NEWH - Spring 2020 - 56

Q&A

MEET

Caroline
Cundall
What have you found to be most valuable about your NEWH involvement, both
personally and professionally?

When I first began attending NEWH events in London it was mainly about the chance
to meet up with colleagues from the hotel design world. But what I've gained most is a
wonderful and expansive group of friends who I socialize with both at NEWH and personally.
In recent years I have become more involved with NEWH as a board member and the
opportunity to meet and support the students we sponsor is an added bonus.

Why do you recommend people get involved with NEWH?

Our networking events are not about suppliers pushing their goods-they are about
building relationships and learning more about our industry. We always get an interesting
mix of designers, suppliers, procurement, and hotel operators. We have a wide variety of
events each year and our new hotel tours are always very popular. Some events are smaller
and exclusive, where a more intimate-sized group can be a better way to get to know people.

President, United Kingdom
chapter, and director of interior
design

What is your proudest recent NEWH accomplishment?

I'm very excited to be now taking on the role of president of the UK chapter. Our
membership has increased this past year and there is a real buzz about our events with
a lot more support from sponsors. We recently had an NEWH stand at the Sleep & Eat
show in London where our scholarship students joined us to exhibit their work and talk
about their achievements.

What are you most looking forward to?

This year we are planning our events around sustainability, which I am very passionate
about. There is an increased interest for knowledge on sustainable products and methods
so one of our big events will be EcoED later this year where we are planning talks from
professionals who work with strong ecological values.

Where do you find inspiration, both inside and outside the industry?

Although it is more likely I will be trawling the internet, I would still rather pick up a book
for inspiration and I am constantly adding to my library shelves at home. I visit tradeshows
when I can but also draw design inspiration from galleries, theater, and cinema. With my
work there is constant travel and I always get inspired with foreign foods and cultures, so
you will usually find me at the deli counter at the airport buying spices and local cheeses.

When you aren't working or at an NEWH event, where can we find you?

I have big plans at home for a double-height extension at the rear of the property with a new
kitchen opening onto the garden. If I'm not trawling though books and auction websites for
ideas on finishes and furnishings you will probably find me digging in the vegetable patch.
I've been experimenting with various small crops and find it so satisfying to grow and cook
my own food. Gardening is my best time for thinking and planning or just tuning out and
enjoying the peacefulness of the plants. ❙❘❚

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NEWH - Spring 2020

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