Ready, set, DESIGN!

I’m Jack, I’m 27 years old, and I live in a converted 1909 chapel in Hingham, Norfolk, with my boyfriend, Alex. I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis a little later in life than most, when I was 16. My younger brother and I both suffered from frequent chest infections growing up and always felt quite unwell. But, it wasn’t until my brother got very ill, aged 13, that we finally both got diagnosed with CF.

It was quite a shock for us and a big change, suddenly having to incorporate nebulisers and antibiotics into our lives. It was also quite hard for me mentally. I suddenly felt immense pressure that I needed to achieve everything I wanted to in life while I was still young, especially because, at the time, we didn’t have the medical breakthroughs that we have now.

So I started to graft really hard, and that’s why in 2018, with the help of my partner, I undertook my first renovation. We came across this derelict chapel which had been left unloved for so long. It had ivy growing up and leaves everywhere. But I just knew that we were destined for it and that we would bring it back to life. So that’s what we did.

After finishing the chapel, Alex kept encouraging me to sign up for Interior Design Masters. I kept putting it off but eventually caved in, applied and after a few stages, I was shortlisted and got on the show. Taking part in the show was amazing, and I feel so lucky to have come in second place. 

My favourite moment was during episode five, where I was asked to redesign a beach chalet that Eastbourne’s A&E department rents for their staff to share. The NHS has saved my life several times, and I’m very thankful for everything they do for me, so designing that beach hut felt like such a special moment where I could give back to them and communicate my appreciation for the NHS through design.

Interior Design Masters has definitely taught me that I can do anything in life that I’m passionate about.

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Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects more than 10,900 people in the UK. One in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing.

Since 1964, we've supported people with cystic fibrosis to live longer, healthier lives -and we won’t stop until everyone can live without limits imposed by CF.