I am self-employed so inflation has hit me very hard at work

Natasha Rocca Devine is an Award-Winning Interior Designer and Author who founded ‘The Interiors NRD Studio,’ offering interior design and project management and additional services, direct to residential and commercial clients in Ireland and internationally online, including sustainable design as a core feature.

While working with specialist teams to complete her Award-Winning results for her clients.

Natasha gained her first Masters in Journalism and Media Communications at Griffith College Dublin, followed by a second Masters in Interior Design + Architecture at KLC School of Design, London. While she has worked in Ireland, London, Los Angeles and Boston in property and design.

Here, Ms Rocca Devine talks to Emer Kelly for Build & Renovate.

Build & Renovate: What attracted you to a career in Interior Design?

Natasha Rocca Devine: I am extremely creative and I have always loved design and writing, since a young child. I am Irish-Italian and my great grandfather Egidio restored the Four Courts after the Civil War and my grandparents created a property development and tiling business ‘Rocca Tiles’. So, I have always been immersed in design and property so it’s in my blood.

For instance, I helped my Uncle create a mosaic mural for Henry Street at nine years old and have always adored working on design projects. Also, my family worked in media so I grew up in the industry and that passion but mostly hard work is the key to success.

Over the years I have studied a Masters in Journalism in Griffith College Dublin and a second Masters in KLC School of Design, London.

Since then, I have worked in design in Dublin, London, Los Angeles, Boston and Milan and combined these experiences with writing, media and philanthropy too.

When I moved back from Los Angeles in 2018 I created ‘The Interiors NRD’ Studio to combine all my passion and help residential and commercial clients in styling and interiors. I have since launched two limited-edition sustainable candles with La Bougie, which sold out.

Now my books and consultancy are my latest ventures as my love for design, connection and communication is a lifelong and ever-growing and evolving love. Natasha Rocca Devine

B&R: Earlier this year, you launched your book ‘The-Step-by-Step Guide to Designing & Styling Your Home.’ How have you found the reaction to the book? Also, are there any tips you could offer our readers when it comes to the above?

NRD: I am overwhelmed with the positive feedback and now my book is now on sale in Eason’s and selling very well online, so dreams come true!

As an Interior Designer, Author, Mother & pet owner, design and communication is my passion, with family and home centred around my work. During maternity leave and lockdowns I saw a gap in the market for a guide to design and created it.

On each project, creating the dream home is my goal. So much so, I have travelled across the world and amalgamated my skills and experience into this book to help you become your own home designer.

My Step-by-Step Guide to Designing and Styling Your Home covers everything you need from the design project, interior design, staging and styling of all rooms, including some outdoor spaces.

My practical ‘how to,’ guide ensures that design and styling is a fun, affordable experience for anyone, even if you have no experience in this area. Everything is at your fingertips, such as DIY starter kits, to-do lists, tips, dedicated space for notes, and an entire section devoted to Personal Guides. These Guides cover mood boards, colour, floor plans, and getting to know your design personality, to name a few so these are exciting ways to help you create your dream home or space!

B&R: The last few years have been a very precarious time within the construction industry, with the supply and demand issue along with inflation costs beginning to level out slightly. How do you feel about the short term future in this industry especially as you run your own business?

NRD: I am self-employed so inflation has hit me very hard at work. So much so, I have had to completely change my business as a result.

To move with this economy, I have moved away from staging and full-time into interior design consultancy both in-person and online.

I offer affordable packages to offer clients practical and affordable solutions to start and support their design projects at this critical time.

Alongside this change, I maximised my time during maternity leave and wrote my book which is an ideal guide for people who want to get started on a design, styling or rental project with guides throughout the book.

B&R: From reading the bio on your website, it seems you have a very busy exciting year coming up especially with the launch of your podcast. How do you manage it all especially with a young child in tow?!

NRD: Yes, it is very busy right now. To keep on top of things I plan a lot, have detailed schedules and thankfully have a wonderful studio assistant and work with incredibly talented and efficient teams who want to keep on program.

While I learn to take it day by day as things change so often in business and life, out of my control, particularly with a toddler!

I am designing full-time, have just completed a showhome for Mount Stewart Portlaoise, co-producing and launching a design podcast.

While I am a mentor for The Big Idea for schoolchildren in Ireland and fortunate to have had editorials and press etc. for my book launch, social media campaigns, along with a busy and exciting toddler and two dogs, so it’s go!

Outside of work my favourite thing to do is spend time with my daughter, partner and our dogs.

Along with my family and friends eating out and having drinks. We have a brilliant mix of restaurants in Dublin (and London where we go often to see family) so it’s easy to get affordable meals or else cooking is another option.

I also love to exercise and run most days to clear my head and stay healthy. Also, I love reading, watching movies with my partner and when I can, I like to travel within Ireland and abroad to visit hotels, restaurants and galleries for time out and inspiration.

B&R:Over the next number of years, where would you like to see your career/ business go to?

NRD: My podcast will start recording in May and my book is on sale in Eason’s now, so I hope to continue on this launch and see them expand and grow, along with the ‘Climate Challenge’ TV Show (recording later this year) and other potential media opportunities.

In the next three years, I would like to write other books, continue to work in TV and media. While continuing my showhome and interior design projects, both online and in person and expanding my team.

Also, I would love to partner with a brand and have my own interiors styling collection on sale. I love to work towards goals as it keeps me focused, particularly if there are delays or setbacks it helps to keep perspective.

B&R:Have you anything else that you would like to add?

NRD: For anyone working on a design project, I can’t wait for them to work with my book and they can combine this with my design packages, which are an additional level of support. Although it is my passion and job, I wrote my book as I believe there is a designer in everyone, whatever your job, whatever your background, you can bring design and creativity to your life!

‘You have to find what sparks a light in you, so that you in your own way can illuminate the world!’ Oprah