27th April 2026 | IN DESIGN TECHNOLOGY | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn Dean Sutton, Managing Director of Wakefields of London, has given his insights into the industry. Wakefields partners with interior designers, architects and homeowners to ensure technology is seamlessly integrated from the outset. Our approach protects and enhances the design vision, avoiding compromise and unnecessary visual impact. From lighting control and automated shading to audio, cinema and whole-home systems, every element is carefully considered to support how a space looks, feels and functions. We simplify complexity, guide decisions and deliver systems that are intuitive, reliable and discreet — creating homes where technology doesn’t compete for attention, but quietly enhances wellbeing, connection and everyday living. We call it Technology for Living Beautifully. Alongside London and the Home Counties, Wakefields also operates regional centres in Manchester and Newcastle. Wakefields of London What are the origins of the brand? Wakefields was founded in Newcastle over 25 years ago by Martin Wakefield, built on a reputation for delivering high-performance, design-led technology systems. As demand has grown, the business has expanded into London and Manchester, allowing us to support projects nationally while maintaining the same level of care, detail and client focus that defined the company from the beginning. Wakefields of London How do your products and services enhance interior design projects? One of our core specialisms is lighting control and integration — something we see as fundamental to any well-considered design. Both natural and artificial light shape how a space is experienced, influencing mood, materiality and longevity. Clients invest heavily in finishes, yet often overlook how uncontrolled daylight can cause glare, discomfort or long-term degradation. By integrating automated shading, drapery and intelligent lighting, we ensure light is carefully managed throughout the day — enhancing both the aesthetic and the lived experience. Beyond lighting, we integrate entertainment systems such as audio, cinema and media spaces in a way that supports the design rather than competing with it. We work across a wide range of manufacturers, allowing us to curate the right solution for each project — not simply supply what’s available. Ultimately, our approach is people-led. We begin with how clients want to live, then shape the technology around that — not the other way round. Wakefields of London What value does your specialist sector add to the industry? We provide a vital bridge between design intent and everyday living. Our value often becomes most apparent after completion — when clients experience how intuitive, effortless and considered their home feels. Well-integrated technology reduces cognitive load, simplifies daily routines and enhances key moments — whether that’s relaxing, entertaining or spending time with family. As an industry, there is growing awareness around wellbeing, particularly in areas such as lighting. We see this as a natural evolution. When thoughtfully designed, technology can help create spaces of calm, escape and connection — but only when it serves the design, not dominates it. Wakefields of London How do you work with interior designers? Our starting point is always the design vision. We take time to understand each space in detail — the aesthetic direction, project timelines, technical constraints and client aspirations. From there, we develop proposals that integrate seamlessly into the scheme, ensuring consistency across every space. Nothing should feel added on or out of place. For more immersive areas such as media rooms or cinemas, we often invite designers and clients to experience these environments in our showrooms. These spaces are frequently underestimated, and first-hand experience helps unlock their full potential. Above all, our relationships are built on trust — clear communication, reliability and consistently delivering on what we promise. Wakefields of London What has been your most significant company highlight or success from the past year? Our expansion into London has been a significant milestone and an exciting step for the business. While still in its early stages, it positions Wakefields as a truly national company, delivering the same level of service and expertise across the UK. Alongside our presence in Manchester and Newcastle, we are focused on building strong, collaborative relationships that uphold consistent standards and deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients. Wakefields of London What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests? Many clients still underestimate what’s possible. For some, a ‘smart home’ means a video doorbell, voice control or a standalone speaker — but true integration goes far beyond that. Education remains a key part of our role: helping clients and designers understand what can be achieved when systems are considered early and holistically. One clear trend we’re seeing is the shift away from dedicated cinema rooms towards multi-functional entertainment spaces. Clients want high-performance experiences, but within rooms that also support everyday living — from socialising and watching sport to relaxed family time. These spaces are more complex to design, but when done well, they become some of the most valued and enjoyed areas in the home. Wakefields of London How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead? We see interior design becoming increasingly experience-led. Clients are placing greater emphasis on how spaces make them feel, not just how they look. This shift naturally brings technology into earlier stages of the design process — particularly in areas such as lighting, shading and integrated entertainment. There is also a growing expectation for homes to work intuitively, adapting to daily routines without requiring constant input. As a result, collaboration between designers and technology specialists will become even more important in delivering cohesive, well-considered environments. We’re also seeing this shift within the developer market. Show homes are evolving from static spaces into immersive, interactive environments that help buyers experience how they could live — not just what they see. In a recent project, we integrated lighting and entertainment as part of the sales journey, enabling prospective buyers to engage with the space in a more meaningful way. The result has been a noticeable improvement in viewing engagement, conversion rates and overall ROI for the developer. Wakefields of London Is there anything new you are excited to be working on? As part of our SBID membership, we have developed our first CPD, which is currently under review. Once approved, we’re looking forward to sharing this with members. Our intention is to create a series of CPDs that support designers with clear, practical guidance — helping to avoid common pitfalls, manage costs effectively and ensure projects run smoothly from concept through to completion. What does being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner mean to you? We’re proud to be part of an organisation that represents such high standards within the design industry. SBID’s commitment to professionalism, quality and credibility strongly aligns with our own values. Becoming an Accredited Industry Partner is both a privilege and an opportunity — allowing us to collaborate with like-minded designers and contribute meaningfully to well-considered, beautifully executed projects. Dean Sutton, Managing Director of Wakefields of London About Wakefields of London Wakefields works in partnership with interior designers, architects and homeowners to ensure technology is seamlessly integrated from the outset. Our approach protects and enhances the design vision, avoiding compromise and unnecessary visual impact. From lighting control and automated shading to audio, cinema and whole-home systems, every element is carefully considered to support how a space looks, feels and functions. We simplify complexity, guide decisions and deliver systems that are intuitive, reliable and discreet. The result is a home where technology doesn’t compete for attention, but quietly enhances wellbeing, connection and everyday living. 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