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WHO IS VA HERITAGE?

VA Heritage is an interior design practice which pushes boundaries in a contemporary way whilst respecting the past.

 

I have always had an interest in architecture, buildings and how spaces interact and connect with people. This interest turned into a passion and drove me to want to undertake a BA (Hons) Heritage Interior Design degree for which I obtained a First-Class. I was also awarded Student of the Year by the National Design Academy and this led me to set up my design practice.

 

Having a creative flair for design is important but so is excellent time, project and risk management skills to ensure a project is delivered on time and on budget. I believe I have the best of both worlds having previously worked as an executive in the international energy and banking sectors. My roles included risk management, project management and process improvement, so rest assured you are in safe hands.

 

I am also a firm believer that you are only as good as what you know and this drives me to want to learn and expand my knowledge. I have recently completed the NOCN Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency Measures for Older and Traditional Buildings. Prior to that I completed the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Understanding Building Conservation course, endorsed by English Heritage, which gives me an even greater understanding of the importance of appropriateness of materials. This extends beyond the fabric of the building and making sure they suit the age of the property but also the materials used internally. Complementing my Heritage Interior Design Degree, it has reinforced the importance of understanding a building and ensuring traditional and listed buildings are respected, using only materials appropriate to ensure longevity. Nothing we do now should impact the future health and wellbeing of any building.

 

My mission is to help you understand the potential of your property. I will draw out your personality, your likes and your dislikes, enabling me to understand your needs now and going forward, so that I design a space which not only works for you, but also reflects you on a personal level. My aim is to create uniquely different properties which enhance your life.

 

Older properties have a rich history and I like to understand the evolution of a building, drawing on this for inspiration. By unpicking the backstory, I am able to reinterpret and creatively reimagine the space, helping you to take your property into its next chapter.

 

New buildings are created for the way we live now, often large and open plan, running the risk of making them feel soulless. Injecting personality drawn on the past is a fantastic way of making your space uniquely different. It could be through a hint of industrialism in a pendant light, an art deco sideboard, Victorian inspired wallpaper or a Gothic Revival mirror. Just because a space is new does not mean its decor has to be. Every space should be as unique as you are, it should be uniquely different.

 

I offer a range of services to ensure that you get the most out of your property. Your needs and that of the building will be different so I tailor my approach accordingly.

Alexis Nicolaidis - founder of V A Heritage

“We shape our homes and then our homes shape us.” 

 

Winston Churchill

"Alexis gave us a beautiful design for our living room.  She gave very detailed ideas, with a real flare for interesting design whilst taking into consideration our more classic taste.  She sourced all of the ideas within our budget and gave us a clear view of where to find all of the items, very thorough.  I would highly recommend Alexis”

Fiona, Berkshire.

I appreciate you may have questions so I have pulled together some frequently asked ones for you and tried to answer them. Hopefully they help but if you would rather have a chat I would love to hear from you.  

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