Our Marbella People Interview today is with: 
Jonty Healey of Richard Lewis Interiors
As a qualified interior designer based in Marbella, Spain, Jonty Healey has been successfully managing his interior design company Richard Lewis Interiors. Today, his company is one of the leading interior design and home decor companies in Spain, with clients both from UK and Spain.
Jonty Richard Lewis Healey, a young, dynamic interior designer who qualified from Manchester some nine years ago heads up this dynamic interior design company based in Marbella Spain. It’s now recognised as a leading design firm with clients in the UK and Spain.
How long have you lived in Spain and how long is your business established?
Jonty Healey: I moved to Spain in May 2000, one of the best choices I have ever made! Founding my interior design company Richard Lewis Interiors in May 2002.
Why did you choose Marbella?
Jonty Healey: My parents have had a place in Sotogrande for as long as I can remember, and then they decided to move to Spain permanently. I visited them and after a weekend of eating gambas pil pil and fresh salad on the beach I couldn’t resist. I just love the Spanish way of life!
Tell us your greatest business or personal accomplishment?
Jonty Healey: It would have to be starting Richard Lewis Interiors from scratch. Now in our seventh year of business and employing a team of ten staff working from our five bedroom show house in Guadalmina Alta, our growth is largely down to recommendations, word of mouth, a lot of hard work and dedication.
Why would you recommend the Costa del Sol for business and Lifestyle?
Jonty Healey: A lot of people in the UK make the mistake of thinking that this is the back of beyond, especially if you’re used to cities like London and Manchester, but Marbella is a fast-moving place full of dynamism and opportunities. It’s often called the California of Europe.
I love the freedom the weather gives you. The days are longer, so you can go out with friends whenever you want. And when you’re not working or socialising, there are so many other things to do, from all manner of sports to just chilling out on the beach and taking in the beautiful scenery.
If you could change one thing about Spain, what would it be?
Jonty Healey: Not a pressing national issue but my only current gripe is the state of the road system around San Pedro. I appreciate the benefits the new system will offer but do wish that more consideration would be given to local businesses during its construction.
On a more design focused note, I do have a particular problem with the fluorescent strip lights I find in so many properties over here!
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Jonty Healey: Creative, enthusiastic and hard working.
What is your favourite Restaurant in Marbella?
Jonty Healey: Marbella offers such a fantastic choice of quality restaurants, a favourite would be hard to choose although I love the selection that Marbella’s old town offers.
What is the last film you saw at the Cinema or DVD?
Jonty Healey: Flight 93 – unfortunate considering I have six flights to catch in the next two weeks!
What advice would you give to someone moving to Spain?
Jonty Healey: To anyone, young or young-at-heart, who wishes to make this kind of move I’d say it’s well worth it. There are many opportunities in places like this, but I’d advise people to take stock of what they’re good at or what they’d really like to do, see if there is a market for it and then find employment with someone else at first.
That way you’ll be earning a living as you get to know the place, instead of doing so on your savings. Best to keep those aside for the moment you’re ready to invest in your dreams, be it a home or a business.
Name one other business you would recommend on the Costa del Sol and why?
Jonty Healey: Fresh Directory. A practical guide & yellow pages for the Costa del Sol containing a vast amount of local & national knowledge. It provides vital information on pretty much anything you need to know about living and working in Spain. Its pages are packed all the advice you could hope for… they even have a directory enquiry line which gives you easy access to hundreds of local telephone numbers. See www.freshdirectory.com for more information.
Services of Richard Lewis Interiors
Jonty Richard Lewis Healey & his design team listen to your desires & translate them into exceptional spaces that are designed with both aesthetic & function in mind, reflecting the unique qualities of your property & your lifestyle. Their distinctive level of service embraces you before, during & after delivery of a project.
This personalised service, efficient budget control & on-time project delivery has won RLI awards & recognition from clients & international commentators alike.
World-class interior design is what has made Richard Lewis Interiors a respected company in both the UK & Spain.
When you choose RLI you choose a company that has an enviable track record in interior design for all manner of properties, from luxury villas & estates, townhouses, urban lofts, apartments, holiday homes, golf residences through to country houses in Spain & the UK.
Contact Jonty Healey for Consultation
If you would like more information or would like a consultation, please visit the web site of Richard Lewis Interiors at www.richardlewisinteriors.com
