Dulcie May Cullen-Wall
“Think about what will make you happy on a daily basis in a career and never be scared to change course/direction when that is what your instinct is telling you.”
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey in architecture/design?
I’ve been interested in design, especially interiors and architecture from a very young age when I was always happiest creating something from nothing. This is essentially the magic of being a designer for me. There are two parts of design that I love; the first is finding clever ways to communicate an idea through renders and presentations and the second is seeing that creation go from a render to reality or 2D to 3D.
I studied ‘Interior and Spatial Design’ at Chelsea College of Art and Design, (University of the Arts London). After I graduated I worked at an Architecture and Interior Design practice and during this time I learnt about interior/exterior living walls and developed my interest in biophilic design. I also made many connections, one of the most important was my business partner for two years (who is still a great friend and inspiration) and another would be the award-winning planting company (The Nurture Group) that I’ve worked with as Design Consultant for the past four years. I run my design business from my own home office surrounded by plants as this supports my focus, creativity and productivity. Travelling frequently to clients as required.
What about the industry enticed you to make it your career?
Growing up in London, a multicultural hotspot for creativity and inspiration has led me on my path as a designer. My experience studying and working in this city has created a passion to design environments and content that inspire and innovate improved thinking and living in everyday life.
Biophilic design has been my passion for a long time. As my understanding of our innate connection to nature has grown I have become increasingly interested in interiors that incorporate planting and the natural world. I've been working as a Design Consultant focusing on green/living walls/vertical gardens for over four years. I have worked on a range of commercial and residential projects including an in-store advert for John Lewis. Another collaboration won a Silver-Gilt for a Green Wall Pavilion, 'Fibonacci in Nature' for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and a Plants@Work award for an interior living wall at Smarkets HQ. This year two living wall designs have been entered for 2019 BALI awards.
What has been your biggest challenge in your career?
When working with plants many companies or businesses see this as an add-on and not a key component to a healthy working/living environment. However, over the last four years I’ve seen a dramatic shift in perception when it comes to the importance of planting for our health and wellbeing. More companies are creating greener spaces and looking for innovative ways to do this.
Another challenge has been changing the perception of living walls. All plants and gardens require maintenance and vertical gardens are no different. Some clients have had a bad experience with a different living wall system that has not been maintained properly or in some cases not maintained at all. Sharing how the planting company that I work with (The Nurture Group) expertly maintain our living walls is key to their success and key to understanding how our robust living wall systems work and thrive for years to come.
Can you tell us the process behind the green walls that you designed. How do you approach each project.
Every project is completely unique but from the start listening to your client is vital. It helps to balance their initial preference with what is most suitable for the space. The design process is very organic for me (no pun intended!) and seems to grow naturally (couldn’t resist) from the discussions and site assessment. I look at access, power supply, lighting and maintenance to share the various options that are possible.
I project manage and design the living walls from the very first enquiry and site visit up to the planting, installation and maintenance. Therefore, organization and communication is very important as there are many parties involved, e.g. clients, manufacturers, suppliers, electricians, installations and the maintenance team.
What is one piece of advice you have for women entering the field?
My best advice for anyone starting in any field is to stay open to many possibilities and find out who you are first; what you enjoy, how and where you work best and with whom. Then follow your passion, discover your own strongest interests in the field and then pursue these. Think about what will make you happy on a daily basis in a career and never be scared to change course/direction when that is what your instinct is telling you.
Company: DCW Design
Senior Design Consultant, Nurture Landscapes
Website: www.nurturelandscapes.co.uk / Instagram: @dulciemay_ / Email: dulcie.cullen@nurturelandscapes.co.uk
