Lucy Goddard

After studying at the Surrey Institute of Art & Design, Lucy moved to Manchester to undertake a BA in Design & Art Direction. Whilst studying Lucy also worked freelance for various small companies, and was offered a sponsored places by the Creative Investor, NESTA, to complete a Masters course studying Enterprise.

Finishing her studies Lucy joined the Harvey Nichols' display team where she designed the Interiors within the store and for the international fashion brands.

After joining the property developer Urban Splash she became responsible for the developers show apartments and sales suites across its extensive UK portfolio.

‘I eat cheese therefore I am’. A blatant nod to Barbara Kruger but completely sums me up. Breakfast, lunch and dinner – cheese is king.

I have always worked for creative companies, the last was Urban Splash. It taught me a lot on how to build a culture. It was a working environment that motivated and inspired – many valuable lessons learnt.

Manchester is rainy! I thought it was an exaggerated myth when I moved here 9 years ago but evidently not! Despite the rain it is a fantastic city full of the weird and wonderful – especially in terms of creativity.

I love Amsterdam and cheese (which go nicely hand in hand!) Amsterdam is truly one of the most beautiful cities. The culture of design and ethos amazes me. I am truly happy when I'm here.

Marcel Wanders is one of my favourite designers. Despite the red nose and frequent pearl necklace wearing (!) his designs continue to please. I love his sense of humour which comes across in all his work. I actually think that between Marcel Wanders creations for Moooi, and The Front's design collection (in particular the Moment collection for Moroso) we've pretty much got all my favourite products covered! We recently stayed in the Lute Suite in Holland (a joint collaboration between Peter Lute and Wanders) it was phenomenal.

Without a doubt I'm most inspired by Travel – I can't get enough of it. My brother moved to Cambodia 16 years ago, and whilst he is greatly missed it has proved an excellent excuse to explore SE Asia! I spent some time in Mexico in my early twenties which changed my world. More recently I have taken a fascination to Europe – and driving everywhere – full of the most wonderful surprises'!

The most inspiring person I've ever met is my dad. He's an amazing man who could turn his hand to anything. When I was a child my parents moved us to a shack in the woods with no bedrooms (there was 5 of us!) My dad went to the library and taught himself how to build a house. He was a full-time Scientist and so this all took place in evenings and at the weekends – he did everything himself from building to plumbing. Despite a few near fatal electric shocks he did it (with the sterling help of my mum). We ended up with a beautiful house (with bedrooms for everyone!)

My most valuable possession is my Figaro. My Husband gave it to me as a wedding gift and we set-off for a month in Europe exploring Italy and the South of France. There was no room for a suitcase but I managed with some Asda carrier bags stuffed under the seats!

In 5 years I hope to have successfully launched and established NoChintz Agency in Europe. Representing our fantastic British Designers further afield. I'd also be pretty happy if I had a houseboat by then!

Building a business takes your life! The first couple of years of building a business totally consumes you. You are not just a designer, but an accountant, an administrator, a marketing director, a PR person and everyone in between! The hours are long and you can't switch off your phone come holidays, weekends or birthdays. That said, it's the best feeling in the world to be in control of your future. I am lucky to have two amazing directors to work alongside and as the company grows it's great to employ experts in specific fields, allowing us time to concentrate on specific business areas – and ultimately getting back to design!

My best friend always quotes John Lennon to me “life's what happens when you're busy making other plans”. Never a truer word spoken!

The last thing I wanted but couldn't have was a husky. I'm at that stage in life where there's nothing I want more than a big dog! Sadly we live in an apartment in the city centre and I fear for the dog's (and my) sanity should I try to combine the two!

My favourite film is a toss up between Amelie and Y tu mama tambien (translated as, 'And your mother too'). Gael Garcia (also awesome in The Motorcycle Diaries) is brilliant. I love films where the cinematography takes you somewhere else. Both films are complete eye candy in terms of the visuals.

One piece of advice for emerging designers - be seen! Become as visible as possible. Meet as many people as possible and network, network, network. Gain as much experience as possible and take every opportunity. Exceed people's expectations with everything and be remembered.