31st October 2025 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn Kate Fryer, Founder of Khaya Studio, has given her insights into the industry. I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Interior Design and have since spent over 15 years immersed in the world of interiors – designing and managing projects across residential, retail, and hospitality spaces around the globe. Each project, whether a boutique store in London or a serene family home by the coast, has shaped my approach and deepened my understanding of how thoughtfully designed spaces can enhance the way we live. Today, my focus lies primarily in residential interior design – and it’s where I feel most at home. I’m passionate about creating interiors with warmth, character, and quiet elegance, spaces that tell the story of the people who live within them. Forming close, collaborative relationships with my clients is at the heart of what I do, ensuring every home we create together feels deeply personal and effortlessly inviting. Khaya Studio Khaya Studio Why did you want to work in the interior design profession? I’ve always been fascinated by the way our surroundings influence how we feel and behave. From a young age, I found joy in rearranging spaces and noticing how light, texture, and colour could completely transform a room’s mood. Over time, that fascination evolved into a desire to help others feel truly at home in their environments – creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply nurturing and personal. Interior design felt like the perfect combination of creativity, psychology, and practicality. Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most? For me, the most rewarding part of the process is the transformation – not just of the physical space, but of how my clients feel in their homes. Seeing someone walk into a finished project for the first time and witnessing that moment of joy and connection is incredibly fulfilling. I also love the storytelling aspect of design – uncovering what inspires each client and translating that into a cohesive, timeless interior. Khaya Studio Khaya Studio What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year? This year has been particularly special as one of my recent projects, The Preserve Cottage, was featured in Good Homes Magazine. It’s always such an honour to see my work recognised in a publication, especially when it celebrates the warmth and individuality that my clients and I created together. Becoming an Associate of the SBID has also been a highlight – it’s a real milestone to be recognised by such a respected professional body. Khaya Studio Khaya Studio What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why? I have a deep love for period and heritage homes. They hold so much character, and I find great satisfaction in honouring that history while adapting the spaces for modern living. I enjoy creating interiors that feel timeless – layering natural materials, craftsmanship, and thoughtful details so that each project tells a story and stands the test of time. Khaya Studio Khaya Studio What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design? Balancing creativity with logistics can be one of the biggest challenges. Design is only part of the process – managing timelines, budgets, and the many moving parts of a renovation requires constant communication and flexibility. Unexpected issues will always arise, but experience has taught me that how you handle them makes all the difference. What do you wish you knew before working in the field? That interior design is as much about people as it is about spaces. You need to be a good listener, a problem solver, and sometimes even a mediator! The ability to understand and interpret your clients’ needs, often before they can fully articulate them themselves, is such an important skill – and one that develops with experience. Khaya Studio Khaya Studio If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be? Stay curious and be authentic. Don’t chase trends – instead, take time to understand proportion, light, and materiality, and develop your own design language. The best interiors come from confidence in your vision and a genuine understanding of how people live. How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead? I think we’ll continue to see a shift toward more sustainable and “healthy” interiors – using natural materials, eco-conscious manufacturing, and timeless design that lasts. Clients are increasingly aware of how their homes affect their wellbeing, and designers have a real opportunity to lead the way in creating spaces that feel good for both people and the planet. What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you? It’s a great honour and a mark of professional recognition. The SBID sets a benchmark for excellence in design practice, ethics, and education, and being an Associate member represents a commitment to upholding those standards. For me, it’s also about being part of a wider community that supports and celebrates the profession – something that feels both grounding and inspiring. Kate Fryer, Founder of Khaya Studio About Khaya Studio Kate Fryer is a qualified interior designer with over 15 years of experience creating elegant, timeless interiors across Bristol, Bath and the wider Somerset region. Kate brings a professional yet personal approach to every project. Through her studio, Khaya Studio, Kate specialises in the transformation of period and heritage properties, blending classic architecture with contemporary comfort. Her work is defined by warmth, balance, and a deep respect for craftsmanship – creating homes that feel both sophisticated and lived in. Khaya Studio offers a range of tailored services, from colour consultancy to full turnkey renovation and project management. Every detail is carefully handled, ensuring a seamless process and a truly enjoyable design experience for each client. Visit Profile If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.