Meet the team: Domhnall McLaughlin

How did you come to work at Solus?

I was originally an interior designer. I qualified in Dublin, then moved to England to find design work in 2013 when jobs were becoming available again post-recession. I worked primarily in D&B, then tried an architecture practice but being used to D&B, the pace was too slow for me. I also taught on the interior architecture degrees in Nottingham and Derby for a few years (where I lived at the time), which I loved, but not enough to go back to studying for my teaching qualifications to secure a permanent lecturer role. So I began looking at other opportunities in the industry.

Specification sales felt like a good fit as it's customer-facing, which is where I'm happy, and I went to work for flooring manufacturer Tarkett for the past 4+ years. Back as an interior designer I loved the Solus brand, and working in spec sales I could see how much architects and designers loved it too. When I saw Lee share the Midlands ASM role on LinkedIn, I jumped at the chance!"

What do you like to do outside of work?

When I moved to Birmingham in 2023 I bought a major doer-upper, which I've been gradually restoring since. I would say I spend a lot of time on it, but if that were true it would be finished by now. It gets done when I have no better offers and it's NEARLY there. Only finishing touches, to be fair.

What I mainly do in my spare time is go to concerts, festivals, the theatre, exhibitions, and hikes. As my mother would say, I'd go to the opening of an envelope if I thought it'd be a bit of craic!

What are you currently reading/watching/listening to?

On my Spotify Wrapped every year, my number one listed band is Zero 7. They're my happy place, and have been since I was a teenager. Possibly because every interior design TV show used to use them for their reveal song, but mainly just because they're enchanting.

That obsession aside, my current listens are Afro House and CMAT.

Recent binge watches include Small Prophets, Euphoria, The Testaments, The Comeback, and I'm now halfway through Margo's Got Money Troubles.

Not a reader, except Quarter Magazine, obvs.

What inspires and motivates you?

Being able to stand over what I've done and be proud of it. And the people I care about, probably the main reason I'm so social. Any opportunity to spend time with the people I care about.

What's the best advice you've been given?

"Treat other people how you want to be treated." I can't stand seeing people being mistreated or left out, so I always try to make sure it doesn't happen on my watch. It's served me well in many walks of life.

What are you most excited about at Solus?

I'm so impressed with everything I've seen so far and really enjoying the vibe from the teams across every area of the business. I can't wait to go out and represent a brand I can be proud of.