Our Team

Mel Meale, Design director

Mel started Steer Design in 2012 with experience in most commercial sectors including workplace, healthcare, education, heritage, retail & leisure. Mel’s personal portfolio prior to Steer Design includes projects such as Southmead Hospital (Bristol), BMW Park Lane flagship showroom, B&Q Headquarters, University of London, Academy for Innovation & Research (AIR).

Mel manages all Steer Design projects and works with the team on each one while keeping enough distance for project and creative leadership of the designers. Mel has worked on the Marketing and Business Development of the business which has grown steadily over the last several years.

The origin of Steer Design is simply Mel’s maiden name; having already worked in the industry for many years before marrying it felt right to keep that name in business.

Mel’s passion for design is driven by two key factors: function before form and sustainability.

Harriet Watkins, senior designer

Harriet is an experienced project designer with over 20 years in practice. Her experience spans across Workplace, Retail, Leisure, Residential and the Education sectors. Having worked in both large and small architectural and design companies she has run projects of all sizes from conception to completion.

Her particular strengths lie in her methodical and detailed approach to design and its implementation. She is a keen swimmer, enjoys walking and being outdoors with her two children and dog, which means that she can indulge in her passion for baking followed by eating the creations.

Mel and Harriet have a close relationship, having met at a practice prior to both going freelance, this relationship has enabled tremendous support over the years of project running, mental health and friendship.

Liz Kingett, senior designer

As a project leader working in a variety of practices, Liz has offers extensive experience from commercial high end retail and blue chip clients to smaller fit outs including listed and conservation area sites.

Her role as a designer is to lead throughout the project from the initial feasibility and brief to site completion but can tailor her service to specific client requirements.

Liz is incredibly modest which makes her conscientious, realistic and thorough. Her creativity spans the concept and development stages of each project and has great focus of detail.

Liz - "I am very passionate about design and architecture. Exploring different architectural styles and design details from various cultures and eras is an on-going interest that I enjoy reflecting upon for my own creativity. My enthusiasm and self-confidence are clearly apparent in my approach to continually improve personal performance and ensure each concept meets the client brief".

Hattie Flint, team designer

Hattie has many years experience working as an interior design consultant in the high end interiors industry in London, she is now working on Steer Design projects alongside the team or taking the lead on design with our close contractor relations.

In London Hattie gained an in-depth knowledge of a wide range of furniture suppliers, manufacturers and brands, as well as developing skills in client relations and project management.

As an Interior Designer Hattie has worked with Harrods, has great product knowledge of furniture and lighting; Hattie can speak four languages and did her Interior Design Masters Degree in Florence where she now lives for much of the year.

Hattie has proven invaluable to Steer Design with excellent drawing skills, high quality creativity and her ability to work alongside the client and contractor illustrates early leadership. Hattie has great confidence which comes across in her work.

our team of freelancers

We utilise other designers as and when workload demands, We have relationships with other designers across the UK to enable us to increase our work ability quickly while maintaining our quality and strength.

Dan Francis is our key visualiser creating many of our models and animations; Mel and Dan have worked together for many years. The whole team have a great relationship and during detailed design, we work with Dan very closely. Steer Design also work with other visualisation companies where resource and relationships see fit.

Our other designers are spread across the UK with a South West prevalence; all designers work in the same format as Steer Design to deliver a unified solution.