Meet The Design Team
Together, they share lifetimes of knowledge
and are perfectly positioned to help with any query
Meet The Team
Together, they share lifetimes of knowledge and are perfectly positioned to help with any query
Director
Simon is our Managing Director and the heart behind the whole operation. Get to know him a little better in this Q&A.
How long have you worked in the industry?
All my life!
I was fortunate enough to grow up in a furniture family so even though I wasn't working, I was learning through osmosis.
Chaplins was actually founded in 1993 by my late father, James Chaplin. I took over the running of the company in 2005 after his retirement from the industry.
Where is Chaplins based?
Our main showroom is in Hatch End, Middlesex. Over the last two decades we've grown to over 25,000 sq ft of showroom space — a true one-stop shop where you can experience all of the best furniture and lighting brands up close.
Who inspires you?
There are a couple of pioneers of contemporary design who have all taught me something about how to approach life. From Vladimir Kagan with his youthful exuberance to Piero Busnelli who made me listen to the bells as our wine glasses toasted. All of these “great” men have one common trait, passion.
How do you decide what makes it in-store?
We work with hundreds of different brands, so we are continually editing the collections so that they stand together. However, we do have a couple of key criteira that each showroom style must meet. The first, it has to have it's own story. Something unique that can be told and cherished. It must also have longevity and a supreme comittment to quality.
What do you think is the most important element in a modern home?
Asides from comfort and quality, I think personality is really important. Chaplins was born from the desire to break away from a "one size fits all" mentality in interiors, so when creating a modern home, I think we should strive to include designs that are unique and have something original to say.
Retail
Long time Chaplins Insiders will recognise many of the faces here. As the heart and soul of our showroom, most of our sales team have been with us since the beginning — as committed to exploring new ways of living as many of our beloved clients. Together, they have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the entire industry and a wide range of strategic specialities. To find out more about each member, have a click through the questionnaires below.
Melvin Brown
Sales Consultant
In the hours that he's not thinking about furniture, Melvin can be found whipping up Caribbean cuisine for his nearest and dearest.
How long have you worked in the industry?
14 years.
Do you have a favourite design?
Oh, that's easy. The Conseta Sofa by COR. Many trends in lounging have come and gone but this sofa continues to look relevant and fresh.
What's your area of speciality?
My people skills and patience when working on large projects which can change quickly.
Melvin Brown
Design Consultant
In the hours that he’s not thinking about furniture, Melvin can be found whipping up Caribbean cuisine for his nearest and dearest.
How long have you worked in the industry?
I’m lucky enough to have over 20 years of experience, which I began in a world of colour and vibrancy at Designers Guild.
Do you have a favourite design?
The Standard sofa by EDRA – it oozes style and timelessness, has sublime lines, maximum comfort factor and looks great in any home.
What's your area of speciality?
My ability to transform the simplest of homes into the most extravagant and beautiful space no matter what the obstacle may be.
Paul Hart
Fitted Furniture Specialist
Paul has a penchant for Vespas. Something you'll discover if he ever drops by to deliver some samples.
How long have you worked in the industry?
21 years.
Do you have a favourite design?
I’m a fan of post war Italian design so from the 1950s – 1970s). We have some modern pieces at home but the Spider Table Lamp is probably the one I covet most for its industrial design. It has this metal cut-out diffuser, exposed bulb and oversized ‘bakelite’ adjustment screw which are really striking!
What's your area of speciality?
I would say I’m best at listening and understanding customers’ requirements. I have extensive knowledge of modern furniture and lighting which I’m happy to impart, but it’s a 2-way conversation and I like to hear customers’ thoughts and their own ideas. It’s about relationships; I enjoy the design process with customers and delivering a great looking solution that fulfils their needs and wishes. Many customers return to furnish other rooms and I take a lot of enjoyment in working with them again.
Paul Hart
Design Consultant
Paul has a penchant for classic Vespas. Something you'll discover if he ever drops by to deliver some fabric samples.
How long have you worked in the industry?
Since 1998.
Do you have a favourite design?
I’m a fan of post war Italian design so from the 1950s – 1970s). We have some modern pieces at home but the Spider Table Lamp is probably the one I covet most for its industrial design. It has this metal cut-out diffuser, exposed bulb and oversized ‘bakelite’ adjustment screw which are really striking!
What's your area of speciality?
I would say I’m best at listening and understanding customers’ requirements. I have extensive knowledge of modern furniture and lighting which I’m happy to impart, but it’s a 2-way conversation and I like to hear customers’ thoughts and their own ideas. It’s about relationships; I enjoy the design process with customers and delivering a great looking solution that fulfils their needs and wishes. Many customers return to furnish other rooms and I take a lot of enjoyment in working with them again.
Loretta Tansey
Head of Online Sales
Loretta is a talented photographer who enjoys capturing people and places on film. She also looks after all e-commerce transactions and is incredibly diligent in making sure designs arrive exactly as expected.
How long have you worked in the industry?
27 years.
Do you have a favourite design?
My favourite range of furniture is the Cube by Interlubke. It is a cabinet range that can be applied to living, dining, bedroom and office areas and is available in a wide range of matt and high gloss lacquer finishes with the possibility of having wooden tops.
What's your area of speciality?
I specialise in fitted furniture and like technically challenging projects.
Melvin Brown
Design Consultant
In the hours that he’s not thinking about furniture, Melvin can be found whipping up Caribbean cuisine for his nearest and dearest.
How long have you worked in the industry?
I’m lucky enough to have over 20 years of experience, which I began in a world of colour and vibrancy at Designers Guild.
Do you have a favourite design?
The Standard sofa by EDRA – it oozes style and timelessness, has sublime lines, maximum comfort factor and looks great in any home.
What's your area of speciality?
My ability to transform the simplest of homes into the most extravagant and beautiful space no matter what the obstacle may be.
Paul Hart
Design Consultant
Paul has a penchant for classic Vespas. Something you'll discover if he ever drops by to deliver some fabric samples.
How long have you worked in the industry?
Since 1998.
Do you have a favourite design?
I’m a fan of post war Italian design so from the 1950s – 1970s). We have some modern pieces at home but the Spider Table Lamp is probably the one I covet most for its industrial design. It has this metal cut-out diffuser, exposed bulb and oversized ‘bakelite’ adjustment screw which are really striking!
What's your area of speciality?
I would say I’m best at listening and understanding customers’ requirements. I have extensive knowledge of modern furniture and lighting which I’m happy to impart, but it’s a 2-way conversation and I like to hear customers’ thoughts and their own ideas. It’s about relationships; I enjoy the design process with customers and delivering a great looking solution that fulfils their needs and wishes. Many customers return to furnish other rooms and I take a lot of enjoyment in working with them again.
Loretta Tansey
Head of Online Sales
Loretta is a talented photographer who enjoys capturing people and places on film. She also looks after all e-commerce transactions and is incredibly diligent in making sure designs arrive exactly as expected.
Loretta Tansey
Head of Online Sales
Loretta is a talented photographer who enjoys capturing people and places on film. She also looks after all e-commerce transactions and is incredibly diligent in making sure designs arrive exactly as expected.
How long have you worked in the industry?
27 years.
Do you have a favourite design?
My favourite range of furniture is the Cube by Interlubke. It is a cabinet range that can be applied to living, dining, bedroom and office areas and is available in a wide range of matt and high gloss lacquer finishes with the possibility of having wooden tops.
What's your area of speciality?
I specialise in fitted furniture and like technically challenging projects.
How long have you worked in the industry?
27 years.
Do you have a favourite design?
My favourite range of furniture is the Cube by Interlubke. It is a cabinet range that can be applied to living, dining, bedroom and office areas and is available in a wide range of matt and high gloss lacquer finishes with the possibility of having wooden tops.
What's your area of speciality?
I specialise in fitted furniture and like technically challenging projects.
Colin Mitchell
Design Consultant
Colin first cut his teeth in the competitive world of luxury kitchens before transitioning into design.
How long have you worked in the industry?
I have been working in the furniture industry for just under a year but my previous position was as a business retail shop owner in the premium bathroom and kitchen market. I have historically sourced my products from similar locations to Chaplins and would regularly travel to the Milan furniture fair and many others to find interesting and new products. So, in a way there is a cross over between the two businesses and my experience has helped me hit the ground running.
Do you have a favourite design?
My favourite piece of furniture, if I had to pick one, would be the Kennedee Sofa by Poltrona Frau in white leather, simply because its architecturally stunning. I am also very drawn to the Scandinavian timber manufacturers and the Wishbone Chair by Carl Hansen & Son is a refined classic that I never tire of.
What's your speciality?
I love the kind of simple elegance that doesn’t try too hard to win you over. Naturally, this makes me a great admirer of the mid-century classics with all their clean lines and modern flourishes.
Denis Barclay
Design Consultant
Denis is a master spatial planner, having transformed homes from London to Hong Kong.
How long have you worked in the industry?
I have worked in the industry since 1987 and have designed, made and assembled fitted furniture at various stages in my career.
Do you have a favourite design?
The Barrel Chair by Frank Lloyd Wright. I love its straight, simple lines and the way it forms a shield around the table.
What's your speciality?
I specialise in custom made modular furniture — anything unusual or difficult. And if it doesn’t exist, I create it!
Ali Lakhani
Design Consultant
New starter Ali loves travel and is a wizard at helping clients get the most out of their space.
How long have you worked in the industry?
A little over 18 years now.
Do you have a favourite design?
I've yet to sit in a more comfortable chair than the Grand Relax Armchair by Vitra. Plus, it's styling is simple yet classic. The kind of style you know is going to feel modern decades later.
What's your speciality?
Finding solutions for difficult problems. Whether it's a bedroom with unusual alcoves, or a study with sloping ceilings, I use all my experience to arrive at a bespoke design solution.
Francesco Spiga
Head of Customer Service
Frankie takes care of customer services. Or as he calls it, the customer delight bureau. On the odd occasion that your order isn't 100% perfect, he’s the one who’ll look into it for you.
How long have you worked in the industry?
Just over 12 years, now!
Do you have a favourite design?
I'm a big fan of the Polder sofa by Vitra. I love how it plays with assymetrical shapes and hues to create a seating solution that's striking from all angles.
What's your area of speciality?
Definitely my people skills. I want everyone who shops with us to feel surprised and delighted by the level of care and service we offer. This means making sure customers feel informed and empowered when shopping for contemporary design, and working diligently to ensure that problems or queries are resolved smoothly.
Trade
Our trade department is responsible for the look and feel of some of the world’s most exciting interiors. From avant-garde yachts in the Mediterranean to boutique hotels in Cheltenham, they’re the ones you call when you need a truly bespoke aesthetic from top to bottom.
Ludovic Aublanc
Head of Trade Sales
Ludo is the one you go to when nothing less than French finesse will do. He’s also responsible for the look and feel of all our showroom studios.
How long have you worked in the industry?
17 wonderful years.
Do you have a favourite design?
The Charles and Ray Eames Lounge Chair by Vitra. Growing up, I always had to fight my father to sit on it so it constantly brings back these sweet childhood memories for me.
What's your speciality?
My passion for design, extensive product knowledge and my ability to understand my clients needs.
Darren Smith
Head of Commercial Interiors
Darren is the practical one. He heads up all of our bespoke FF&E commissions, as well as overseeing some of our most challenging interior projects.
How long have you worked in the industry?
Ahem, 25 years!
What's the key to a successful project?
Communication, communication, communication!
Most challenging brief you've ever worked on?
Funnily enough, a book shop! The owners approached us during a challenging period for high-street retail and we had to rethink entirely the experience of browsing for books. We settled on a books, wine and coffee approach, that would allow the bookshop to become a local hub for cultural events.
What started with interior design and planning soon lead to a full package of services including the supply of bespoke joinery and furniture.
While it was definitely a challenging project, it was a real joy to see it all come together.
Olivia Jones
Trade Sales Executive
Olivia is the newest member of our trade department. Ultra-organised and on hand to support the team, ensuring your project runs smoothly
How long have you worked in the industry?
After a long spell in charity work I stepped into the furniture world in 2022 and haven't looked back.
Do you have a favourite design?
The Clay table by Desalto. It’s a beautiful table sculpture of two varying volumes achieving the perfect balance. It’s a bold and powerful design which I absolutely love.
What's your speciality?
As a new member to the team and the furniture industry as a whole, my speciality is yet to come, however I have previously worked in support roles in very challenging situations so am currently supporting my fellow trade colleagues with their projects whilst getting a feel for the furniture world!
Michelle Nisbett
Trade Sales Manager
Michelle is our overseas specialist. She is unfazed by complex projects and is the secret weapon behind many of the world's most exclusive homes.
How long have you worked in the industry?
Just over 25 years.
Do you have a favourite design?
Anything by the Dutch lighting manufacturer Brand van Egmond. I'm a big fan of art without constraints!
What's your speciality?
I'm very detail orientated which allows me to support our architects and interior designers throughout every stage of their projects.
I also have a special interest in alfresco spaces — something I get to explore when working on homes or hotels in the Tropics.