Born into a family with artistic and creative talents, I was no exception and from a very early age I developed a passion for design.
My career began when I established a small company producing New Zealand manufactured high-quality bed linen of my design. This venture sparked my interest in interior design, so with a desire to learn more, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend part-time interior design courses in New Zealand.
This series of courses gave me a broad overview of the discipline, but more importantly allowed me to immerse myself into the creative world of interior design. Thus, further cementing my decision to pursue a professional career in interior design. It was at this point that I knew I would never achieve my full potential as a professional interior designer, without a formal qualification.
In 2000 I left New Zealand to study full time at the Inchbald School of Architectural Interior Design in London, which was, at that time, affiliated with the University of Wales. I loved every minute, I graduated with a Post Graduate Diploma in Architectural Interior Design, being one of only a few New Zealanders to have received this qualification from this prestigious international design school.
I chose to stay on in England and take advantage of the many diverse project opportunities the UK and Europe presented. During this time I gained immense experience and undertook a number of incredibly exciting commissions, including a 50-room Spanish Hunting Lodge (formerly owned by the King of Spain, now owned by a member of the British Aristocracy). I undertook a conversion project of a redundant 18th century church into a contemporary home, also a project for a child's playroom for the children of a Saudi Prince. My final project was the concept development of a complete interior refurbishment, to a high specification, of a £5m country home in Surrey, working with leading British Architect, Colin Smith.
After returning home in 2005, I quickly established myself as an interior designer with a difference; my interior design philosophy being ‘Classic Design with a Twist’.
In 2008 I was accepted as a Professional Member of the Designers Institute of New Zealand (PDINZ).
I work with an in-depth knowledge of the principles and elements of design. I believe it’s my professional responsibility to keep abreast of current and new products, trends and future innovations. My skill in asking a client the right questions, so I can then turn their dreams into reality. This is only possible by my ability to listen, strong follow through, and good documentation.
I have been a Finalist in the Designers' Institute of NZ Best Design Awards in 2020, and 2023. This is a competition open to Architects and Designers throughout New Zealand.
For three consecutive years I have been a finalist in the Dulux Colour Awards in both Commercial and Residential categories. This is a competition open to Architects and Designers throughout New Zealand and Australia.
I have also been a finalist in the New Zealand House & Garden Best Interior Awards in the categories of Best Bedroom, Best Living Room and Best Bathroom.
Since my membership with Houzz in 2018, I have been awarded Best of Houzz Service badges every year. In 2019 I was nominated as Interior Designer of One of the '101 Best Rooms from Around the World'.
I am frequently invited by a variety of interior design magazines for my contributions, whether it be in the form of comments on interior design, articles, or specific projects.
For me, interior design is not just a job, it is my passion, which I get to enjoy every day. I love the excitement of developing beautiful spaces with new and existing clients. I look forward to future inspiring projects.
You can follow me on Instagram at donnawhiteinteriors, where my regular posts give a wealth of interior design advice. I am also on Facebook, and LinkedIn.
