Darryl Claxton

Director, Freelance and Contract Interior Designer

Phone: (+44) 79 2019 2677

Email: Darryl@Dclaxtioninteriors.com

Website: www.dclaxtoninteriors.com

Portfolio: www.dclaxtoninteriors.com/portfolio

Address: Upon Request.

Date of Birth: 30th August 1991

 

Hello! i’m darryl


 

I’m an experienced interior designer with over a decade in the industry, known for delivering thoughtful, impactful spaces across a range of sectors. Since founding my own design studio in 2019, I’ve built a loyal client base and developed a reputation for adaptability, creative problem-solving, and a globally informed design approach.

I’m currently seeking new opportunities—contract, freelance, or client-direct—where I can bring fresh energy, design expertise, and strategic thinking to meaningful projects.

Studio Partners

  • FUSION INTEIORS GROUP

  • FERRIS + SLOANE

  • SAGRADA

  • CAPELO

  • FETTLE

  • CANTOR MASTERS

CLIENT PARTNERS

  • COTE

  • WESTIN HOTELS

  • FINOLHU MALDIVES

  • JACKSON + RYE

  • falkensteiner

  • BROADCASTER

  • ANDINA

  • VINOTECA

  • PANTECHNICON

PREVIOUS ROLE EXPERIENCE

  • darrylclaxtoninteriors

    2019 - current

    Since founding my own interior design studio in 2019, I’ve led a wide range of projects across residential, hospitality, and commercial sectors. I take full ownership of the creative vision, client relationships, and team management—bringing together freelance collaborators to deliver projects that are both refined and strategically aligned.

    Key Responsibilities:

    Define and lead the creative direction for each project, ensuring all design work meets both client expectations and studio standards.

    Confidently pitch ideas and communicate design concepts clearly to clients, securing trust and alignment from the outset.

    Hire and manage freelance designers and specialists, offering guidance and feedback to maintain quality and consistency across deliverables.

    Oversee all visual output to ensure it reflects the client’s brand and project objectives, from concept through to final presentation.

    Manage multiple projects simultaneously, from initial brief to on-site completion, consistently delivering on time and within budget.

    Foster a collaborative, solutions-focused working culture, asking the right questions and embracing calculated risks when innovating or problem-solving.

  • MUZA-lAB

    2018 – 2019

    Joining Muza Lab in late 2018, I quickly became involved in multiple international projects, contributing across all stages—from concept through to delivery. I regularly travelled abroad for site visits, client meetings, and material sourcing, often working autonomously and under tight timelines.

    Key Responsibilities:

    Acted as a client-facing designer on global hospitality and lifestyle projects, representing the studio during international meetings and presentations.

    Developed and reviewed detailed drawing packages for luxury hotels, resorts, model rooms, and private clubs, ensuring design intent and technical precision.

    Sourced natural materials—particularly stone—directly from overseas quarries and suppliers to align aesthetic goals with practical requirements.

    Supported cross-functional teams with FF&E, presentations, sample management, and contractor coordination, contributing flexibly across project needs.

    Maintained a strong focus on detail, materiality, and narrative-driven design throughout all phases.

  • CANTOR MASTERS

    2013 - 2018

    Cantormasters — Interior Designer (initially Intern)
    Joined during the company’s early start-up phase while completing my degree

    I began my journey with Cantormasters as an intern during its formative stages and played a key role in helping the company grow into a fully operational interior design studio. My time there was hands-on, fast-paced, and formative—shaping my ability to deliver well-rounded design solutions across all stages of the project lifecycle.

    Key Responsibilities:

    Led client-facing engagements, building strong relationships through clear communication, trust, and a collaborative design process.

    Successfully navigated and submitted a wide range of planning applications, ensuring efficiency and compliance throughout.

    Interpreted client-supplied plans and transformed them into fully realised concepts—balancing creative vision, budget constraints, and timelines to deliver completed projects.

    Actively managed and contributed to multiple high-profile projects, several of which were shortlisted in global design competitions.

EDUCATION

  • Ravensbourne University

    2011 - 2014

    Architecture (BA Honours)

    First Class Honours

  • South East Essex College

    2009 - 2010

    BTEC Art and Design

    Merit (2:1 equivalent)

  • South East Essex College

    2007 - 2009

    BND 3D Design

    Triple Merit (1:1 equivalent)

skills

 

PROFESSONAL

related

PERSONAL

Technical Skills

 

Autocad LT

  • Proficient in creating and managing custom blocks, templates, and pre-set line weights and colour schemes to optimise user experience and workflow efficiency.

  • Skilled in using external referencing (Xrefs) to maintain organised and collaborative drawing environments.

  • Experienced in setting up clear, multi-page layouts and drawing sheets for both presentation and technical documentation.

  • Capable of converting a wide range of file types into AutoCAD (.PDF, .DXF, .SKP, etc.) while ensuring accuracy and compatibility.

  • Troubleshoots and optimises corrupted or sluggish .DWG files, improving performance and preventing data loss.

  • Confident in preparing AutoCAD files for planning submissions, technical packages, and client-facing presentations.

Adobe Photoshop

  • Skilled in rendering a variety of media types, including hand sketches, CGI, and digital sketches, to create compelling visual content.

  • Proficient in advanced photo editing techniques such as removing people, objects, shadows, and imperfections, as well as enhancing overall image composition.

  • Able to create abstract interior illustrations by manipulating realistic images, supporting creative storytelling and mood-setting.

  • Expert in layering, masking, and blending techniques to achieve seamless composites and detailed visual effects.

  • Experienced in colour correction and tonal adjustments to ensure consistency and impact across all images.

  • Adept at collaborating with design teams to integrate Photoshop assets into broader project workflows, ensuring cohesive visual identity.

Sketch-Up

  • Advanced proficiency in all core areas of SketchUp, including 3D modelling, scene creation, and rendering preparation.

  • Skilled in developing detailed, accurate models from 2D plans and elevations to support design visualisation and project coordination.

  • Experienced in designing bespoke furniture and custom elements, producing client-ready models for approval and iterative feedback.

  • Utilise SketchUp as a key tool to create quick concept visuals and sketches that enhance client presentations and internal design development.

  • Familiar with integrating SketchUp models into broader workflows, including exporting to rendering software for high-quality visualisations.


  • Adobe Indesign

  • Expert in creating polished, professional presentations—either bespoke designs or using and adapting company templates—to clearly communicate design concepts.

  • Skilled in forming detailed project schedules and documentation, including fabrics, materials, sanitaryware, and FF&E, ensuring accurate and organised client and contractor information.

  • Proficient in combining high-quality visuals from Photoshop with InDesign’s layout tools to produce cohesive, visually engaging design packages.

  • Experienced in managing multi-page documents and presentations that maintain consistency in branding, style, and technical detail.

Office Based

  • Skilled at optimising workflow and processes across the company to improve efficiency and project delivery.

  • Experienced in advising on, costing, and managing the installation of IT infrastructure—including internal servers and secure digital vaults—to safeguard all project data.

  • Maintains an extensive network of contractors and suppliers, enabling access to cost-effective, high-quality materials and services tailored to client needs.

  • Well travelled throughout the UK and Europe for client meetings, with the flexibility to work remotely from any location as project demands require.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, utilising these tools for reporting, scheduling, presentations, and client communications.


remote working

Since founding my own Interior Design Studio in 2019, I have developed a fully equipped home office, complete with all essential hardware and software to deliver high-quality work efficiently without the need for daily office travel. This flexible setup allows me to start projects earlier and maintain a consistently high level of productivity.

While primarily working remotely, I am accustomed to frequent site visits across the UK and remain available to travel as required to support project needs and client meetings.

I hold all necessary insurances and licenses to operate as a Contractor or Freelancer (outside IR35), as well as running an independent studio, ensuring professional standards and compliance throughout every project.

FAQs

  • When it comes to accepting a permanent position, at this moment in time I am concentrating on DCI, so it would be hard for me to accept.

    But never say never..

  • Within 5 years I see myself having a well established interior design Studio, with my own team and office space.

  • I have a design studio with all the equipment and software needed to produce a full interior experience. I wont need to rely on you to provide anything, apart from the work you need help on.

    I can support you and your team with an upbeat personality and forward thinking attitude.

  • I can provide references upon request

  • Not having a public portfolio was an easy choice for me. Not needing to show off or parade my previous projects to the world. It creates a sense of exclusivity or mystery.