IN CONVERSATION WITH: ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, CHARLOTTE ROBERTSON_
At home with A.LONDON November 2023
As our portfolio of projects expands further each year, our team here at A.LONDON is also ever-growing. Our studio were recently honoured to welcome Charlotte Robertson to the team, our new Associate Director. Charlotte will be working predominately across Surrey and the Home Counties.
Charlotte has been a part of the Accouter Group of Companies for over 4 years, working across a plethora of AGC BTR projects, but has now joined our evolving studio to broaden our horizons outside of London.
Read on as we introduce Charlotte, learn what she gets up to on a daily basis, and which amazing career milestones have led her to becoming our Associate Director…
Hi Charlotte, tell us about your journey and career path that led you to your current role as Associate Director?
Where do I start? My career path leading to my current role as Associate Director has been quite unconventional, but it’s been a valuable and enriching journey.
I initially started my career in a completely different industry, working as a booker for a modelling agency. However, life took me on a different path, and after some travels, I even ventured into entrepreneurship - running my own tailor-made suit business with my brother. This venture taught me valuable lessons in business management and customer service.
My turning point came when I joined Pret A Manager, where I began to build a career in marketing and project management. I had the opportunity to work on opening franchises overseas, which allowed me to combine my passion for travel with my professional growth. During this time, I also had the privilege of being heavily involved in an office design and build project, which ultimately earned our company a title of Best Office Design at the Property awards.
Seeking new challenges, I decided to go freelance, and this decision led me to collaborate with renowned companies like Marks and Spencer. One of the significant milestones during this freelance phase was my involvement in project managing Build-to-Rent (BTR) projects at AGC. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of real estate and project management.
My journey eventually led me to my current role as Associate Director. Through a combination of diverse experiences, a strong work ethic, and a passion for delivering results, I was able to secure a permanent position in a leadership role. I’m excited to leverage my unique background and expertise to contribute to the success of our organisation in this capacity.
Can you describe what a typical day is like for you as an Associate Director for A.LONDON?
I am often spending my work days in and around Surrey, but before my day starts I typically like to start at the gym at Beaverbrook. Following this I head off to any client meetings, which can vary from in-person site meets with clients, or popping in to see developers and agents and talking about potential upcoming projects. I then join any team meetings we have in the afternoon to include our colleagues overseas on different time zones.
What is your favourite Coffee spot in Surrey?
Well my most frequented is actually the little unique coffee van at Oxshott station. I often go there for a coffee before heading into London or for a Babychinno with my little boy before a walk (and maybe a croissant) over at the Oxshott woods.
I also love Juice Smith on Cobham High street, it’s a great location for people watching, and all their milk is plant based and I love to get a cold press juice or health shot on the side too!
In your opinion, what sets A.LONDON apart from other interior design studios?
I would say there are 3 key things that set us apart from other interior design studios. Innovation, client-centricity and sustainability. Our Design team constantly pushes the boundaries of creativity and embraces cutting-edge technologies to bring fresh and exciting concepts to life. We take pride in our ability to create interiors that not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations, setting trends rather than following them.
Our collaborative approach ensures that each client is unique and deserving of a design that reflects their individuality. We don’t just design spaces; we craft personalised experiences.
Finally, our sustainable vision. Sustainability is not an afterthought; it’s a fundamental part of our design philosophy. We’re proud of our sustainable credentials, including our B Corp certification and achieving a Carbon Neutral 2022 as part of the Accouter Group of Companies, as well as our association with the prestigious Walpole family- the official body for luxury. These credentials underscore our dedication to creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also environmentally and socially responsible.
If you could swap roles with anyone in your team for a day, who would it be, and what do you think they'd find most surprising about your job?
If I could swap roles with anyone in our team it would be to swap with our talented Senior Interior Designer Ella. This is mainly because I want to dive into the world of colour and fabrics as it always looks so exciting – although I know there’s a lot more to it!
I actually think Ella would be great at my role. She is really good at talking to people and excellent with clients so I actually think she would find it surprisingly easy haha!
Do you have a favourite A.LONDON project? If so, which and why?
I absolutely love W1 Townhouse – I love the way the space has been designed around the beautiful and unique architecture. I adore the colours that have been used, as it makes the space feel peaceful and serene whilst having a playful tone throughout. The use of the palm tree in the space really brings the outside in and gives the dining space a fun dimension. No wonder it won an international property award!
Lastly, what are you most excited to be working on? What can we expect from A.LONDON?
I’m going to be working on projects out in Surrey, which is perfect as that’s where I live and I have quite a few exciting meetings already lined up so watch this space!
Contact the A.LONDON team today
You can find Charlotte, and the rest of the A.LONDON team at our London Studio at Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 3JH.