REDD MEETS: Martin Kemp, founder and managing director of Martin Kemp Design

A global traveller with an ethical spirit and a master eye for detail, Martin Kemp is the founder and managing director of Martin Kemp Design.

In celebration of REDD appointing Martin Kemp Design for their current One Palace Green project - set to be one of the finest residential developments to ever launch in London - we sat down with Martin to find out more about his journey to becoming an interior designer, highlights of his career and his view on regrets. 

How did your venture into interior design begin?

I never set out to be an interior designer. I studied at the Welsh School of Art & Design, Cardiff and then L’Ecole des Beaux Arts Décoratif, in Strasbourg, following my studies I drifted to London founding a job in costume, followed by retail design – although I was neither fully satisfied and I switched to exhibitions design for two years. I then became self-employed moving between luxury retail, boutique, museum and hotel design.

After London, I moved to LA and worked in residential design and that was where the residential bug ‘bit’ me. Moving back to London I took the role of Creative Director at Candy & Candy. At the time Candy & Candy were freshly establishing themselves – we were just a handful of people. The rest is history really... 

What’s been your favourite interior design moment?

Gosh, that's a hard question. Probably completing any number of our projects. Recently, we finished an incredible private home in the Alps. Unfortunately, I can’t say much more about it, other than it’s sensational and on a vast scale. The level of quality is one you just don’t see outside of One Hyde Park, however, the style is completely appropriate for a chalet – it’s classic but with a huge difference. For me, seeing it completed and dressed in the snow last September was an extraordinary moment.

What is the most challenging aspect of your role?

I constantly feel like I am spreading myself too thinly, I need to spread myself thickly, however that’s easier said than done. I find it challenging balancing time with my clients, designing, and ensuring I’m spending quality time with my team. 

How do you separate your own tastes and opinions from your clients?

I fully immerse myself in my client’s brief. I have a very versatile mind and am not limited to one approach. Clients come to Martin Kemp Design for our ability to understand and embrace their style and vision. One thing we maintain throughout our work, however, is quality.

Which future projects are you particularly excited about?

We have a number of houses to create on one estate located in a very special location each with a contemporary Mediterranean flavour and we are about to embark on another project in Europe in a completely different style. It goes without saying that I’m really looking forward to working on One Palace Green and the vernacular that it inspires. 

Can you tell us a little bit about One Palace Green?

We are particularly excited about working with REDD on One Palace Green - it is a former private house, neighbouring the famous Kensington Palace Gardens – it’s a very grand Arts & Crafts Edwardian mansion. Over many years, the building has been divided into apartments, and MKD have been commissioned to revive the building and reimagine the apartment layouts. We are working with REDD to redesign the interiors in alignment with the charm of the building - adding touches such as panelling to the walls, interesting patterns to the floor – a combination of classic marbling and ceramics in the bathroom. The development is a refreshing alternative to the modernity of so many developments. It will be modern however there will be subtle hints to its heritage throughout.

What is special about your partnership with REDD on this project?

Whenever we partner with a developer on a project of any scale, it is crucial we see eye to eye on several aspects including design, location, quality and sustainability. REDD understands and respects these values profoundly, and it is our joint commitment in delivering these factors throughout every stage of the project that is really going to make the property sing.

Is there anything you regret?

There are a few things. I was sad to leave Los Angeles in 2004 and also to leave my studies in Strasbourg 35 years ago, however I can’t say that either was a mistake, as I now have my own business ‘Martin Kemp Design’ as a result and I am incredibly proud of this. One can’t be remorseful of things if one is in a good place. Regret is a difficult question to respond to, as I’m here now healthy and happy. 

What would your advice be to a budding interior designer?

Be cautious, be patient, be respectful, be careful and don’t run before you can walk. Truthfully, however, I'd say that to anyone in any career, not just interior design.

What’s your favourite thing to do to unwind?

I love yoga and meditation, as I’m very happy to sit quietly and unwind, however, I prefer to unwind in the countryside rather than the city. 

What are the values that drive your work?

My work is driven by quality, and detail and is refined and considered.