Jen Bernard is the founder and creative director at leading interior firms Bernard Interiors and Bernard London.
Bernard Interiors is an award-winning interior architecture and design studio, renowned for its expertise in later living, healthcare environments and commercial developments. Bernard London specialises in luxury private residences and international developments. In 2024, March worked with Bernard London to recreate its website.
Since founding Bernard Interiors in 2008, Jen has earned a reputation for designing exceptional interiors with a tailored approach. We caught up with her to learn more about the challenges she faced when launching the business, her proudest professional achievement, and what advice she would give to aspiring female designers.
What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome it?
When I started my business from a kitchen table in 2008, I naively launched just as the recession hit, and there was virtually no demand for interior design. The initial challenge was realising that the market I had anticipated was no longer viable. I had to quickly adapt, think outside the box, and remain optimistic while constantly seeking new opportunities.
Through persistence and intuition, I discovered that the healthcare industry was the only sector the banks were willing to lend to during that time. With a blend of hope and a bit of luck, I managed to secure my first contract in 2009 to design a care home, which ultimately set the foundation for my business’s growth.
What key decisions or strategies helped you scale Bernard Interiors successfully?
"As your interior design business grows, you’ll need to find a balance between fostering creativity and having enough structure to manage it effectively."
What advice would you give to a female entrepreneur starting in the interior design space?
My advice would be to really carve out your unique brand and think about your USP, what makes you stand out from the competition? Identify what sets you apart and embrace it. Alongside that, ensure you have the right procedures in place to support growth. It’s essential to have systems that allow you to scale without losing the essence of what makes your business special. And as your interior design business grows, you’ll need to find a balance between fostering creativity and having enough structure to manage it effectively.
"Women need to embrace their ability to create, in whatever way resonates with them, whether it's through business, art, or innovation."
How would you like to see the world of work change for women in the future?
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
