Guy Oliver is an interior designer and managing director of Oliver Laws, a design practice specialising in historic or listed buildings and interiors.

Guy began his career after leaving the Navy working with Colefax and Fowler and alongside Micheal Inchbald. Guy joined David Laws as Co-Director of his firm and ultimately assumed ownership of the company in 2012 when the name changed to Oliver Laws Ltd.

Guy has gained a reputation for a unique creative style backed by a solid understanding of architectural history and artisanal techniques. He was principal designer on the £70m restoration and refurbishment of The Connaught Hotel

Passionate about the education and training of artisans, Guy was a volunteer Creative Director of The Turquoise Mountain Foundation, which works in post conflict and post-disaster areas.

Guy and his team have raised funds for the following organisations: SAVE Britain's Heritage, the Sir John Soane's Museum, The Aid to Zimbabwe Trust, The Victoria and Albert Museum, Kew Palace, and a number of The Prince of Wales's, now the King's Charities

I spoke to Guy via Zoom in October 2025.

In this episode, we discover the challenges and rewards of collaborating with artisans. How skills from the Navy transfer to business. The complexities of managing diverse teams to create cohesive and harmonious spaces. Manifestation and the importance of focussing on what you love

And why, when you are trying to make things happen, don't grab it!, you need to want it,

Links Guy Oliver on LinkedIn

Oliver Laws https://www.oliverlaws.com/

Turquoise Mountain Foundation https://www.turquoisemountain.org/

Thanks to

Ruth Cairns for helping to set up the interview.

Dave Clarke from @iamthehow (http://www.iamthehow.com) for production support and invaluable advice in the setting up of this Podcast.

Kay Hanson (https://www.instagram.com/kay_v_hanson/) for her planning support and co-hosting for these and our educational podcasts for the University of Plymouth

Mark Frith (https://www.markfrith.uk/) for composing the music and all your support and advice along the way.

I'd love like to hear feedback on the podcast. Leave a comment or get in touch via the website or Instagram.

Websitehttp://www.multistorythinking.com/contact

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/forster_jonathan/

Thanks for listening. Bye for now.