Dundee designer scoops top interior design prize

Kelly MacKay Wins First Ever Grant from Scotland Re:Designed's New Interiors Showcase Picture:Tammy Shaw

Kelly MacKay was hand-picked by a panel of industry experts to receive a grant of £1,000 to showcase her work at either Clerkenwell Design Week or 100% Design in 2016.

The panel was made up of a number of experts in the field, including William Knight, show director of two of 100% Design and Clerkenwell Design Week.

Mr Knight said he was highly impressed with the designs, adding: “Kelly’s work was a real stand out for the panel; she is clearly a naturally gifted designer with lots passion for the industry.

“It’s hugely rewarding for us to recognise a new talent and we look forward to working with her London next year and seeing her career develop.”

The panel also included Professor Mike Press, the Chair of Design Policy within Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design at the University of Dundee; Ella Doran, a renowned designer; Katie Treggiden, the editor of Fiera Magazine and Rosey Blackmore, Merchandise Director at Tate Enterprises.

Kelly, 23, is a First Class honours graduate at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design and is now based in Tayside.

Speaking after her win, she said: “I’m super excited, it’s a great experience and I’m going have a great couple of months ahead of me and I’m just super excited about it.

“Design is something I’m really passionate about and I really want to push my work further and I think the exposure here and having my work out there is just such an achievement and one I never thought I’d get so I’m so happy.”

On Dundee as a creative hub, she continued: “It’s a great opportunity to be part of something that’s in Dundee and with the V&A and other things opening its even better to be able to show that Dundee really has more happening in it than you might have realised.

“Getting the exposure that’s needed to show it’s a really creative city is really important and I think this showcase has really helped people understand that.”

Scotland Re:Designed launched in 2012 and is supported by Creative Scotland. This exhibition is the first dedicated interiors venture that the initiative has put on and garners the support of DJCAD, the The Fleet Collective and Creative Dundee.