MCM Minds: Samantha Male

By MCM UK

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Our Senior FF&E Consultant Samantha joined MCM in 2014 to support our design team in sourcing furniture and finishes.

Sam has a background in interior design as well as experience as a fashion buyer. With an in-depth knowledge of textiles and finishes, she liaises with Project Managers, clients, manufacturers and suppliers to finalise furniture packages and advise on procurement. Her role includes preparing budgets, presentations, schedules, tenders and developing bespoke items.

What do you love most about your job?

It’s a friendly industry. I enjoy being amongst so many like-minded people. I’m constantly inspired by those I work amongst.

Anything else?

My role gives me the chance to influence and shape people’s working environments for the better. I fully believe that well-designed spaces have a direct effect on our well-being.

How are you finding working from home at the moment?

Initially it was challenging. Not having the tools and resources I’m used to nor the face-to-face stimulus of being amongst colleagues, engaging with clients and suppliers, seeing actual products and materials. Fortunately living locally to the office, I’ve been able to access samples and keep some semblance of a routine. I’ve now adapted, used to communicating and presenting on teams, zoom etc. I am operating at a slower pace (not rushing to/from meetings) which is a nice change. I have picked up few technical skills from this experience, & consider myself more adept at different ways of working than I was before. I am still looking forward to being back in the company of others again soon.

What should clients expect?

As well as having a designer’s eye, my years as a buyer means I always have an eye on the commercials and seek value for our clients.

 

 

 

 

How do you approach challenges?

I take my time to digest and understand the brief. I prefer to break things down into bite-sized chunks.

What brings out the best in you?

Pressure, but with a clear vision of what the outcome needs to be.

What’s your proudest moment at MCM?

Havas’ London headquarters at 3 Pancras Square and Estée Lauder’s offices at One Fitzroy are standout projects for me. With more to come!

What first got you into design?

My parents took us on epic trips which opened my eyes to art, impressive architecture, different cultures & ways of living. Mostly I can attribute my enthusiasm for design to my father who was passionate about architecture and junk collecting and managed to combine both in some magnificent homes. I would be in awe of the process, seeing these visions come to life. I was always encouraged creatively – drawing, photography, making… I recall sketching furniture as a 5-year old. My first scrapbook was chairs.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

I love textiles, property development, art and interiors. So I’d still have to be doing something that involves restoration and enhancing spaces.

Contact Sam

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