NEWH - Spring 2017 - 32

Q&A

MEET

Rebekah
Ellis
How did you become involved with NEWH?

My sister, Hannah Rogers, who was at the time a designer for Ulster Carpets, was on the
NEWH board and invited me to a couple of NEWH events. Eventually, Lynn Fisher, who was the
president, invited me to join the board as membership director. Initially, I joined because it was
nice to do something with my sister. As I've learned more about NEWH, I have come to value the
opportunity, through the scholarship program, to give something back to my industry.

What has NEWH done for you, both personally and professionally?

As well as being able to work alongside my sister, being on the NEWH board has given
me some good friends. Being involved gave me a vehicle to get to know more people.
Professionally I've experienced improved collaboration with member suppliers and
manufacturers. Our industry is very reliant on relationships, and NEWH provides those
all-important contacts.

President of the UK chapter
and FF&E designer, AD
Associates

In your role as UK chapter president, what do you have planned for 2017? What
are you most looking forward to?

We are looking forward to our annual fundraiser, this year at the newly opened Courthouse
Hotel in Shoreditch. We are also planning to host a regional NEWH tradeshow alongside this
event. It will be the first event of this type in Europe.

What were some of the highlights of 2016?

Our fundraiser was a particular highlight as we had designers more engaged than ever before:
three London designers vetted, mentored, and awarded three students with scholarships.
It was very exciting to hear that one scholarship winner gained an intern position within an
architect's practice. Last year, I also enjoyed meeting everyone in New York at the NEWH
board of directors meeting and the executive committee meeting.

Tell us a bit about your company and what's new.

AD Associates is a fast-growing architectural and interior design studio specializing in the
luxury marine, hospitality, leisure, and residential sectors. In my role as one of AD Associates'
FF&E designers, I was part of the team involved in a large refurbishment of Crystal Cruise's
first river ship. Crystal Mozart has set the standard for a new kind of luxury river cruise
experience, one focused on the highest possible level of amenities, service, and experiences.

What is your business outlook for the next year or two?

We will be busy working on the fleet mates that will follow the Crystal Mozart. They will be
newer and smaller vessels, carrying fewer passengers but still maintaining the same elegance.

Trend/movement you are paying attention to in the industry? One you'd wish
would go away?

I like the simplicity of the current trend toward neutral gray tones; it's something that can be
replicated at home. I also admire the layers and detailing of materials and finishes found in
the interiors of designers like David Collins.

When you aren't working or at an NEWH event, where can we find you?

On the weekends, you can find me at our local gym, church, or pub. I try to spend as much
time as I can with my family, when they have time away from amateur dramatics, singing, and
playing the guitar! ❙❘❚
32 www.newh.org

http://www.newh.org

NEWH - Spring 2017

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