At Faber, we’re pretty good at sharing the amazing work we do through our portfolio pages. But we thought it was high time we allowed you a peek at our inner workings to take a look at the team responsible for making the magic happen…Here we find out who everyone is and what they do at Faber, but perhaps more importantly we’ve thrown in ten quickfire questions to discover what really makes them tick!
Fairly new to the team, Grace joined Faber in March 2022 after working as an assistant buyer for a major high-street retailer. With a degree in Furniture Design, Grace brings a combination of both knowledge and passion to her role of FF&E Designer and Buyer—where she’s responsible for sourcing and creating furniture, lighting, accessories, and tableware.
Originally from Yorkshire, but now living in Leicester with her partner, Grace spends time making her house feel like a home (or tries to, there seem to be many jobs started and not many finished)!
She enjoys taking classes to learn new skills, such as floristry, and tries her hand at sewing when she can. On the commute to and from work, Grace loves to listen to a variety of podcasts—with a few favourites being 'My Therapist Ghosted Me' and 'Shameless Podcast'. Her evenings often include dinner with friends, or unashamedly watching some type of reality TV!
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Positive, Creative, Loyal
What’s your greatest achievement?
It has to be having one of my furniture designs produced and sold by Made.com. It was such a great experience to learn mass manufacturing processes, try to understand what may or may not sell, and work with such a big household name. It’s lovely being able to sit on a chair you designed while watching your favourite Real Housewives series!
What made you want to become an FF&E Buyer and Designer?
I love that this role combines my passion for interiors and the thrill of sourcing products with other elements of business, such as the financial side of things. I also get to work with the whole team, which I love! From discussing upholstery fabric with the designers to how a light fitting might be installed with our construction team, no day is the same.
What’s your favourite Faber project?
This has to be The Viaduct. It was my first project with Faber, and in a unique Shoreditch location near not just one but two Banksy originals! To source and create for this truly unique project was exciting and of course not without its challenges—but that’s all part of the fun!
What’s your feel-good song?
I’d have to say ‘I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker’ by Sandi Thom—perhaps because it’s my go-to karaoke song and I always have a laugh singing along to it with my friends.
If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I’d love to explore Marrakech! Discovering the colourful interiors would be enough of a reason for me to visit—but combined with the incredible souks and delicious food, it seems like it would be difficult not to enjoy!
How would you describe your perfect weekend?
No matter where I am, my perfect weekend consists of exploring new neighbourhoods and includes coffee shop pastries for breakfast, discovering independent homeware shops, and nosing ‘round gorgeous house-lined streets. By the end of the day, I’d have to be eating a big bowl of pasta paired with a glass of wine in a small, homely neighbourhood restaurant like Ida in Queens Park.
What are you most afraid of?
Seagulls.
Pet hates?
Lack of manners, thank you!
What three items could you not live without?
Pasta, family, and friends (in that order)!