We’re thrilled to welcome Rebecca Brogden, our new Senior Hospitality Design Manager, to the product design team. With extensive industry experience, Rebecca brings more than 20 years' worth of experience, knowledge, creativity, and a deep passion for textiles. In addition to her impressive expertise, we’ll also discover how her grandmother’s dressmaking sparked her love for textiles and learn more about her interests beyond work. Let’s get to know Rebecca a little better...

Tell us a bit about your background in design?

I gained my degree in Design for Interior Textiles in 2000, specialising in weave. Studying in Kidderminster the heart of the carpet industry, gave me my first experience of textile manufacturing. My career started in Interior Design in Harrogate, working with high-end residential clients across North Yorkshire. It was a great way to learn how design and colour come together in interior spaces.

I then spent over 10 years at Hield, a wool mill serving the global hospitality and contract markets. I joined as a weave designer and loved being part of a small team that created beautiful hand-crafted wool satins and jacquards. There’s something magical about being on the mill floor, surrounded by the looms, the designers wove all their own developments and colour blankets.

In 2015, I moved to The Romo Group to focus on hospitality. Sourcing from mills globally, I enjoyed that connection and relationship you build over years with these creative partners, working alongside mills in Europe, Turkey and Indian, pushing the expectations of what’s possible in flame-retardant fabrics. Recently, I was instrumental in developing their Contract Print Service. After the pandemic, I diversified into other technical areas such as outdoor fabrics, passementerie, and rugs.

What inspired you to pursue a career in design?

I’ve always been interested in textiles. I’d spend summers with my grandma, who taught me dressmaking and knitting—she made all her own clothes. Then, when I walked into the textile room at Sixth Form College and saw all the looms, it felt like I’d found my true home. Weave has been my design inspiration ever since.

   What are some of your most memorable past projects?

I’ve had so many memorable ones, but nothing beats walking into a restaurant or hotel and seeing one of my designs in real life. I’ve even been known to make reservations just to sit on my fabric!

   What drew you to Camira?

It was the integrity and craftsmanship, I have followed Camira for years, admiring the beautiful wools and designs in transport. It was the chance to work in a mill again, the role combines everything I’ve learned—working in a mill and sourcing products from international mills—bringing together all aspects of my career so far.

    What trends in hospitality design are you most excited about right now?

I’m excited about the global crossover in design. Before social media, you could easily spot regional differences, but now the colours we love here are the same ones trending in Europe and the US. At the hospitality shows last year, it was amazing to see the same trending colours at EquipHotel in Paris, BDNY in New York, and HIX in London.

   What do you enjoy outside of life at Camira?

I’ve got two boys, 11 and 14, I love taking them paddle boarding and camping but I've learnt to love Monster Trucks, flying model aeroplanes, and steam trains. I’m a Beavers Scout Leader, running two lodges for about 50 kids aged 6 to 8. I’m also a grey belt in kickboxing and love outdoor swimming. Right now, I’m training for the Great North Swim in Lake Windermere!