Attention to Detail
Renowned designer and businessman, Simon Evans, takes time out of his busy schedule creating homes and interiors for clients across the nation and beyond to speak with Louisa Warde about inspiration, passion and the art of successful layering
I meet Simon at the business’s headquarters in Chelford. He has just come from a client meeting and is visibly alive with ideas and concepts for the project. And he is proud of what the business has achieved since founding it in 2007 as he introduces me to the team and allows me a little insight into what Design by UBER can create for its discerning clients.
Projects range from single room refurbishments to complete interior architecture and design across all styles, from rural to contemporary. Each one is unique, there’s no Design by UBER look that is simply applied to the next project. “It’s all about creativity. We seek to really get under the skin of a project and create something entirely unique. We like nothing more than pushing boundaries and asking why not?” enthuses Simon.
“My team has been with me for a long time, most of them for a number of years, and when we get together for our de-briefs I am always amazed at what we come up with between us. And the talent and expertise we have is a true testament to the company ethos of surpassing client expectation through our expertise, attention to detail and delivery.”
The team has successfully delivered nearly 400 projects across the country and world. This is mainly residential however crosses to commercial when the recommendation and projects have inspired the team. As I am shown a number of current projects and the team speak animatedly about the details and the challenges I am, as always, impressed with how the dream becomes a reality. How the detailed sketching and notes are translated to an uber-realistic CAD drawing and photo real visuals that is presented to a client.
They demonstrate to me how to successfully layer a room to a theme, without cluttering. I take it all in for future reference but fear I will need to return. The devil is definitely in the detail, as I am taken through a drawing of a dressing room with bespoke cabinetry with inlays and it is explained how the ceiling cornicing lines up with the cabinets and draws the eye. It is a simple theory and these guys talk about it quite nonchalantly. It is their job, after all. But how many of us would even consider it?
Then there’s the getting under the skin of the client and their life and applying their nuances and cultural beliefs to a project, not to mention taking into consideration light throughout the day and the way that plays a part in the enjoyment of each space throughout the day, for example.
This expertise is available to anyone who wishes to use it too, there’s a flat hourly rate for use of the expertise in the team, whether you are remodelling or refurnishing, which is quite refreshing.
A recognised and award-winning success now, I want to know how Design by UBER came about. Indeed, last week Simon was at the Design et al International Design & Architecture Awards where Design by UBER was nominated for the Designer of the Decade Award.
A Cheshire-lad born and raised, Simon was sponsored by Boots through university and began his foray into homes and interiors working for FADS and Homestyle, both Boots brands at the time, straight from graduation. From there he managed a chain of hotels and restaurants for Scottish & Newcastle before running an airline.
“I didn’t have what you may call a clear chosen career path! But I wasn’t going to settle for not being completely content with my lot. Yes, the money was good in my roles and there was a certain sense of satisfaction but I wasn’t getting the buzz that makes you consistently want to challenge boundaries each morning. I guess that’s what they say the difference is between a vocation and a job.
“Travel is my passion; being able to experience and see different cultures and trends and absorbing that into what I did was the challenge. Design by UBER is the perfect mix and I absolutely love what we do.”
But it wasn’t an overnight sensation. Many of you will remember a small furniture shop in Alderley Edge called Home to Roost. This was Simon’s step into business ownership, which after much success he sold to go into construction. “I have to say, someone mentions Home to Roost to me at least once a month still. So, it must have been a success,” he smiles.
Retaining all his contacts as well as adding to them with construction industry names, Simon also worked with The Daily Telegraph columnists creating and fulfilling the reader offers pages. The plush offices I am sitting in today being the industrial warehousing that housed the stock.
“I remember being up here, in what is the boardroom now, but back then I was in a forklift, shifting boxes and looking at what was here. I had that moment of realisation that there was more potential in myself and the building. I wanted to use my experience of the industry and my passion for interiors and so Design by UBER, as such, began with myself and one designer.
“We began with the same principles we have today. It doesn’t matter what comes through the door, commercial, retail, residential, aviation, small or large – if it excites us we want to do it. And we have become known for this and for pushing boundaries. Our suppliers know we are always interested in the latest innovations and applications so our excitement has a mushroom effect on them as they look for new and inspiring ideas and products.”
Speaking of inspiration I am interested to know if Simon has any people which have inspired him along the way. “There are many people who have inspired me in my journey so far and I am inspired on a regular basis by our clients, for all sorts of different reasons. To me, there’s nothing more inspiring than meeting a self-made man or woman who values what they have earned and wants to create something with you. And these people come from all walks of life, with amazing tales to tell. Their life journeys are inspiring to me.”
As this interview comes to a close Simon is heading into another meeting followed by an internal meeting about a project in South Africa.
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