Laura Hammett (LH), Founder of luxury furniture business Laura Hammett Living, and Robert Watsham (RW), COO, share their respective insights into their roles, the industry and future plans.
Let’s start with you. Can you share a bit about yourself and your background?
LH: After finishing my degree in Interior Architecture, I did an internship at a start up interior design company and worked for another small company for a few years. My big break was meeting a local property developer who had a project in Chiswick that needed full refurbishment. Without a strong portfolio, he took a big risk on me but the project was a success and we went on to do a number of projects together in the area. Then in 2008, I launched my interior design studio, Laura Hammett. During this year I also met my husband and now business partner, Aaron, who was a product designer at the time. He gave me so much courage and confidence to push the business forwards and make bolder decisions. He quickly became a behind the scenes partner on both the business side but also the design side, adding his experience in the meticulous detail and functionality of product design.
RW: I bring nearly 30 years of experience managing some of the UK and Ireland’s top interior design companies, specialising in super prime luxury interiors and product development. My expertise lies in delivering bespoke, high-quality design solutions, overseeing everything from concept to execution, and ensuring every detail aligns with the highest standards of luxury.
What is your current job role and key responsibilities?
LH: I’m the Creative Director, which means I oversee our design team on the direction of all interiors projects, and have been since founding the business in 2008. I am also now the Founder and Creative Director of Laura Hammett Living, our sister company of luxury furniture, lighting and home accessories which launched in 2023. I personally design each and every piece, and I’m also heavily involved in the business and strategy side of this new ecommerce business which I’m really enjoying.
RW: Two and a half years ago, Laura reached out to me to join her in launching Laura Hammett Living as COO. Since then, I’ve been working closely with her to build and shape the brand, overseeing the creation of LHL’s unique products and categories. My role is multifaceted, with key responsibilities including the daily management and operations of the business, ensuring that all aspects of the company run smoothly and efficiently. This involves strategic planning, coordinating cross-functional teams, and driving the development of new product lines while maintaining our brand’s high standards of quality and innovation.
What do you love about your job?
LH: I love the variation of my role, and that on one side I direct my talented team, executing my vision and overseeing the aesthetic direction of projects. Then on the Laura Hammett Living side, I have gone back to designing fully by myself, with full creative freedom to bring my vision to life. It’s been amazing getting back to creating and designing products that are fully me, with no set brief or restrictions. Designing and launching the collections is my proudest career achievement, and I’m so excited to see where I can take it.
RW: I love the diverse range of responsibilities in my role, collaborating with top industry talent within our team and globally with incredible manufacturers—many of whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with for over 20 years.
What time is your alarm clock set for, and do you have a morning routine?
LH: 6.45am, giving me 15 minutes to myself with a coffee before waking up the kids. I then drop them off to school and then, when possible, have a quick session in our home gym. Then I drive straight to the studio in London or to a project for a site visit, depending on the day.
RW: My alarm is set for 7am, but my day often starts as soon as I wake up, typically around 6, catching up on emails, WhatsApp, and WeChat from our global suppliers. During pre-launch periods, I may start as early as 3:30am. I usually walk my Spaniels, Millie and Lottie, along the river, making calls or messaging the team while taking a few quiet moments for myself. By 9am, I’m back at my desk with coffee, ready for the day ahead.
Why did you choose to work in the furnishing industry?
LH: Launching a homeware business felt like such a natural step after designing bespoke furniture and lighting for our interiors projects for the past 15 years. I was always interested in doing something creative, but only now in hindsight I realise I do have a real entrepreneurial drive, so this marries those two sides of me.
RW: I’ve always had a passion for interiors, which began after completing my degree in surface design at Winchester. I started my career with a young Oliver Bonas, helping to expand the brand from two to five stores. I later moved to Ireland, working with talented designers before eventually launching my own business. My fascination with furniture design has made my career in the furnishing industry a natural progression.
Who do you most admire in the industry and why?
LH: So many people for different reasons. Studios like Martin Brudnizki for their bold approach to design, but on a personal level, I have so much admiration for Karen Howes. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know her over the last couple of years and she’s so generous with her knowledge and advice, having run her business for 30 years.
RW: Having worked with many talented designers over the years, I truly admire Laura for what she has achieved and continues to strive for. I believe your career should be a progression toward your current role, and if it’s not, it’s time for a change. Life is too short to work with people you don’t admire or feel proud to be associated with.
Have there been any special moments during your career?
LH: The Laura Hammett Living launch day last year will forever be a treasured memory, it felt like such a huge milestone for me personally, a full circle moment from where I’d started with my humble ecommerce website all those years ago! Equally, launching the first furniture and lighting collection just this year was really exciting, as this is the core of the business and what all our previous efforts have been working towards.
RW: There have been many special moments, from designing celebrity castles in Ireland and launching my own business at 29, to working with royals, dignitaries, and cultural icons, and the launch of the LHL website. However, the greatest joy has always come from exceeding clients’ expectations and seeing their reactions.
What is your favourite item of furniture you own and why?
LH: The Fabian cabinet from my collection. It’s the first piece of Laura Hammett Living furniture I designed for the collection, and I think the reason I love it so much is because it marries together the concepts of our two debut collections, Contemporary and Modern Heritage.
RW: My favourite piece is an 18th-century Dutch stripped burr walnut chest of drawers in my bedroom. I use it daily while admiring the beautiful burr veneer, intricate profiles, and antique brass handles.
What do you think is trending within the industry at present?
LH: My design ethos is to generally avoid following trends and to focus on timeless design that’s a true reflection of your style which you’ll love for years to come. I actually think this ‘anti-trend’ mindset is trending! I’m seeing more examples of self expression and homes with a personal touch, and we’re getting a desire for uniqueness and ‘one-of-a-kind’ design coming from our client requests.
RW: I don’t believe in following aesthetic trends—I feel we’ve moved beyond that. My advice is to buy what you truly love, as you’ll likely have it for a lifetime. What I value most is attention to detail, quality, craftsmanship, and a sense of quiet luxury that ensures longevity.
What would you change in the industry?
LH: A challenge we’re all facing in this industry is that supply chain issues are worse than ever, and costs are going up. It would make our lives a lot easier if I could change these things!
RW: I believe in fostering a positive culture within a business and empowering your team to be their best. Unfortunately, some studios can be toxic, and that often stems from the top.
Can you share an insight into your future plans?
LH: We are planning for new categories coming next year, with a full paint and wallpaper collection to launch in Spring 2025. We are also preparing to add many more designs to our current offering – there are so many new accessories, furniture and lighting designs just waiting to launch! We have big expansion plans to grow into new territories and, hopefully, this year will see even more connection with our design community and customer base with more events and opportunities to exhibit and showcase the brand. I look forward to the year ahead and beyond, as we are only just getting started.
RW: We’re focused on launching several new product categories in 2025, working behind the scenes to deliver the best possible experience for our global client base.
What do you enjoy most outside of work / free time?
LH: I love cooking and entertaining with close family and friends, and nothing brings me more joy than having a house filled with people. I also love traveling, eating out, simple country life with family and reading.
RW: I love spending time in the countryside with my dogs, enjoying good company, music, food, and wine!
What might someone not know about you?
LH: That I’m actually quite introverted and need a lot of time alone. I absolutely love people and company, but always need to balance it out with some downtime. After busy work periods or any public speaking, I always block out some time to restore and reset.
RW: In primary school, I was given a certificate due to my dyslexia and partial deafness, stating that my education should be seen as a social opportunity with no academic expectations. Thankfully, with family support, I didn’t accept that!
If you had a different career, what would it be?
LH: Definitely something creative. I think I could be an event planner maybe!
RW: I would have been a chef. I grew up in a family of exceptional women who were brilliant homemakers and feeders!
Finally, if you were an item of furniture, what would it be and why?
LH: A cosy loveseat armchair. I’m such a homebody and love nothing more than snuggling up on a comfortable piece of upholstery with a blanket after a long work day.
RW: A country house wing-back armchair—tall, stylish, with shapely legs and endlessly comfortable!
5 Fun Qs:
1) If you could hack into any one computer, whose computer would you choose and why?
LH: I won’t name names, but one of the many male maniacs in power. I think that’s enough said on that subject!
RW: Donald Trump, to see if he has his own face as a screen saver.
2) What fact amazes you every time you think of it?
LH: The vastness of space. My 9-year-old son is obsessed, and tells me multiple facts each day and it all blows my mind and puts our existence into proportion, which I find very humbling.
RW: Regardless of what happens, day follows night.
3) What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
LH: 16 years ago, tracking down the landlord of an empty shop and asking for a three-month free-rent period to trial a pop up shop, with absolutely no experience or real business plan. I still don’t know where that boldness came from, but I’m glad it did because it set me down the path that got me here today!
RW: I’m a Virgo; I plan everything.
4) What is the most important object you own and why?
LH: One of the family heirlooms from my grandfather, which I now have since my father passed away. There are a few beautiful antiques but my favourites are an ornate wooden carved mirror which hangs in my hallway and a travel clock in my living room.
RW: My watch signifies a very important time in my life, and I never take it off.
5) What did you think was cool when you were young but isn’t cool now?
LH: Being cool. I’m not remotely interested in “cool people” these days. Passion, enthusiasm and kindness are what impresses me.
RW: The curtain and bowl step haircut…. No doubt it will come back around…
