Member of the Week - Oliver Burns
Introducing Sharon Lillywhite, Founding Partner of Oliver Burns
What does your company do that makes it special?
We have some clients that have been with us since the start of Oliver Burns, and we’ve worked with them on numerous projects. I always feel extremely fortunate to be able to build these relationships and make clients feel like we are a close trusted advisor or an extension of their team. We pride ourselves on knowing and remembering every detail, so that our service and the experience we offer is best in class.
What led you to your current position?
My career started in Marketing and Innovation for some globally iconic brands, working in this space always required a high level of creativity and this is where I knew I wanted to take my career.
The first project Oliver Burns embarked on was the development of Dalton House: a derelict, Grade II listed country house, which we purchased in 2004. It was a real labour of love and required a painstaking renovation to bring it back to its former life. When we furnished the property, I created a concept of styling it so that ‘everything could be purchased’, from the reclaimed radiators to the bed linen. This attracted attention from the people viewing the house, who then started to request our design skills for their own projects. Dalton House went on to win a civic award for the sensitive restoration of a Georgian landmark building. We have since gone on to complete projects across the world for a variety of commercial and private clients, as well as winning numerous prestigious design awards.
Describe a typical working day in your life?
We have a beautiful design studio in Tring, which is where myself and the team start our week and update each other on projects. We will also have meetings with journalists, suppliers and calls with contractors to talk through current projects. I also spend a large proportion of my time on site, which is where I get the chance to see the design coming to life. It is always a time that I get excited about as the months and sometimes years of planning finally starts coming together.
Are you currently working on any exciting projects?
We only work with a handful of projects at any one time, this ensures that we deliver each one with love and care. At the moment, one of our biggest projects is with Northacre and Walpole the stunning ‘House of Walpole’, which showcases the best of British luxury craftsmanship. We also have one project for a world leading luxury brand which is currently under NDA, however this should be announced next year. Other projects include a Grade II listed house in Highgate, a country house in St George’s Hill and a contemporary country house in Cobham.
What has been your career highlight so far?
This year I was included in The Walpole’s Power List which celebrates the ‘50 Most Influential People in British Luxury’. This is an accolade I am very proud of, as it is always flattering to be included amongst other talents in the luxury space. In terms of projects, the Lakehouse is a personal highlight of mine, where we got to work in one of the most stunning locations to deliver not only the architectural interior design but also, we were responsible for the development management. The complexity of this project required us to build its very own new road, as well as a basement level. The result is a beautiful year-round holiday home, which showcases some of Italy’s best craftsmanship and features enviable views.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to venture into your luxury property industry?
There are often a few misconceptions with Interior Design and Architecture. The presumption is that the role is heavily weighted on design, whereas there are many other facets to the job. Although design is obviously a critical part, there is also a lot of work behind the scenes, including trouble shooting, procurement, supplier liaison, working with specifications, installations and technical designs. My advice would be to make sure that you have a full understanding of everything that it entails.
What do you love the most about the luxury property industry?
It has to be the people that I get to work with on a daily basis. Everyone from the consultants, contractors, craftsman and suppliers at the LPF to my talented team. Each process means working with different groups of people and it is always a pleasure to work with artisans on bespoke pieces through to the real estate agent who sells the properties.
What does luxury mean to you?
At Oliver Burns, our ethos is ‘Thoughtful Luxury’, where design goes much deeper than just the aesthetic to reflect deeper values and meaning. The concept of Thoughtful Luxury underpins everything we do. It is reflected in our designs, from the concepts we develop, and is demonstrated in the unique understanding we have of our discerning clients and translated in our vision of client care. From concept to completion, this approach ensures that all our projects are thoughtfully designed, thoughtfully built and thoughtfully finished.
get in touch
https://www.oliverburns.com
If you would like to discuss your project with us or learn more about our services, please call us on:
Tel. +44 (0)2030 360485 or email us at enquiries@oliverburns.com
OLIVER BURNS LONDON OFFICE
Green Park House
15 Stratton Street
Mayfair
London W1J 8LQ
OLIVER BURNS STUDIO
Number 16
The Old Silk Mill
Brook Street
Tring
Hertfordshire
HP23 5EF