About
My name is Gail and I'm a designer
I absolutely love interior design! I enjoy the creativity, problem-solving, presentation, and the final results. I also have a passion for travel and skiing (now I can ski properly!). Additionally, I find joy in inspiring the next generation of designers and helping people realise their potential.
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I'm as comfortable on-site as I am in an office, and I appreciate the variety that interior design offers. Each project and client is unique, which keeps me engaged and prevents boredom!
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You’ve seen the finished spaces.
Now hear what it actually took to get there.
Behind the Moodboard is a podcast for anyone who loves interiors and wants to understand what really goes on behind the scenes. It's designers having a chat and a laugh and talking about how they got into design and what keeps them there!​

The Full Story
Hi, I’m Gail Speck. founder of Studio Speck & Studio Speck Academy.
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With over 30 years of experience in interior design across residential, commercial, healthcare, and hospitality projects, I bring both creative vision and real-world expertise to every space I design and every student I teach.
I love to work with...
I work with companies and individuals who want more than just a “nice space”; they want an interior that feels considered, functional, and professionally resolved.​
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Homeowners
You may feel overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or worried about making expensive mistakes. I help you clarify your ideas, plan your space effectively, and create a home that feels calm, cohesive, and beautifully put together.
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Property Developers & Landlords
You want interiors that attract the right buyers or tenants and maximise return on investment. I help you design spaces that are commercially smart, visually appealing, and aligned with your target market.
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Architects & Design Practices
I collaborate with architects to support the interior aspects of projects, ensuring that spaces are not only well planned but fully resolved, functional, and visually cohesive.
This may include:
• spatial planning refinement
• interior layouts and furniture planning
• materials and finishes selection
• lighting coordination
• final styling and presentation
I bring a human, lived-in layer to architectural spaces, helping translate technical design into environments that feel considered, usable, and complete.
Interior Design Studios & Larger Design Companies
I work with design studios that need additional support, specialist input, or an experienced eye on projects.
Whether you need help with:
• concept development
• space planning
• FF&E specification
• client presentations
• or final styling
I integrate seamlessly into your team, providing reliable, professional support without adding pressure to your workflow.
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Interior design students & career changers
You’re passionate about interiors but unsure how to turn that into a tangible outcome. I help you develop the skills, structure, and confidence needed to move forward; whether that’s improving your portfolio, refining your direction, or starting your own design business.
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New & emerging Interior Designers
You’ve started your journey but feel stuck, underconfident, or unsure how to grow. I provide mentoring, practical guidance, and industry insight to help you build a clear, professional, and profitable design career.
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Contractors & Trades
I collaborate and work closely with contractors, builders, and specialist trades to ensure that design intent is delivered accurately on site.
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You may be working on a project where:
• the client needs design direction
• decisions are slowing progress
• layouts, finishes, or details haven’t been fully resolved
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I step in to provide clear, buildable design information, from layouts and specifications to finishes and styling, helping projects run more efficiently and with fewer costly mistakes.​​​​
Experienced interior designer and educator
I’ve spent more than 20 years teaching interior design in a clear, practical, and jargon-free way, helping hundreds of aspiring designers, homeowners, and self-builders gain the confidence to plan, design, and deliver beautiful spaces.
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I keep up to date with regular CPD sessions, RIBA and LABC courses, commercial supplier reps, and I attend trade shows whenever I can.​
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Alongside running my own interior design studio, I’ve taught in-person courses for over 20 years and also work as a tutor with the British Academy of Interior Design (BAID). My approach combines industry knowledge, structured design processes, and a calm, supportive teaching style that simplifies what often feels overwhelming.
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Through Studio Speck Academy, I help designers at all levels develop the skills they actually need, from space planning and styling to client management, pricing, and building a successful design business.
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Whether you’re designing your own home or building a career in interiors, I’m here to help you do it with clarity, confidence, and professionalism.
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I’ve spent over 30 years designing interiors and over 20 years teaching others how to do it properly. I don’t just teach theory: I teach how interior design actually works in the real world.
From layout and space planning to styling, client management, and running a profitable design business, everything I teach is based on real projects, real clients, and real experience. I’ve helped hundreds of students go from overwhelmed and unsure… to confident, capable, and ready to create beautiful interiors.
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If you want to shortcut years of trial and error, or you want your projects to run smoothly, you’re in the right place.
