Meet the team: Dorothy

Given PR manager Dorothy has been working for Zetteler for three years, it’s likely that she’s a member of the team you’ve already met in real life. But did you know about her cat video addiction or that she likes to go ‘deep heath’ at the weekends? No, us neither.

You might say career in the design industry was Dorothy’s destiny – the visually curious Londoner has been frequenting Bar Basso from the young age of 12 (albeit with her super-creative parents). She went on to study art history at university, but after a stint in the somewhat prickly art world, succumbed to design’s friendly bosom, joining Zetteler when it was just a team of three.

Whether telling engaging stories about Norwegian designers, masterminding strategy for the likes of SKIP Gallery and Adorno, or dressing as a Toxic-era Britney Spears (in full air hostess garb), Dorothy is known for giving things her all. She’s a huge fan of singing other people’s praises but isn’t one to big herself up (hence why this piece has taken her two whole years), so we wanted to find out more about what makes her tick. Here she is in her own words…

Hello Dorothy, what do you do at Zetteler?

Hello! I am one of the PR managers so it’s my job to create strategies and manage campaigns for the numerous wonderful clients that we work with.

How did you end up here?

In January 2015 Sabine was at a party with Amy Heffernan (Wallpaper*’s interiors editor) lamenting that she needed an assistant. At the time, I was interning there and was moving on to a stint at House & Garden. Amy very kindly recommended me and a couple weeks later there I was. When I started, there were just three of us so we've certainly grown and it's been an amazing journey so far.

What skills/interests/bits of your personality make you suited to this sort of work?

I love chatting so getting to talk to new people every day about the interesting things they do and then telling other people about it is pretty ideal really. I’m not a huge fan of the spotlight (this Q&A has taken about two years to submit despite Katie and Emily’s best efforts) so supporting others from behind the scenes is perfect.

What made you choose to make a career in the design industry?

I studied art history at university and when I finished I tried some things in the art world but decided it wasn't for me. My family have always been interested in design and so it seemed like a logical thing to try next. It’s a great industry to work in that combines my love of beautiful things and curiosity to improve the world around me.

What do you think differentiates Zetteler from the ever-growing number of PR agencies popping up out there (if anything)?

There's no bullshit at Zetteler and we only take on clients that we genuinely find interesting and like working with. This means that I get to work with the most brilliant network of super-cool people who do amazing things. It's fantastic to feel useful and help a busy creative communicate what they are doing. To be a part of that journey is so fun. I also think it’s great we work with lots of charities.

What’s the best bit of your day?

I love my walk to work. I live close to London Fields and in the morning it’s nice to walk in and reflect on the day ahead listening to Beyoncé. Also when a great feature comes out for a client – that is always pretty exciting. Oh and we also get pretty major sunsets in the office here as well. Just saying.

Is there anything in particular you’re looking forward to working on in the coming months?

We already have some really great projects for the London Design Festival in the pipeline and I’m super-excited to working with Matteo Fogale on an exhibition with designers from Uruguay. Also I’m delighted to be working on Ready Made Go 4 at Ace Hotel. It’s always a stand-out show during LDF, so it’s great to be part of the team this year.

Outside Zetteler I have my annual summer holiday with my girlfriends coming up. This year we’re going to Tuscany and will no doubt spend the week eating salted crisps and drinking a lot of rosé. 

What excites you about the design scene today?

I feel as though the industry is increasingly addressing its own role in issues relating to sustainability. It can't just be about creating more stuff and we have to be responsible for future generations.

Do you have a favourite designer/studio/brand/general creative force?  

We all went to the Riposte talk to see Paola Antonelli, the design curator at MOMA, and the whole talk was completely inspiring. Her attitude to life, work and the industry really got me. 

What do you do in your life outside Zetteler?

Me and my housemates are currently working on making our unloved garden a nicer place to be. I also love cooking for friends and watching videos of cute cats on Instagram. I go to my parents for a roast dinner most Sundays as well – they’re often a highlight of my weekend. 

If you have one, what’s your current pet hate?

I hate people who start getting on the Tube before they've let people get off. It’s so unhelpful and completely inefficient. 

Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Pretty basic but if there’s a lot to do, start with a list.

Favourite place to go in London?

I grew up near Parliament Hill so it would have to be Hampstead Heath. I absolutely love east London, but the Heath is a magical place. I like to go ‘deep heath’ beyond the ladies ponds by the red arches and hockey pitches.  

First thing you do in the morning?

Radio 4 and coffee.

Want to know more about how Zetteler came to be? Read an interview with founder Sabine here.