29th August 2025 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn The SBID UK Interior Design Icons were selected to recognise leading design practices throughout the UK who have consistently displayed exceptional standards within our esteemed industry network. This week’s instalment of the SBID Icon Insights series features Muza Lab. The studio believe in creating authentic connections to the places they design for. The process for all of their projects hinges on understanding their environment, both geographically and culturally, and reflecting this in their designs. Muza Lab Muza Lab Can you share a project that best represents your design style? Every project embodies our approach to design. Our recent project, Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay, captures so much of what defines us. The site itself told the story. Shells scattered along the beach, the warm terracotta tones of the landscape, and the ever-present view of the Rif Mountains. We used those cues to shape a palette, to guide our use of material and craft, and to root the project in its surroundings. We worked closely with Moroccan artisans to reinterpret traditional techniques – carved plaster, hand-chiselled wood, intricate mosaics – each infused with the patterns and tones of the region. Muza Lab What trends do you see shaping the future of interior design? We are seeing a move away from uniformity and polish toward spaces that feel human and connected. There is a desire for warmth, for meaning, for stories that unfold slowly. People want to stay in places that make them feel something, that speak to the culture and history of where they are. We see craft, heritage, and material honesty shaping what comes next. Muza Lab Muza Lab How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs? Sustainability is not a separate idea. It is a way of thinking that is at the core of Muza Lab. We work with local makers, use materials that are responsibly sourced, and design for longevity. We work with artisans and brilliant suppliers that always champion craftsmanship over mass production, which is of course necessary for the kind of pieces our projects call for. It’s also just the simple factors of designing around your environment and in designing spaces that last well beyond a trend. Muza Lab How do technology and innovation influence your work? Technology should support a space, not overwhelm it. When used with care, it helps create comfort and efficiency, but it should never interrupt the human experience. We use innovation to refine our designs, to elevate craft, or to bring new potential to traditional techniques. But the heart of the project must always be emotional and grounded. Muza Lab What advice would you give to emerging designers? Stay open. Stay curious. Keep asking questions and don’t be afraid to explore paths that are unfamiliar. Spend time understanding the stories behind materials and traditions. Design is not about impressing people. It is about making them feel something. And that begins with learning how to listen. Muza Lab Are you involved in mentoring or education within the interior design industry? We believe in nurturing talent. Our studio is built on the idea of learning something new every day. We support young designers by aiming to inspire, sharing knowledge, and creating an environment where ideas are welcomed and explored. We talk at universities and colleges all over the world to share this perspective and beliefs around the power of design, and how to achieve them. Muza Lab Do you have key partnerships with suppliers, manufacturers, or brands? We work with an incredible network of artisans, suppliers, and makers from around the world. Many of them we return to again and again, not just because of their skill but because of the trust and understanding we have built together. Fabric suppliers like Pierre Frey and Dedar, wallpaper from the likes of Elitis and degournay, or bespoke work with teams of local artisans – these partnerships allow us to create custom pieces that are completely unique to each project. It is that level of connection that brings authenticity to the work. About Muza Lab We believe in creating authentic connections to the places we design for. The process for all of our projects hinges on understanding their environment, both geographically and culturally, and reflecting this in their designs. We use textures, patterns and colours to bridge the past and present through contemporary design, in a way that evokes memory, history and the soul of a destination. It is within the minute stitches, handwoven fabrics, and bespoke touches that a story unfolds, connecting guests with the cultural heartbeat of a locale. By working closely with artisans, we celebrate not only their skill but the stories behind each form. Our spaces are where people go to share special moments with those most precious to them. Our aim is simple: to make these moments rich with feelings that can’t be shaken; to create settings for stories that are held close to the heart, and told again and again. 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.