25th September 2026 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn Andrew Rizza, Founder and Creative Director of Dream Design, shares how his background in craftsmanship continues to shape the company’s approach. I began as a carpenter before moving into bespoke joinery and cabinetry, founding Dream Design in 1984. What started as a workshop making bespoke cabinetry grew naturally as our clients invited us to become involved in more areas of their homes. Today, we specialise in kitchen design, bathrooms and complete residences throughout the UK and internationally. That grounding in craft still informs every project, from the overall proportions to the smallest construction detail. We remain family-run, now in our second generation. My son, Connor, joined in 2018 and leads our brand and client experience, while I lead the studio’s creative direction. That year also saw us open our Design Centre in Christchurch, Dorset. Dream Design Why did you want to work in the interior design profession? It grew naturally from making furniture. I became increasingly interested in the space around each piece and how the whole room could work better. Interior design brought together the things I enjoy most: creativity, craftsmanship and practical problem-solving, with the opportunity to make a lasting difference to someone’s home and quality of life. Dream Design Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most? Helping clients see possibilities they had not considered. A conversation about replacing a kitchen might lead to relocating it, opening the house to the garden and transforming how the family uses the space. Kitchen design brings together so much of what we do, from spatial planning and bespoke cabinetry to materials, lighting and the practicalities of cooking and entertaining. Those discoveries begin with listening. Seeing clients enjoy the result, then being invited back for another home or the next generation, is especially rewarding. Dream Design What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year? We recently completed a full refurbishment of a stunning coastal home in Dorset. What made the project particularly rewarding was the clients’ trust in us, which gave us complete creative freedom to explore the property’s potential. Considering the home as a whole allowed us to bring everything together into one cohesive design. That is how we most enjoy working and where we do our best work. Another highlight was completing an extension to our 5,000 sq ft Design Centre in Christchurch, Dorset, where clients can explore fully realised kitchen displays alongside bathrooms and living spaces. It gives them an opportunity to experience the quality, craftsmanship and approach to design that define Dream Design. Dream Design What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why? Residential projects where we can become involved early and consider the home as a whole, whether a new build or a refurbishment. Developing the layout, lighting, materials and furniture together allows every decision to contribute to the finished result. The architecture and the clients give each project its character. Discovering what will bring out the best in both is what interests me. Dream Design What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design? Carrying the quality of an idea through to the finished home. A seemingly simple detail can require considerable thought and coordination, so clear drawings and close relationships with craftspeople are essential. Equally, clients need confidence throughout the process. Helping them understand priorities and make informed decisions is an important part of our responsibility. Dream Design What do you wish you knew before working in the field? How much depends on listening and communication. Asking the right questions at the beginning shapes everything that follows, while explaining decisions clearly helps everyone work towards the same result. Dream Design If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be? Learn how things are made. Spend time in workshops and on site, handle materials and follow your designs through installation. Understanding construction sharpens your judgement and gives you greater freedom to design with confidence. Dream Design How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead? I think considered advice will become increasingly valuable. Clients have access to endless inspiration and information; helping them decide what belongs in their home is where our experience makes a difference. Dream Design Andrew Rizza, Founder and Creative Director of Dream Design What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you? It gives clients reassurance when choosing who to trust with their home. From there, that trust is strengthened through thoughtful advice, careful detailing and consistent service, throughout the project and after its completion. About Dream Design Dream Design is a luxury kitchen, bathroom and interior design centre in Dorset, creating one-of-a-kind private residences across Dorset, Hampshire, Poole, the UK and internationally. Supported by its award-winning interior architecture and interior design studio, Dream Design specialises in bespoke kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living spaces and complete home design. The 5,000 sq ft Design Centre brings together leading brands and specialist ateliers across kitchen design, bathroomware, appliances, surfaces, lighting, furniture and interior architectural details, creating a distinctive design destination for private clients, architects and developers seeking a considered, highly tailored approach to residential design, specification and project delivery. 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