30th July 2026 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn Feray Takmak, Founder & Creative Director of Studio Feray, has given her insights into the industry. Why did you want to work in the interior design profession? Interior design was never simply a career choice for me it was a calling. Although I originally studied Geophysics Engineering, I realised very early on that my true passion lay in creating spaces that positively influence how people live. I was fascinated by the emotional connection between people and their surroundings, and I wanted to combine creativity with problem-solving. Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most? What I enjoy most is the transformation journey. Watching a project evolve from an initial conversation and a blank floor plan into a beautifully crafted home is incredibly rewarding. I also love sourcing unique pieces from around the world. Every project becomes an opportunity to discover exceptional artisans, materials, antiques, and contemporary craftsmanship that bring individuality to each interior. The greatest satisfaction comes when clients walk into their completed home and say, “This feels exactly like us.” Studio Feray Studio Feray What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year? This past year has been particularly meaningful for Studio Feray. One of the highlights was seeing our work featured on the cover of Maison France Magazine, celebrating our approach to timeless luxury interiors. What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why? Luxury residential projects will always be my favourite because they allow for deeply personal design. I enjoy working with clients who value quality, craftsmanship, and longevity. Designing a home is about much more than selecting beautiful furniture; it’s about understanding how a family lives, entertains, relaxes, and creates memories. The most successful interiors tell a story, and I enjoy discovering that story through the design process. Studio Feray Studio Feray What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design? Managing expectations while balancing creativity, budgets, timelines, and technical requirements can be challenging. Design is only one part of the profession. Successful interior designers also need strong project management, communication, negotiation, and leadership skills. Coordinating architects, contractors, specialist suppliers, and craftsmen requires constant attention to detail. The challenge is significant, but it is also what makes the profession so rewarding. What do you wish you knew before working in the field? I wish I had understood earlier that trust should always be supported by clear processes and written agreements. Over the years, I’ve learned that while the interior design industry is built on collaboration, not everyone involved in a project will share the same level of professionalism or integrity. Whether it’s contractors, suppliers, or third parties, it’s important to protect both your clients and your business by documenting everything, setting clear expectations, and never relying solely on verbal agreements. Studio Feray Studio Feray If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be? Never stop learning. Visit showrooms, travel whenever possible, study architecture, understand construction, and most importantly, develop your own design voice rather than following trends. Technology and AI have become valuable tools, but they can never replace curiosity, experience, observation, or genuine creativity. The best designers remain students throughout their careers. How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead? I believe the industry will continue moving towards highly personalised, sustainable, and thoughtfully curated interiors. Artificial intelligence will continue to transform the design process by improving visualisation, concept development, and workflow efficiency. However, the human element understanding clients’ lifestyles, emotions, and aspirations will always remain at the heart of exceptional interior design. Studio Feray Feray Takmak, Founder of Studio Feray What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you? For me, SBID accreditation represents professionalism, credibility, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards within our industry. It also reassures clients that they are working with a qualified professional who values quality, integrity, and responsible design practice. About Studio Feray Based in the heart of London’s prestigious Walton Street, home to the capital’s most renowned design houses, luxury boutiques, and artisan showrooms, Studio Feray has over 20 years of experience creating exceptional high-end residential interiors. Inspired by the craftsmanship and design heritage of one of London’s most influential design destinations, the studio delivers bespoke interiors that combine timeless elegance, refined materials, and meticulous attention to detail. From concept and procurement to project coordination and final styling, Studio Feray creates sophisticated, personalised homes that balance understated luxury, functionality, and enduring quality for clients in London and internationally. 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.