claire johnston
Biggar,South Lanarkshire
Summary
Project-led Interior Designer and Business Owner with proven experience delivering residential and commercial interiors from concept through to installation. Strong track record managing full project lifecycles—coordinating designers, contractors, suppliers, and clients to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to a high standard. Commercially astute with a background in large-scale retail operations and multi-site management.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Interior designer
the nomad & co
glasgow / edinburgh
03.2020 - Current
- Lead and manage interior design projects from the initial brief through to final installation.
- Act as the primary point of contact between the client, contractors, and suppliers.
- Coordinate timelines across design, procurement, and onsite execution.
- Conduct site visits to monitor progress, quality, and design integrity.
- Resolve issues proactively to keep projects on track.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
Owner / Interior Designer
Interior Designer & Homewares Shop
Glasgow, UK
09.2020 - 09.2024
- Established and managed an interior design and homewares shop in Glasgow's West End.
- Curated unique collections and provided personalised interior design services.
- Oversaw product selection, client consultations, marketing strategies, and store operations.
- Provided exceptional customer service, resulting in repeat business.
Business Consultant & Retail Lead
Remnant Kings
01.2019 - 03.2020
- Collaborated with the managing director to analyse and restructure business operations.
- Developed retail and digital strategies, significantly enhancing market responsiveness until the store closure.
Retail Director
Foxford Woollen Mills
Foxford, Ireland
11.2014 - 05.2019
- Drove £5m retail turnover, generating £1.5m in revenue within 12 to 18 months.
- Oversaw operations for multiple stores, including flagship locations in Foxford, Dublin, and Westport.
- Executed e-commerce strategy, brand re-launch, and product sourcing initiatives.
- Managed a team of 5 managers and 60 staff members to enhance operational efficiency.
- Successfully opened new stores while developing customer service training programmes.
- Optimised stock control processes and improved cost structures across all locations.
Area Manager
Next Retail (Ltd)
, Ireland
05.2006 - 11.2014
- Managing an area of £125 million turnover comprising of 14 stores across Ireland
- Controlled budgets and operating costs, consistently improving profitability through tight cost management and commercial decision making.
- Drove sales performance by analysing KPIs, identifying opportunities, and implementing strategies to increase revenue and conversion.
- Led, trained, and developed teams to deliver high performance, accountability, and strong operational standards.
- Implemented process improvements across store operations, increasing efficiency, and supporting overall business growth.
Senior Store Manager
Next Retail (Ltd)
Dublin, Ireland
08.2005 - 05.2006
- Promoted to senior manager, ensuring operational efficiency and sales growth at Blanchardstown store.
- Managed staff performance to maximise productivity and achieve targets.
- Controlled store costs to enhance profitability.
- Motivated team to consistently meet and exceed sales objectives.
- Oversaw budget planning for controlled expenditure and maximized profitability.
- Established health and safety guidelines within store premises, promoting safe working conditions.
Store Manager
Next Retail (Ltd)
Dundrum, Ireland
02.2005 - 08.2005
- Successfully launched and operated new store in Dundrum, Dublin.
- Ensured efficient management, cost control, and high customer service standards.
General Manager
Topshop/Topman, The Arcadia Group
Dublin, Ireland
01.2004 - 02.2005
- Managed operations for multiple brands at Jervis Street shopping centre in Dublin.
- Led a team of 7 managers, overseeing store operations and staff development.
- Reviewed performance data regularly to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Various Roles
Next Retail (Ltd)
, Ireland
01.1992 - 01.2004
- Advanced from Assistant Store Manager to Store Manager, establishing robust expertise in retail management across various locations in Ireland.
Education
bachelor of arts - art history & fine art
University of South Wales
Pontypridd05-1992
Skills
- End-to-end project management (design, production, installation)
- Contractor and subcontractor coordination, site oversight and quality control, programme and timeline management
- Client relationship management
- interior design and space planning
- budget control and procurement
- operational strategy and process improvement
- Cross-functional team leadership
- commercial decision making
Education
BA hons
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Owner / Interior Designer
Interior Designer & Homewares Shop
09.2020 - 09.2024
Interior designer
the nomad & co
03.2020 - Current
Business Consultant & Retail Lead
Remnant Kings
01.2019 - 03.2020
Retail Director
Foxford Woollen Mills
11.2014 - 05.2019
Area Manager
Next Retail (Ltd)
05.2006 - 11.2014
Senior Store Manager
Next Retail (Ltd)
08.2005 - 05.2006
Store Manager
Next Retail (Ltd)
02.2005 - 08.2005
General Manager
Topshop/Topman, The Arcadia Group
01.2004 - 02.2005
Various Roles
Next Retail (Ltd)
01.1992 - 01.2004
bachelor of arts - art history & fine art
University of South Wales