who we are

Elaine has extensive experience working as a Senior Occupational Therapist in the NHS and Social Services, where she worked closely with GPs, Hospital Consultants, Multidisciplinary Teams, Architects and Surveyors. She has an in-depth knowledge of the cause and effect of a broad spectrum of medical condition, and has specific expertise in Neurology and Palliative Care.

In 2009 Elaine studied Interior Design and was awarded the prestigious National Design Academy Diploma in Professional Interior Design. In 2011 she left the NHS and founded DESIGNATE Housing Adaptations Interior Design & Colour Consultancy.

Elaine says:

“I am passionate in my belief that people of all ages and abilities should be able to live in environments that enable them to thrive physically mentally and socially, and give opportunity for them to achieve their goals and aspirations. DESIGNATE enables me to combine my interior design skills and clinical knowledge, and provide a seamless bespoke service to clients that addresses any current and future health needs both at home, and in the workplace.

I love ‘empowering’ people, so place all my clients at the heart of the design process. It is wonderful to be able to work directly with clients and relevant agencies throughout a project from initial assessment to completion. Together we are able create beautiful, functional safe colourful practical spaces , that reflect 21st Century living, maintain property values, and that everyone in the household can use and enjoy for years to come.”

Elaine includes the client in all stages of the design process. She works closely with architects and building contractors to ensure they are cognisant about inclusive Design in all its forms.

what we do

Inclusive Design for 21st Century Living

partners

faqs

Do you Project Manage?

No, DESIGNATE is an Interior Design Consultancy so we only provide advice. It is always the responsibility of the client to contact and place contracts with Professions and Trades identified as being relevant to the project. However we do have a list of trusted Professions that include Architects Project Managers Building Surveyors, and also all relevant Trades and this is available to our clients on request.

Do you purchase Materials?

No, we are a Consultancy Service and provide advice only. However for each Project we will give an estimated cost of identified materials and suggest where these may be purchased.

Do you assess for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs)?

DFGs are available via Local Councils. Each Local Council will have its own procedure and in many areas the assessment and application process will be the responsibility of Occupational Therapists (OTs) employed by the Local Authority. However there may be areas where Local Councils will accept DFG applications supported by Independent OT Practitioners and in such Instances DESIGNATE would consider supporting the client in making an application for a DFG.

What is included in a Design?

• Space Planning & Design
• NuVuw 2 & 3D CAD Drawings
• Mood Boards
• Sample Boards
• Décor – colour / wall coverings/ paints
• Sourcing products Furnishings /Furniture/Accessories
• Window treatments
• Flooring/lighting/heating
• Storage solutions De-cluttering

How much does it cost?

Each project is bespoke. Some require several visits and intensive input and others require only one or two visits. In all cases the client will receive a written estimate of the cost based on DESIGNATE’s hourly rate and detailing the work requested/ complexity/ liaison/ travel and expenses (Hourly Rate– POA)

Who can refer to DESIGNATE?

Anyone!

testimonials

"I am writing to thank-you for all your efforts and input into the redesign of my office. This is a room where I spend much of my time in so the layout, design and comfort are key. I was very impressed how you so easily assessed the room, it's possibilities, and guided me with the selection of the furniture. I would not hesitate to recommend you to any business owner considering an office move / redesign either as a start-up or part of an expansion."

Mrs K Docherty, Bristol - C & M Services Accountants

"Elaine has provided vital advice and support since my mobility has been permanently impaired. This was given with sensitivity, keeping my dignity in tact at all times. I would never have thought of some of the suggestions and solutions. Younger diasbled people often dismiss difficulty. I learnt to face it and embrace it with Elaine's expertise. The experience was enabling and confidence boosting."

Mrs L.R., Bristol

"Elaine visited my Mum recently to assess for and design a bathroom which would enable my Mum to remain in her current home, taking into account her deteriorating health. Elaine drew up several options and then discussed those options with my Mum, along with giving her details of recommended products and associated brochures to complete the process. It was important to build a relationship to understand what my Mum needed and balance that with what she wanted - which are not the same thing! Although my Mum hasn't taken any of the bathroom plans forward yet, it has given her ideas and options which is what she needed. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Elaine for this kind of work. Thank-you very much Elaine."

Miss L.M, Bath

"I first met Elaine at a BNI event. We bought property around that time, and needed an expert to talk about colour selection in rooms and decorating ideas in general. She came to our place well-prepared. We previously had a discussion about what we wanted to do, so she already had many ideas for us to choose from. Elaine is a very good listener, talking about our plans was like talking to an old friend. Her colour recommendations were spot on, her experience in interior design is second to none. She reassured us our original ideas were good and we were left with an exact plan of what should be done. In addition we received a long list of retailers we could consider in finishing off the decorations. One of our friends praised us how bold we were with the colour selections. Well, it was easy having the right advisor. If you are looking for an approachable, kind person to give you expert advice on home improvements and interior design, then you need Elaine, with her magic wand.

Mr T Biscak, Bristol

"Elaine  shows a wide array of brilliant design ideas for meeting all ranges of accessibility needs and how landlords can open their portfolio up to new markets, I didn’t realise accessible properties could look as fantastic, especially in small spaces, like children’s bedrooms with hidden in-built lifts."

Partners in Property Bristol