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 Elicyon. The multidisciplinary studio offers luxury interior design, architecture and project management services across residential, commercial, retail and hospitality disciplines.
Our recent project in the heart of Mayfair, London, 60 Curzon, embodies Elicyon’s design philosophy. It transforms an expansive apartment within an Art Deco building into a serene, sophisticated sanctuary by combining contemporary elements with heritage details. Bespoke joinery, custom lighting, and a curated palette of organic tones create an elegant yet functional home that integrates elegance and luxurious living at its core.
As a studio, Elicyon embraces innovation and new technologies, from 3D modelling to harnessing AI tools, without compromising the human touch that defines our work. Regular research, attending global design fairs, and collaborating with forward-thinking artisans help us stay ahead of industry trends.
We foresee a continued emphasis on sustainability, wellness-driven design, and technology integration. Spaces will increasingly focus on multifunctionality, biophilic elements, and timeless aesthetics that transcend fleeting trends.
Sustainability is always a consideration of every major project. From eco-friendly materials and the minimisation of waste, to partnering with suppliers and craftspeople that share our commitment to responsible practices. For example, in Regent’s Crescent, we worked with leading British manufacturer, Bill Cyendert, whose ethical practices on site meant that waste minimal. We also worked hard to preserve existing elements, such as hardwood floors and door hardware where possible, while introducing sustainable finishes and materials throughout.
Elicyon stands out for its ability to marry architectural integrity with luxurious, bespoke interiors. Our client-first approach, dedication to innovation – whether its technology or materials, and craftsmanship distinguish us as leaders in the field.
Regent’s Crescent, London, is a standout project. By seamlessly blending contemporary functionality with the historic grandeur of the Grade II listed building, we created a home that feels elegant, timeless, and sustainable. The project showcases our ability as a studio to respect heritage while introducing modernity.
The primary challenge was balancing the preservation of the building’s listed features with the client’s desire for a contemporary space. By carefully curating materials and reconfiguring spaces with thoughtful interventions, we delivered a solution that honours both the past and the present.
Our partnerships with like-minded artisans and suppliers are central to our success. From bespoke joinery to handcrafted furniture, these collaborations allow us to deliver exceptional quality and innovation in every project.
About Elicyon
Founded in 2014 by Charu Gandhi, Elicyon is a RIBA-registered multidisciplinary studio offering luxury interior design, architecture and project management services across residential, commercial, retail and hospitality disciplines. Our 35-strong team are proud to have completed multi-award-winning projects both in the UK and worldwide. The combined skills of the Elicyon team, and the studio’s extensive international network of highly skilled consultants, artisans and craftspeople, allows clients to experience a world-class and consummate design process. With a rigorous approach to design detail across the disciplines, and a deep understanding of the project stages, Elicyon are perfectly placed to manage projects from conception to completion. The team’s masterful studio professionals are primed to create flawless interiors with creative integrity, no matter the complexity or scope of the brief.
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Charu Gandhi, Founder and Director of Elicyon has given her insights into the industry.
I am a qualified Architect, fully registered with RIBA and ARB, and studied and taught at the Architectural Association before joining the London offices of Allies & Morrison Architects in 2006. In 2011 I joined the Candy & Candy group as a Project Manager to the private commission team, later founding the Elicyon interior design studio in 2014.
Art, craft, and design have always been my passions. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a household where craft was not only celebrated but heralded by both my parents. However, it was the construction of our family home as a young girl that provided my first real glimpse into the world of professional interior design and architecture. Watching the architect with her captivating models and drawings, as she collaborated with my parents during design meetings, left a lasting mark. It ignited a deep passion for design within me and set me firmly on the path towards my future career.
In our profession, what I enjoy the most are the moments of creative discovery and collaboration with our clients. Each project presents us with a fresh canvas, brimming with opportunities for joy and excitement. Our approach is deeply rooted in storytelling, and we strive to craft unique experiences that resonate with our clients on a profound level. From the outset, we work as closely as possible with our clients, fostering a journey of shared exploration and self-realisation. The early stages of the project are particularly gratifying, as we often uncover the textures, materials, and colour palettes that will weave together architectural principles with my passion for design and decorative craftsmanship. These intricate layers culminate in elegant and personalised interiors that not only reflect our clients' visions but also evoke moments of genuine connection and fulfilment.
I always say that our best project is the next one but this last year, we have completed and worked on some of the most exciting studio projects to date. These range from an incredible show apartment in the historic OWO building in Westminster, to a stunning home in the newly developed John Nash-designed Regent’s Crescent buildings. Our recent work has really allowed us to show our creativity, producing truly stunning interiors. One of the most memorable phases during our work on The OWO apartment was our research into the history of the building, when we discovered the incredible story of the covert messaging system that was devised there during WWII and was used by Winston Churchill himself. We wanted to pay homage to the rich history of the building in our designs, and were able to tell our researched story in a nuanced way through multiple references to paper across the apartment, for example via prints and pressed flowers.
My favourite types of projects are the ones that allow me to create something authentically personal to the client's taste, lifestyle and aspirations. Ever since my days as an architect, I have always enjoyed collaborating closely with the client, bringing their individuality to the project and creating spaces that evoke a particular feeling that is personal to them.
One of the most demanding aspects of being an interior designer is the relentless pursuit of excellence in everything we do. In our studio, we embrace each challenge as an opportunity for growth and innovation. I often say that our greatest challenge is the next one, continually driving us to push boundaries. As a designer, director, and entrepreneur, I set high standards for myself and for my team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and self-improvement. We engage in rigorous self-reflection, constantly evaluating our work to extract valuable insights and refine our approach. This unwavering commitment to excellence fuels our determination to consistently exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Looking back, I feel fortunate to have had the experience of working as a professional architect before transitioning into interior design. In architecture, the responsibility to provide answers, insight, and feedback to contractors, builders, and engineers is paramount, emphasising the importance of balancing creativity with practical project management and client communication.
While my architectural background provided valuable insights, I was previously unaware of the significant influence of legislation, policies, and conflicting stakeholders in architecture. However, my training at the Architectural Association in London instilled a strong sense of idealism, which I have carried forward into my career in interior design. I truly believe it's crucial for designers to possess a deep understanding of both the artistic and logistical aspects of our profession, maintaining a strong sense of idealism throughout.
My tip for aspiring designers is to have an innate interest in people and the way they live, or want to live, in their homes. Understanding clients' individual needs and aspirations is key to creating successful and meaningful design solutions.
In the next year, I am predicting a continued growth in the already apparent trend towards more personalised and sustainable design solutions. There will be a stronger emphasis on craftsmanship, materiality, and artisanal techniques, as well as a growing awareness of the environmental impact of design choices.
For me, the SBID accreditation is significant as it reflects my continued commitment to high standards and ethical practices in the field of interior design. It provides recognition of my expertise and helps to establish trust and credibility with clients and industry peers alike.
About Elicyon Ltd
Elicyon has an experienced, highly qualified and dynamic team of Interior Designers, Architects, Technicians and Project Managers specialising in multiple aspects of design. The combined skills of the team and their extensive international network of professional and highly skilled consultants, artisans, construction experts and manufacturers of bespoke services allow them to offer the consummate design experience for their clients. This depth of knowledge has allowed them to undertake a wide variety of projects with varying budgets and divergent levels of specification and intensity. Elicyon are comfortable taking on commissions ranging from a straightforward interior design refurbishment through to the complex architectural design, development and construction of substantial properties. Renowned for their turnkey integrated lifestyle design, Elicyon expertly manage the entire process from conception through to completion. The team are equally accustomed to working on both residential and commercial projects, in London and worldwide.
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a stunning Shanghai residence located in the heart of Shanghai’s Pudong district. Elicyon was commissioned to design a luxurious apartment in a contemporary British style. With sophisticated colour palette, lacquered veneers and marble, the design scheme blends perfectly with the existing architecture of the building, and by using joinery, furniture and lighting crafted exclusively in the UK – Elicyon created a home true to the client’s vision.
Practice: Elicyon
Project: Shanghai
Location: Shanghai, China
What was the client's brief?
The client was a young Chinese professional who wanted to create an apartment with a real sense of British craftsmanship within this prestigious residential development. The client had a very strong design ethos with long-term vision – it was very important that the fittings, furnishings and palette chosen would be impactful but at the same time, wouldn’t date. It is always exciting to work with a client who has a defined vision and makes highly informed, considered design choices.
What inspired the interior design of the project?
British craftsmanship definitely inspired the design of the apartment. This translated into our choice of suppliers – we worked with a lot of British and European artisans and suppliers. We also chose a colour palette with quite a British sensibility – lots of dove grey and pale blues which were then given a twist through contrasting against areas of high black glossy, lacquered veneers. We were conscious of not creating a cliché or pastiche of British design, so we also took inspiration from the Shanghai location, paying homage to the river and incredible views, to create a marriage between east and western influences in the final product.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
This project was very special for many reasons – the fit-out of the apartment was almost entirely built in Britain and then flat packed and air freighted to Shanghai. It was an incredibly challenging and exciting brief to transpose a completely British-made design for the client. The end result was absolutely fantastic, true to the initial vision of a space with a limited, and in most part, high contrast palette.
Questions answered by Charu Gandhi, Founder and Director, Elicyon
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a timeless explorer's lodge in Botswana built with sustainability and nature in mind, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's Residential design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
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