Catching up with...Paul Bishop

Paul Bishop studied Interior Design and graduated from Kingston University in 1992. Paul is founder of the multi-award-winning Bishop Design, including International Designer of the Year 2020 at the International Hotel & Property Awards by Design et al.

What memories do you have of studying at Kingston?

There's too many to count! Fred Scott in particular; what an inspiration. He would say things at the time that didn't quite make sense to me - but have always stuck. It's only now that these things start to become more lucid. I remember him describing my work as "a piece of jazz" or a "rollercoaster"; always talking in riddles and just such an intelligent character.

Heaps of memories were made in Knights Park Bar, and from when we spent time on the Hogsmill. Yes, certainly lots of interesting memories from those days…!

What career advice would you give recent graduates?

It's all about working hard, being committed and passionate for what we do and believe in. Our careers are a rollercoaster ride, and we have to embrace it. Don't be too disappointed if things don't happen immediately. Chances are you won't be presented with the greatest project when you graduate – it is a journey remember.

There's certainly a degree of luck to it as well - being in the right place at the right time. I'm a firm believer in kismet, much like the way I was presented the opportunity to come to Dubai. Sometimes you're in control, other times you're not. You have to throw caution to the wind, believe in yourself and opportunities will present themselves.

Above all, persevere. Never give up. Things will always work out but there is an element of patience required when building up your ability. You have to trust in what you do, your education, your potential and yourself. After all, you have the power to achieve great things.

Is it important to showcase subjects like design as a career pathway?

Yes, 100%. Interior design wasn't really a dedicated subject or career path when I was starting out. The Design School's Professor Ben Kelly was truly the first to make waves in the industry, a true designer of his generation that spurred the way forward for interior design as a discipline, industry and career.

I feel very lucky to have attended Kingston. Kingston was always the number one choice for me when it came to interior design; the place I truly wanted to be. The things I learned still help me in present situations. Having those foundations in art and design is integral to a successful career path - without that in-depth knowledge you are not complete.

Why did you want to get involved and offer the Paul Bishop Design Scholarship?

It's about giving back to an institution that gave so much to me, and offering the opportunity to someone that may not otherwise have access to it. I was the last generation to be awarded a grant from the government (as opposed to a loan), and without that support I wouldn't have been able to pursue my career. To be in a position to offer that opportunity is incredible. There is so much potential talent out there, with some not having the chance to exercise it. To be able to do so, and at Kingston University which in my mind is the best university in the UK for design, one could not be more fortunate. I am honoured for someone to receive the scholarship, and I have no doubt they will take full advantage of it to achieve their potential.

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