AN eco-friendly designer who helps homeowners renovate their properties using second-hand items has said she is truly honoured after being nominated for a prestigious award.
Sandy Armitage, 61, who lives in Colchester, has been an interior designer for 40 years.
She has just been shortlisted for a National Environmental Champion of the Year Award at this year's BIKBBI Annual Awards.
The accolades celebrate “excellence and innovation in the world of kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installation”.
The designer has decades of experience in the world of high-end luxury design and has applied her talents to giving second-hand items a new lease of life.
Sandy said: “I describe myself as an interior architect. I’ve taken all the knowledge I’ve gained over the years of doing beautiful projects.
“I’ve done a few projects now where a client has built a second-hand kitchen. I like for people to think about the value of keeping things and continuing the life of a product.
“It’s the joy of having a product that has previously been loved by somebody and you are able to put a new take on it.
“I’m trying to disrupt the cycle of throwing away the old and buying new.
“I’m asking my clients to think about the circular economy by using things like recycled worktops, glass and furniture.”
Sandy aims to continue promoting the benefits of using second-hand materials during renovations.
“Recently, I’ve redesigned a client’s space who had a big renovation using second-hand items," she added.
“They ended up with a £60,000 kitchen that they bought for £16,000. They were so happy because they got something they wouldn’t have been able to afford.
“I want to show you can make good savings whilst doing something good for the environment.
“It’s just little old me doing my thing. I feel a bit overwhelmed that I have been nominated, I don’t know who nominated me.
“I feel very proud and no matter what happens, the fact that I’ve been nominated and I’m a finalist is kind of winning in itself.
“I’d love to win, of course. I’m up against multimillion-pound companies. My feet are on the ground, but my head is in the clouds.
“I just feel honoured that I’ve had a nomination like this, it’s very special.”
Sandy will find out if she has won the award on Tuesday, February 6 at a ceremony in the QEII Centre, Westminster.
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