Architects launch new networking group

Local interior designer launches a new creatives networking group in Plymouth. ‘Doo:zie [do-zee], South West’ is spearheaded by pioneering Kay Allen, senior interior designer at HLM Plymouth, Mills Bakery, Royal William Yard. A community for creatives across all disciplines and at all levels, Doo:zie is aimed at providing an opportunity for creative people to come together to meet and connect; discuss and process ideas; share knowledge and skills and to collaborate and realise creative ambitions.

HLM is a leading architectural practice with six offices across the UK. The award-winning company operates across four main disciplines, including architecture, landscape and urban design, interior design and environmental design, operating in the education, defence, justice, residential, leisure and commercial sectors.

Kay studied at Sheffield Hallam University, working hard to achieve a first class Honours degree in Interior Design. She joined HLM in 2002 at the Sheffield Office, relocating to the Plymouth office two years ago after working between both offices for the previous 12 months. Kay Allen, Senior Interior Designer – HLM said: “I joined Plymouth office to strengthen the growing team by introducing an interior design presence for HLM in the South West. The natural beauty of the surrounding area and the character of Plymouth quickly won me over and I’ve never looked back, the South West is now my home and Plymouth my stomping ground and I love it.”

She adds: “As the first and only interior designer at HLM Plymouth, I was keen to connect with other interior designers and creative disciplines alongside our talented architectural team. There are great networking opportunities, especially for the construction industry, in Plymouth and across the South West region, however when looking for something specifically focused on creative design I found it lacking. I wanted to grow a network of like-minded contacts and creative networking groups in and around Devon and Cornwall and ultimately across the South West.”

Doo:zie was originally created by interior designers Sarah McCall and Lisa Tobia as a one-off networking event for Cardiff Design week in 2012. It was a huge success, and with extra help from Lisa Don, HLM’s associate interior designer Cardiff and Mark Hodge a 3D visualizer and product designer, Doo:zie became a regular networking event that has grown in the local area. Kay explains: “I was invited last year to one of the Doo:zie events which was a great night and I met a fabulous group of people. Bringing Doozie to Plymouth and ultimately across the region was a not to be missed opportunity and I am very excited about its future. HLM Plymouth team, and in particular our Associate Director Ajay Sharma have been fully supportive and I want to take this opportunity to thank them”

Firstly Kay approached a small number of creative contacts ranging from interior designers, graphic designers, university lecturers, freelance artists and ceramicists to discuss the possibility of setting up a new and exciting creative networking group in the South West. Heading up the steering group, Kay is supported by Interior Designer Michaela Whelan of Burke Rickhards together with Jane Mooney of Hays Recruitment Plymouth, who have been busy promoting and contacting creatives which has created a Doo:zie fever.

The inaugural Doo:zie South West event, sponsored by Forbo and Humanscale, is being launched on Thursday 24th September at Rumpus Cosy, Derry’s Cross, to coincide with the beginning of *‘Plymouth Art Weekender’ (*see notes to editor). Going forward there will be various Doo:zie events organised throughout the year for creatives to come together, chat over a drink, share skills and tips, showcase their work, join forces and develop creatively. At the launch, guests will get the chance to view Effervescent and Curio Junction’s Paper Crowns exhibition as well as finding out more about future Doo:zie events.

Kay concludes: “The Doo:zie South West launch is on the eve of Plymouth Arts Weekender, kindly hosted by Rumpus Cosy Bistro a fabulous British eatery in Plymouth. With a warm welcome and eclectic décor complete with big comfy sofas and armchairs, it is the perfect venue to set the mood for creatives. Entry is free and no pre-booking is necessary. Guests will get to meet members of the local creative community, and will be actively encouraged to form strong links throughout many creative disciplines. On the night there will be the opportunity to visit the Paper Crowns exhibition at Radiant Space Gallery and to find out more about up and coming Doo:zie events. I’m very excited and energised by the support that Doo:zie South West has already received and we are confident that it will grow into something wonderfully creative and influential with a strong future.”

Join the Doo:zie community and be part of building a creative hub in the South West
Doo:zie South West Launch: Thursday 24 September @ Rumpus Cosy Club, 12 Derrys Cross, Plymouth from 6pm
Complimentary welcome drink & nibbles
For more information or to be added to the Doo:zie mailing list please contact: info@doozie-sw.com