The Insider

EP 8 Camila Fraser – Designing Spaces, People Experience and Remember

In this episode of The Insider, Alexandra Langdon is joined by Camilla Fraser, an interior designer based in Cape Town whose work includes some of South Africa’s most beautiful hospitality projects, including Coot Club — named House & Garden Hotel of the Year 2024. La Cotte, and properties within the Perfect Hideaways collection, which she designs alongside Dominic Touwen. Following on from the design journey explored in previous episodes, this conversation brings the process to life through the work of a designer who creates spaces people experience and remember. Together, Alexandra and Camilla discuss designing in response to landscape and architecture, balancing beauty with practicality, and creating interiors that feel both timeless and full of personality. The episode also explores hospitality versus residential design, the role of colour and atmosphere within interiors, and how collaboration shapes the creative process. Camilla also shares how she works alongside Dominic Touwen, balancing family life with a creative career, and how experience has shaped the way she approaches design today. IN THIS EPISODE: • Designing spaces people experience and remember • Creating interiors that feel connected to their surroundings • Hospitality design versus residential design • Designing Coot Club and working with landscape  • Using colour, pattern, and texture with confidence • Creating hotel spaces that feel timeless and individual • Working collaboratively with Dominic Touwen • Balancing work, creativity, and family life • Reflections on creativity and the design journey Whether you are renovating your home, designing a hospitality space, or interested in how interiors shape the way people feel, this episode offers an honest and thoughtful insight into creating spaces with warmth, character, and longevity. CONNECT WITH CAMILLA: Instagram: @camillafraser Dominic Touwen: @dominictouwen And view some of the projects discussed @coot.club @la_cotte_farm @perfecthideaways_locations CONNECT WITH ALEXANDRA: Instagram: @alexandralangdonltd Website: alexandralangdon.co.uk [http://alexandralangdon.co.uk/] Email: theinsider@alexandralangdon.co.uk [theinsider@alexandralangdon.co.uk] Podcast Producer: @mtalbotcreative ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

EP 7 Stacey Dyer - Designing a Home Room by Room

IN THIS EPISODE OF THE INSIDER, ALEXANDRA LANGDON IS JOINED BY STACEY DYER FROM @END_OF_THE_ROW FOLLOWING ON FROM THE DESIGN JOURNEY EXPLORED IN PREVIOUS EPISODES, THIS CONVERSATION BRINGS THE PROCESS TO LIFE THROUGH STACEY’S EXPERIENCE OF RENOVATING AND DESIGNING HER ARTS AND CRAFTS HOME OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS. WORKING ROOM BY ROOM, STACEY SHARES THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING, HOW HER APPROACH HAS EVOLVED, AND WHAT SHE HAS LEARNED ALONG THE WAY — INCLUDING DEVELOPING AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE MATERIALS NEEDED TO RESTORE A TIMBER-FRAMED HOUSE. WE ALSO DISCUSS HOW LIVING IN THE HOUSE HAS SHAPED HER DECISIONS, WHAT SHE FOCUSED ON FIRST IN HER RENOVATION, AND HOW SHE HOPES DOCUMENTING THE PROCESS WILL ENCOURAGE OTHER WOMEN TO APPROACH THEIR OWN HOMES WITH CONFIDENCE. FROM UNCOVERING ORIGINAL FEATURES TO BALANCING COLOUR AND PATTERN WITH THE CHARACTER OF AN OLDER BUILDING, THIS EPISODE EXPLORES THE REALITIES OF DESIGNING A HOME GRADUALLY, AND THE VALUE OF TAKING TIME TO UNDERSTAND BOTH THE SPACE, HOW YOU WANT TO LIVE WITHIN IT, AND THE MATERIALS NEEDED TO DO THIS. IN THIS EPISODE: • HOW RENOVATING ONE HOME SHAPED THE APPROACH TO THE NEXT • THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING HOW YOU WANT TO LIVE IN YOUR SPACE • WHAT IT MEANS TO DESIGN A HOME ROOM BY ROOM OVER TIME • HOW WORKING MORE SLOWLY CAN INFLUENCE DESIGN DECISIONS • APPROACHING COLOUR AND PATTERN WITHIN AN OLDER BUILDING • THE REALITIES OF WORKING WITH PERIOD PROPERTIES AND UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES • THE BALANCE BETWEEN CREATIVITY AND PRACTICALITY • REACHING KEY MILESTONES, INCLUDING COMPLETING THE FINAL ROOMS • REFLECTIONS ON THE DESIGN JOURNEY AND WHAT STACEY HAS LEARNED ALONG THE WAY WHETHER YOU ARE RENOVATING YOUR HOME GRADUALLY OR PLANNING A LARGER PROJECT, THIS EPISODE OFFERS AN HONEST AND THOUGHTFUL INSIGHT INTO THE DESIGN PROCESS AS IT UNFOLDS IN REAL LIFE. CONNECT WITH STACEY: INSTAGRAM: @ENDOFTHEROW CONNECT WITH ALEXANDRA: INSTAGRAM: @ALEXANDRALANGDONLTD WEBSITE: ALEXANDRALANGDON.CO.UK [http://alexandralangdon.co.uk/] EMAIL: THEINSIDER@ALEXANDRALANGDON.CO.UK PHOTO: @BRENTDARBYPHOTOGRAPHY STYLIST: @KINSHIP_CREATIVEDC PODCAST PRODUCER: @MTALBOTCREATIVE MARIE HAS OVER TWENTY YEARS’ EXPERIENCE AS A BROADCAST AUDIO PRODUCER, WORKING FOR THE BBC, COMMERCIAL RADIO, CREATIVE AGENCIES, AND PRIVATE CLIENTS; HER ABSOLUTE OBSESSION IS PODCASTING. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

EP 6 The Summary - Reflecting on the Design Journey

In this episode of The Insider, Alexandra Langdon reflects on the full design journey — bringing together each stage of the process and how they connect. From defining your Project Objective to moving through Spatial Planning, Design, Build and Installation, this episode explores how a structured approach supports better decisions and a more enjoyable experience. Alexandra explains how each phase builds on the last, and why following a clear process allows you to approach your own project with clarity and confidence. IN THIS EPISODE: • How the full design journey fits together • Why each stage builds on the one before it • The importance of following a clear and structured process • How to approach your own project with clarity and confidence • Common questions around timelines, priorities and decision-making • Why a well-designed home continues to evolve over time Whether you are about to begin your project or reflecting on your own journey, this episode offers a clear overview of the design process and how to approach it in a more considered and confident way. EVENT The Design Process with Interior Designer Alexandra Langdon and The Styled Writing Company https://www.thestyledwritingcompany.com/events/p/the-design-process-with-interior-designer-alexandra-langdon [https://www.thestyledwritingcompany.com/events/p/the-design-process-with-interior-designer-alexandra-langdon] CONNECT WITH ALEXANDRA: Instagram: @alexandralangdonltd Website: alexandralangdon.co.uk [http://alexandralangdon.co.uk/] Email: theinsider@alexandralangdon.co.uk Photo: @brentdarbyphotography Stylist: @kinship_creativedc Podcast Producer: @mtalbotcreative Marie has over twenty years’ experience as a broadcast audio producer, working for the BBC, commercial radio, creative agencies, and private clients; her absolute obsession is podcasting. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

EP 5 Installation - Deliver and Oversee the Installation of Orders

In this episode of The Insider, Alexandra Langdon looks at the final stage of the design journey — installation, where your home comes together and begins to feel complete. From preparing for installation to coordinating deliveries and trades, this episode explores how to manage the final stage of your project with clarity and confidence. Alexandra explains how to organise and oversee the installation process, and how to style and refine your home so that it reflects everything you have worked towards. IN THIS EPISODE: • How to prepare for installation and create a clear schedule • How to manage deliveries and coordinate trades effectively • Why checking orders and tracking deliveries is essential • How to approach styling and the final layers of your home • What to expect during installation and how to stay organised • How to manage common challenges calmly and efficiently • The importance of handover and aftercare Whether you are nearing the end of your project or planning ahead, this episode offers practical insight into managing installation and bringing your home together with care and attention to detail. CONNECT WITH ALEXANDRA: Instagram: @alexandralangdonltd Website: alexandralangdon.co.uk [http://alexandralangdon.co.uk/] Email: theinsider@alexandralangdon.co.uk Photo: @brentdarbyphotography Stylist: @kinship_creativedc Podcast Producer: @mtalbotcreative Marie has over twenty years’ experience as a broadcast audio producer, working for the BBC, commercial radio, creative agencies, and private clients; her absolute obsession is podcasting. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

EP 4 Build - Working Alongside your Builder

In this episode of The Insider, Alexandra Langdon looks at the build phase — where your plans move off the paper and begin to take shape on site. From communicating with your builder to managing decisions and unexpected changes during construction, this episode explores how to navigate the build process with clarity and confidence. Alexandra explains how to work collaboratively with your builder and wider team, and how to maintain the integrity of your design as the project progresses. IN THIS EPISODE: • How to prepare for the build before work begins • Why complete drawings and clear specifications are essential • How to work effectively with your builder and wider team • The importance of communication, planning and sequencing decisions • What to expect as the build progresses and how to stay organised • How to maintain design integrity during construction • Why flexibility and a contingency are key to managing challenges Whether you are renovating or building from scratch, this episode offers practical insight into navigating the construction stage of the design journey and bringing your design to life with confidence. CONNECT WITH ALEXANDRA: Instagram: @alexandralangdonltd Website: alexandralangdon.co.uk [http://alexandralangdon.co.uk/] Email: theinsider@alexandralangdon.co.uk Photo: @brentdarbyphotography Stylist: @kinship_creativedc Podcast Producer: @mtalbotcreative Marie has over twenty years’ experience as a broadcast audio producer, working for the BBC, commercial radio, creative agencies, and private clients; her absolute obsession is podcasting. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.