Meet Our Interior Designer Alex!

Discover the path that led Alex to a career in interior design. From early creative interests to a broad design education and varied hands-on experience, he’s developed a distinctive approach that blends artistry with precision. Now an integral part of the Auric team, Alex shares the influences and ideas that continue to shape his work.

"From as far back as I can remember, creative subjects were the ones I excelled in and enjoyed the most. At school, however, art and design didn’t always feel valued. My secondary school was very academic, and creative pathways such as art foundation courses weren’t even mentioned. It wasn’t until I discovered an art foundation year for myself that I realised I was certain about pursuing a creative degree and career.

University further strengthened that interest. My studies exposed me to a variety of design approaches — from product development to fine art — giving me a valuable mix of conceptual thinking, technical problem-solving, and hands-on making. This diversity of skills has proved invaluable in my work today, particularly when it comes to balancing the practical and aesthetic elements of a design.

I first came across Auric through the Government’s Kickstart programme. The role appealed to me because it offered a blend of creativity, problem-solving, and the opportunity to work closely with clients to make a tangible difference in their spaces. I was also drawn to Auric’s reputation for delivering beautifully considered, highly personalised interiors. Working for a small company has meant gaining experience at a much faster pace than I could have imagined. The team here is not only skilled but also kind and supportive, both professionally and personally, which makes such a difference day to day.

My background and interest in furniture design naturally influence my interiors work. I particularly enjoy projects with opportunities for bespoke pieces, as well as using tools like SketchUp to model ideas from scratch. I love the full creative freedom of building something new, but I’m equally drawn to the more technical side of the process. I can get absorbed in the smallest details, I believe that attention to detail can really set a project apart.

Of course, there are trends within interior design that don’t always excite me personally. But trends are trends, and many clients want their homes to reflect them. For me, part of being a designer is making sure clients are shown a wide range of options so that their space feels unique to them. The idea that everyone’s home could end up looking the same doesn’t sit well with me. I want to help create spaces that are personal, exciting, and a reflection of each client’s individuality.

I’ve always valued balance, and for me that means spending time outdoors. Hiking, bouldering, wild swimming, camping, kayaking, stargazing, foraging, cycling — they all help me switch off and feel inspired. I also love cooking, especially for others, and I’m always experimenting with new ingredients and techniques.

Outside Auric, I do freelance graphic design work, which keeps that side of my creativity active. I also enjoy designing and making furniture for my own home, sometimes simple pieces like a spice rack or shoe shelves, I find the process of making things by hand incredibly satisfying.

Music is another huge part of my life. I spend a lot of time discovering emerging artists across all sorts of genres, sharing them with friends, and seeing them live at club nights in Manchester or at festivals. It’s one of the things that inspires me the most.

Working at Auric has opened a creative door I didn’t expect, and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to grow, learn, and create spaces that truly make a difference to the people who live in them."