Karen Argue is the Business Development Manager at The Deluxe Group, with a key focus on the Marine Sector. You can usually catch Karen on our Community Networking Hour, or at our exhibitions telling the world about the fab work that TDG can help the cruise sector with! They’ve worked on many amazing projects and really are experts in their field. 

Without further ado, let’s get to know Karen Argue!

Hi Karen! First of all, can you tell me a little bit about your role with The Deluxe Group?
I work with clients and suppliers to develop relationships for future projects and help to make sure current projects run as smoothly as possible as well as coming up with some perhaps weird and wonderful ideas for the future!

So, what has been your favourite project to work on?
I would have to say my favourite project was the refurbishment of The Glass House onboard Marella Discovery. The complete project took place during some very uncertain times at the height of the pandemic so we had to come up with some very innovative solutions and our team was recognised for their efforts by being named Outfitting Team of the Year at the Cruise Ship Interiors Awards

Do you have an industry insight or top tip that you can share with the community?
You can’t start to plan or organise any project too early!

What makes you proudest about working with The Deluxe Group?
I am proud to work at such an innovative and creative company. Collectively the team always finds a way to overcome every challenge, often by thinking outside the box and doing something which has never been done before.

You’ve been a member for a while. How are you enjoying your CSI+ membership?
CSI+ provides great opportunities to network with both clients and the wider supply chain and of course I like to let the members know how great The Deluxe Group is at every opportunity!

What do you love about the Cruise Interiors industry?
I love the fast-paced nature of the industry and the community spirit – everyone works together to make things happen quickly.

What are you looking forward to this year?
I am very much looking forward to the Cruise Ship Interiors Expo America in Miami in June and meeting with cruise industry friends I haven’t been able to see in person for a while and making new connections.

Let’s get to know Karen a bit better…

Can you tell us what your first ever job was?!
I’m going to make it sound glamorous and say my first job was in fashion…..as a teenager I worked on the weekends in a clothing department store as a sales assistant and helped ladies choose new outfits.

When you’re not working, what do you like to get up to?
I like going on outdoor adventures, wakeboarding as soon as the temperature is over 10°C and anything related to music.

Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?
When I was in my early teens, one of the careers I thought I wanted to pursue was to play the piano in the piano bar on a cruise ship!

What’s your go-to genre of music and favourite concert? 🎸
Music is a big part of my life. I’m a classically trained pianist and play violin in a symphony orchestra. I listen to a large variety of musical styles but I guess I am really a rock chick at heart!

I don’t think I can choose an absolute favourite song or artist but there are a couple of concerts that stand out: Eric Clapton in 2004, the first time he played as a solo artist in Belfast and Brad Paisley in Dublin in 2019 – a true superstar.

What are your favourite films and books? 📚
I don’t have a favourite book and my favourite film is probably Cars by Disney/Pixar. I think the detail in it is exceptional and the music soundtrack is great.

Come Dine With Me…. What would be your favourite meal & drink?!
“Starter: Coconut Prawns
Main: Fillet steak, cooked medium with peppered sauce, home-made chips & veg
Dessert: Trifle
Drink: Mojito”

Thank you so much Karen! A great insight there. I wonder if we could wheel out a grand piano at the Opening Party in Miami!

To find out more about The Deluxe Group, follow their page on LinkedIn here and connect directly with Karen.

We look forward to seeing The Deluxe Group at #CSI22