New HQ signals expansion for interior design practice

An interior design practice which specialises in high end residential and retirement living is quadrupling the size of its North East headquarters to help it keep pace with its rapid expansion.

Award-winning Bernard Interiors looking to its next stage of growth through moving to a new 5,000 sqft headquarters, relocating from its previous base in Ponteland

Bernard Interiors, founded in 2008, will now be based in the former St Barnabus & St Jude Church Centre in Sandyford, with significant investment being made in converting the premises into a design studio and showroom.

The expansion of its premises also allows Bernard Interiors to accommodate its growing design team, which currently has 14 people but is predicted to have at least 20 within the next two years.

Jen Bernard, founder and managing director of Bernard Interiors, said the new headquarters offers great potential to the business.

“We have doubled in size every two years since 2015. Our move into our new head office is a big part of our further growth and we are predicting that by 2020 we will have 20 people working here. We are now in a position where we have people moving from London to join us, soand we want to be able to add more great people to the talented team we already have in place,” she said.

“The flexibility of the space was a big factor in choosing this building – as we continue to expand, there is the potential to create a mezzanine so our headquarters can grow in line with the business. This will be a fantastic place for clients to visit as well as being a great working environment, and we are very excited about the future.”

Bernard Interiors was supported with its expansion by law firm Sintons, with real estate partner Alok Loomba and associate Danielle Dale overseeing the acquisition of St Barnabus & St Jude Church Centre.

Alok said: “Over the past decade, Jen has built this business into a leading UK interior design agency which plays a key role in the North East’s renowned creative scene. It’s fantastic that despite its growing workload and reputation internationally, Bernard Interiors has committed its future to this region.

“This new headquarters is spectacular and very befitting of a prestige business like Bernard Interiors. Jen is investing significantly – in terms of both time and money – in creating something truly stunning for clients and staff alike, and we wish her and the team the best of luck in their new home.”