Claudette studied Interior Design at Design Centre in Greenside Johannesburg and achieved the student design award for the most innovative third year student. In 1993 She was employed by David Esra Designs and worked on exciting projects from Gitam International advertising , Games Africa and Ster Kinekor developments. On leaving David Esra Designs Claudette worked with Brian Slavin of Slavin & Company Kitchens, where she had an opportunity to design exclusive expensive kitchens. Retail however intrigued her.

The business began by offering design and drawing solutions to other small design firms concentrating on retail spaces specifically. Eventually building contacts with companies such as Anglo American Properties, Bentle Associate Architects, Old Mutual Properties and Liberty Life Properties to mention a few. Longing for the fast exciting pace this field of design fulfils she left, Slavin Kitchens deciding to design for herself. Architectural & Interior Designs was thus established in July 1995.