They were jointly awarded an MBE in 2012,[2] for services to the hotel industry and charity.

[3] Kemp commenced working for an auctioneer, and then for Polish architect Leszek Nowicki.

She met her husband Tim Kemp through the architectural practice in the 1980s, and together they started to develop boutique hotels.

[citation needed] Kemp has collaborated with brands including Wedgwood,[12] Wilton Carpets,[13] Andrew Martin International,[14] Anthropologie,[15] Christopher Farr,[16] Chelsea Textiles,[17] C P Hart,[18] Porta Romana and Fine Cell Work.

[22][23] Kemp has been a guest editor for Homes & Gardens[24] (UK) and Hospitality Design (US).