She emphasizes his influence, stating, “If you want to do something, you do it. You say yes and you just do it and you get it done and you own it” (08:06). This philosophy encouraged Vicky to embrace opportunities without hesitation, fostering a culture of innovation and resilience within her team.

Transitioning to Private Clients: Starting Charles & Company

After nearly two decades at Sohouse, Vicky decided to branch out into her own venture, Charles & Company. The decision was influenced by both personal and professional milestones, particularly as she approached her 40s and sought new challenges. Vicky recounts, “I was like, well, why am I doing it for you when I could be doing it for myself?” (16:35). This move allowed her to work independently with private clients while still leveraging her extensive experience and relationships from Sohouse.

Building a Prestigious Clientele: Trust and Word-of-Mouth

Vicky attributes much of her success to word-of-mouth referrals and maintaining strong relationships with clients. “I’m a word-of-mouth business. It’s that you're only as good as your last house” (21:08). Her clientele includes some of the most influential and high-profile individuals, such as George and Amal Clooney, whom she describes as her first private home clients. Vicky’s ability to create personalized, functional spaces that resonate with her clients' lifestyles has led to a high rate of repeat business, with approximately 70% of her clients returning for additional projects.

Partnership and Collaboration: Bringing Julia on Board

To navigate the challenges of running her own business, Vicky partnered with her long-time friend Julia, a documentary film producer. Their collaboration, founded on mutual support and complementary skills, has been pivotal in managing the operational aspects of Charles & Company. Vicky shares, “When you run a business by yourself, it can be lonely. So she helps me” (19:35). This partnership ensures that the business remains responsive and adaptable while maintaining Vicky’s design integrity.

Balancing Work and Family: A Harmonious Integration

Vicky discusses the delicate balance between her demanding career and family life. By involving her children in her work travels and modeling a strong work ethic, she ensures that her family remains integral to her professional journey. “I learned this lesson from my mom… it’s very supportive and collaborative, and everyone’s involved” (48:38). This approach not only strengthens family bonds but also instills a sense of dedication and passion in her children.

Design Philosophy: Functionality Meets Aesthetics

Vicky’s design philosophy centers on creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. She emphasizes the importance of understanding how clients live and evolving their spaces to meet changing needs. “Future proofing… what is wrong with how you’re currently living?” (23:12). Whether it's integrating ADA-compliant features or selecting soothing color palettes, Vicky aims to make environments that enhance her clients' daily lives.

Future Aspirations: Expanding Horizons and Thoughtful Innovations

Looking ahead, Vicky expresses a desire to engage in meaningful projects that improve everyday environments, such as redesigning hospital waiting rooms to be more comforting. She highlights her interest in simple design fixes that can significantly impact mental well-being. “I just want to fix what’s already just badly designed… somewhere with bright lighting, make it softer and kinder” (37:44). Additionally, she contemplates authoring a book to share her extensive knowledge and experiences, aiming to inspire and educate others in the design community.

Notable Quotes

• Vicky Charles on Embracing Opportunities:
  “Say yes to things, take every opportunity and it all works out and just go do it.” (09:15)

• Vicky on Design Challenges:
  “When you're designing, it's the same people who use it every day… how they want to or… tailored by location.” (14:07)

• Vicky on Client Relationships:
  “It's a relationship that you build with people who are in the relationship business.” (21:08)

• On Team Collaboration:
  “We're very supportive and collaborative, and everyone's involved and part of the family business.” (48:38)

Conclusion

In this enriching episode, Vicky Charles provides an insightful look into her journey from a countryside upbringing to becoming a leading interior designer for celebrities and high-profile clients. Her story underscores the importance of seizing opportunities, building strong relationships, and maintaining a harmonious balance between work and personal life. Vicky’s dedication to creating functional yet aesthetically pleasing spaces reflects her deep understanding of her clients' needs, making her a standout figure in the design industry. Listeners leave inspired by her pragmatic approach to design, her unwavering work ethic, and her thoughtful perspective on life and career.

Timestamps Reference:

• [02:48]
• [03:49]
• [08:06]
• [16:35]
• [21:08]
• [19:35]
• [48:38]
• [23:12]
• [37:44]
• [09:15]
• [14:07]
• [21:08]
• [48:38]