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 Ellis Design Studio. The multi-award-winning hospitality interior design studio create daring, conceptually driven interiors, infused with depth and meaning, which are beautifully cinematic, yet anchored in a rich sense of provenance and narrative.
Upstairs at the 1878 – the design is infused with a strong sense of storytelling and a clearly expressed design narrative. The space has a sense of the unexpected and is imbued with vintage-inspired glamour.
At the project’s inception, our team works closely to explore and delve deeply into the essence of the design narrative. This creative collaboration informs all elements of the design process, which continues throughout the design process, to ensure a consistent and clearly articulated design vision.
Interiors are continually being shaped by forces within the broader world around us. We believe sustainability, tech integration and experience-led/experiential interiors will become ever-more important influences shaping the direction of interiors.
As a Studio, we enjoy the challenge of exploring a wide range of design styles. Our approach is based around consistently striving to weave a cohesive narrative throughout the design scheme and communicate the concept through carefully considered touchpoints within the design.
A significant portion of our work is based around the fusion of physical and digital design touchpoints in a luxury design setting. We have become leaders in the creation of spaces with a strong design narrative and a tech enabled immersive element.
Due to the complexity of our designs, we work closely with architects and engineers to bring our creative visions to life. We collaborate with architects on spatial, technical and statutory matters and with structural engineers on a broad range of design elements, including feature bars as well as collaborating to create structures for supporting and suspending ‘showstopper’ elements within out design schemes.
The Studio works with a vast array of suppliers, and we continually seek out new relationships to ensure we’re continually discovering new design approaches. We also work with a range of artists and artisans including fine artists, metal workers, glass blowers, ceramicists, furniture makers etc to help bring our designs to life.
About Ellis Design Studio
Ellis Design Studio is multi-award-winning hospitality interior design studio, based in London. We create daring, conceptually driven interiors, infused with depth and meaning, which are beautifully cinematic, yet anchored in a rich sense of provenance and narrative. We create immersive concepts and extraordinary, memorable, inspiring destinations. Ellis Design Studio specialises in hospitality interior design projects in the UK and internationally. The Studio comprises a strong team with extensive experience across the hospitality sector, including bars, restaurants, 4&5 star hotels, competitive socialising venues, experiential venues and private member’s clubs. Working with clients like Live Nation, IMG, Inception Group, M&C Saatchi & Historic Royal Palaces, we elevate the guest experience, creating immersive, vibrant, surprising and unexpected social spaces.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jonathan Clark, Creative Director at Shelved, has given his insights into the industry.
Shelved specialises in modular storage and shelving solutions that blend style and function for modern interiors.
Shelved was launched in May 2021 as a direct-to-consumer extension of Rack Systems Ltd, a long-established British manufacturer of commercial furniture components. Based in rural North Yorkshire, Shelved was founded on the vision to bring high quality, modular furniture directly into people’s homes—with over 30 years of manufacturing expertise behind it.
The concept began as a commercial, adaptable shelving system. Realising its potential in residential spaces, Creative Director, Jonathan Clark, reimagined it for the home, building the brand and product range and including nuances to suit this market. Behind the scenes the team developed the product, ensuring specification and assembly were made as simple as possible, via our online product configurator and by adding a patent pending “click together” assembly system for ease and longevity.
Modularity & Customisation: Built around a 40 × 40 cm grid, the Shelved system empowers designers and clients to create storage or display solutions that fit their space and functional needs.
Configurator Plus AR Tools: The intuitive 3D product configurator allows you to create, customise, and visualise designs in real time. Even better, the augmented reality (AR) feature lets you see the design in situ before ordering.
High-Quality, Made in Britain: All furniture is designed and manufactured in Shelved’s North Yorkshire factory. The steel framework, panels, all components—and even packaging—are UK-made and delivered directly, offering both quality and value.
Sustainability & Longevity: With durable steel, recyclable materials, and a re-configurable nature, products are built to adapt, not to be thrown away, fully aligning with sustainable design principles.
Shelved occupies a unique modular, made‑in‑Britain furniture niche, blending industrial robustness with interior design flexibility. Its modular system isn’t just functional; it evolves with the user’s lifestyle and aesthetic, offering long-term value, customisation, and reduced waste. This stands in contrast to typical flat-pack furniture, which is often disposable and hard to adapt.
Being accredited by Made in Britain reinforces Shelved’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical manufacturing standards.
Free Design Service: Shelved offers a complimentary one-to-one design consultation. Designers can share client needs in the form of dimensions, style, function—and the Shelved team delivers thoughtful proposals and works through revisions as needed.
Trade pricing: We recognise the valuable contribution and benefit of working with interior design professionals, and are keen to reward and support partners that specify our product. We offer incentivised pricing to ensure the partnerships are mutually beneficial for all involved.
Trade Accounts & Galleries: There’s a dedicated Trade Gallery and collections, like Commercial Spaces, specifically tailored for design professionals.
Configurator & AR Tools: Designers benefit from powerful tools to iterate designs with clients visually and interactively.
One of our proudest moments this year was completing and delivering one of our largest single configurations to date for renowned artist Paul Kenton. Designed specifically for his studio space, this bespoke three-sided installation brought together a variety of elements—vinyl storage, integrated planters, and a mix of open and closed shelving—into one cohesive, functional, and visually striking design.
This was a truly substantial configuration that showcased the full potential of our modular system, combining practicality with aesthetic impact. Seeing it installed in Paul’s creative workspace was a real testament to how Shelved can deliver on large-scale, highly tailored projects without compromising on our core principles of quality, adaptability, and British manufacturing.
We were also thrilled to collaborate with Zara and Giuliano of @thefoxesmaltings, whose stunning home was featured on Grand Designs. Bringing their vision to life was an absolute joy—from the first design discussions to the final installation, every step was infused with creativity and attention to detail. Their project was a perfect showcase of how Shelved can seamlessly blend into a bold, architecturally ambitious interior, adding both functionality and a refined, custom aesthetic. Being part of a home with such a captivating story, and seeing it celebrated on a national stage, was incredibly rewarding for our whole team.
Feature & Media Walls: Customers are embracing bespoke media installations combining open shelving with concealed storage—often blending materials like oak, anthracite, and brass pins for a balanced and stylish look.
Room Dividers: Modular units are increasingly used as statement room dividers, adding both function and artistry to open-plan spaces.
Material Mixing & Minimalism: Contrasting white minimalist frameworks with warm wood accents, peeking brass hardware—there’s a strong lean towards subtle minimalism and texture contrast.
Demand for Flexible, Eco-Conscious Design: As lifestyles continue to shift—working from home, changing spaces, sustainability focus—designers and clients will seek furniture that’s adaptable, durable, and eco-friendly.
Tech-Integrated Planning: Visual tools like 3D configurators and AR will become more standard in client engagement and project development.
Customisation as Standard: “One-size-fits-all” is fading; there’s a growing expectation for furniture tailored to personal style, storage, and spatial needs.
Shelved is well-positioned in each of these trends.
We’re currently developing two brand-new ranges that will take everything people love about Shelved to the next level. These collections will still embody the core principles that define us: exceptional quality, British manufacturing, modular configurability, and adaptable design - but will push those values further than ever before.
Both ranges will offer greater dimensional control and expanded customisation options, giving designers and clients even more freedom to create perfectly tailored solutions for their space. By enhancing the precision and flexibility of our designs, we’re making it possible to achieve a truly bespoke feel while maintaining the ease, durability, and timeless aesthetic that Shelved is known for.
As an SBID Accredited Industry Partner, Shelved gains recognition within the interior design community as a trusted, innovative and quality-led collaborator. It aligns Shelved with the professional values of SBID—design excellence, ethical practice, and peer-networking—reinforcing the brand as a credible, design-focused furniture partner. Plus, it enhances visibility among interior designers looking for adaptable, stylish, and sustainable storage solutions.
About Shelved
Shelved specialises in modular storage and shelving solutions that blend style and function for modern interiors. With our innovative online product configurator, customers can design their own unique shelving system tailored to their needs and space. Every Shelved product is made in Britain using high-quality materials, ensuring durability and timeless appeal. From home offices to living rooms and commercial spaces, our flexible systems adapt to any environment. Discover the freedom to customise your storage with Shelved—where thoughtful design meets British craftsmanship, and every detail is created with you in mind. Transform your space with shelving made for you.
Jeff Vanhinsbergh, Director at stoneCIRCLE, has given his insights into the industry.
stoneCIRCLE is a family-run company that fabricates and installs stone for commercial and residential projects. We work with designers, architects and their clients on everything from retail stores, hotels and commercial projects to residential projects for some of the most prestigious developers, and private clients. We also collaborate with artists on public art and monuments.
Everything we do is bespoke: produced to the client’s specification in the stone of their choice, with expert technical advice available to assist in making sure that the stone chosen is appropriate for the intended use, be that interior or exterior.
The company started in 1968 as B&V Masonry Ltd, and adopted the stoneCIRCLE brand in the early 2000s. Over the years, we have grown to become one of the biggest stone fabricators in the UK, known for the quality of our products and service. We are based in Basingstoke where we have been since the company started. We use a mixture of the latest technology, including CNC-equipped saws and waterjet cutters, and traditional hand-finishing techniques which allow us to finish our products to the highest standard.
We have our own installation teams who ensure that the installation is also carried out on time and to a very high standard.
Stone has been used in interior design for millennia for good reason. It is beautiful, durable and immediately imparts a feeling of luxury.
There are many different types and colours of stone which allows the designer to pick those that suit the look and feel that they are trying to create. We can manufacture intricate patterns in inlaid marble for floors, or book match slabs for feature walls. It is also possible to add fine details by carving into the stone.
Stone is an extremely versatile material, that lends itself to use in both interiors and exteriors, and adds a feeling of opulence. It is also durable, lasting several lifetimes if properly cared for. It is one of the most sustainable construction and design materials, needing little energy to produce, long-lasting and fully recyclable/reusable at end of life.
We work directly with interior designers on their projects, advising them as to the most suitable type of stone to achieve the look that they are after, and suggesting alternatives where appropriate. We have decades of experience in this industry and can guide the designer through the specification and fit out process from first concept to installation and final sign off.
From October to January, we were running four Harrods projects concurrently and managed to get them all out of the door and installed on time.
More natural materials, marbles are increasingly popular. Some clients are being more adventurous with colours and types of marble, so there has been a bigger range of different marbles coming through the factory.
We are working on several exciting projects but are not allowed to disclose the details at this stage.
It gives us the opportunity to work closely with designers and become involved in projects further upstream. It’s exciting to be part of a professional association with high standards.
About stoneCIRCLE
stoneCIRCLE fabricates and installs stone for commercial and residential projects working with designers, architects and their clients. The company’s work encompasses retail, in particular Harrods; hotels – they install stone to public areas, swimming pools, spas, suites and guest bathrooms; commercial; and residential for some of the most prestigious developers, and private clients. They also often work on public art and monuments. All work is bespoke: produced to the client’s specification in the stone of their choice, with technical advice available to assist in making sure that the stone chosen is appropriate for the intended use, be that interior or exterior.
Victoria Moshchynska, Founder of Victoria Moshchynska Interior Design & Styling, has given her insights into the industry.
I have been working as an interior designer since 2008, starting my career in Kyiv as a co-founder and partner at ID4U Studio. Since 2022, I’ve been based in London, working independently under my own name — Victoria Moshchynska Interior Design & Styling.
I’ve been drawn to beautiful interiors since my university years. Even as a student, I found myself deeply interested in how space can be organised—not just visually, but functionally. It started at my parents’ home, then in my first apartment, and soon I was helping friends with their spaces too. I had a natural ability to make small apartments feel more spacious, well-planned, and harmonious.
After graduating with a degree in analytics, I decided to study interior design—not with the intention to change careers, but purely out of passion. But within a year, I was already creating projects for friends and family. I quickly realised that interior design brought me much more energy and inspiration than my original profession. That’s when I made the decision to fully commit to this path—and I’ve never looked back.
What I enjoy most is the transformation process—how even the smallest changes can make a big impact. Sometimes, shifting a wall by just 15 centimetres can completely improve how a space functions. Or a previously unused corner becomes a much-needed and highly practical storage area. This kind of spatial planning and zoning is one of my favourite parts of the job. A well-thought-out storage layout, for example, can bring real relief to people’s everyday lives.
I also love the creative challenge of finding the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality. Each project is like solving a unique puzzle: understanding the client’s lifestyle, their habits, their emotional connection to space—and then translating that into a design that reflects who they are.
It’s incredibly fulfilling to create homes that not only look beautiful but also feel effortless to live in.
One of the most memorable highlights in my career was receiving the SBID International Design Award in 2022. Being recognised by such a respected global institution was a true honour and a powerful confirmation of the design values I’ve built my practice on.
What made this moment even more meaningful was the timing—it happened shortly after I was forced to relocate to London with my family due to the war in Ukraine. It was a very challenging period, having to start everything from scratch in a new country. This award became an incredible source of motivation and strength. It reminded me that even in the most uncertain times, creativity and passion can still lead to recognition and new opportunities.
While I’ve had experience working with office spaces and hospitality projects, my true passion lies in designing residential interiors—homes and apartments. There is something deeply personal and fulfilling about shaping the spaces where people live, rest, grow, and create memories.
I enjoy going deeper into people’s everyday lives—understanding their routines, habits, dreams—and then tailoring the environment to truly support and reflect their lifestyle. For me, it’s not just about beautiful design; it’s about creating spaces that feel like home in every sense of the word.
One of the most challenging aspects of interior design is managing all the moving parts—design, timelines, budgets, suppliers, contractors—while ensuring the client’s vision is not only preserved but elevated. Many people think interior design is purely creative, but in reality, it requires a great deal of structure and organisation. My analytical mindset and background really help me manage the process efficiently and make logical decisions under pressure.
And let’s not forget the “human” side of the job—sometimes, being an interior designer means also being a part-time therapist. Especially when two people are involved in the decision-making process! Navigating different tastes, opinions, and the occasional “I can’t live with that wallpaper” moment takes diplomacy, empathy, and a good sense of humour. But when it all comes together and both clients are happy—it’s pure magic.
I wish I had known how much of interior design is actually about communication, negotiation, and project management—not just creativity. You come into the field full of inspiration, ready to create beautiful spaces, and quickly realise that ideas are only quarter of the story. Bringing them to life means dealing with budgets, delays, technical limitations, and lots of different personalities.
I also didn’t fully realise how emotionally invested clients can be in the process. You're not just designing a space—you’re helping shape how people live. That level of responsibility is huge, but also incredibly meaningful once you learn how to handle it with care and confidence.
Travel as much as you can, see as much as possible, and train your eye constantly. Inspiration is everywhere—in architecture, in nature, in cultures, in everyday details. The more you see, the sharper your design instinct becomes.
And one more thing—take a course on client communication! Trust me, it’ll be more useful than half the design software out there. Being able to understand, guide, and sometimes gently negotiate with clients is a skill that will save you a lot of stress (and revisions).
With the growing integration of AI and digital tools, basic interior planning is becoming more accessible to everyone. More people will be able to create simple design concepts themselves, which will inevitably reduce the demand for designers at the entry level. Only those professionals who bring real depth—strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, strong spatial planning, and a highly personalised approach—will remain in high demand.
In a way, the role of the designer is shifting from just “making things look good” to being a creative strategist and experience curator.
As a designer originally from Ukraine, becoming an SBID Accredited Interior Designer represents an important step in receiving recognition on an international level. It reflects the standards I hold myself to in my work and aligns with my commitment to professionalism and quality in every project.
For me, it’s also a way to show clients—especially in a new market like the UK—that I bring both experience and accountability to the design process.
About Victoria Moshchynska Interior Design & Styling
Victoria Moshchynska is an award-winning interior designer with a refined contemporary approach and over 15 years of experience in the field. Since 2008, she has been creating stylish, functional, and personalized interiors for clients across various lifestyles. As an SBID Award winner, her work is recognized for its balance of elegance, comfort, and practicality. Victoria offers a full range of services, including full-cycle interior design projects, furnishing, decorating, renovation, and consulting. Her thoughtful use of materials, lighting, color, and layout transforms both empty homes and existing spaces into harmonious, curated environments tailored to the people who live in them.
This week’s instalment of the SBID Icon Insights series features Quadrant Design. They are an award winning boutique agency providing interior, environmental and digital design services for brands and individuals.
For us, it is all about utilising and placing the right skill sets for the right piece of work. We recognise skills and expertise so often we will work collaboratively throughout the company, bringing in team members for key areas of a project where best suited. We do a lot of workshopping which always starts with pen and paper, scribbling out and drafting our thoughts and visions between us. We also love to collaborate with other boutique agencies and suppliers where we value their expertise for a specific part of a project to make it the best it can be.
Between us, we are forever travelling the country and globe seeking the latest openings and drops from brands, however for us, it isn't just about physical spaces to visit, it's keeping an eye on online trends, fashion, new brands, new exhibitions & movements which inspire our creative vision. Keeping up to date with these trends help us stay on top of the ever changing dynamics of how people shop, eat, play & work. Being based in Soho also allows us to be inspired daily, just walking out our front door on Berwick Street we are forever discovering new pop ups, immersive experiences and soaking up the undeniable energy of Soho.
We also have a monthly whole company workshop where we showcase our latest work, as projects are delivered so quickly it's an opportunity to celebrate the work achieved by the team and what we learnt from that project.
We are forever educating ourselves with the latest materials and methods which enhance the sustainability of a design. As a company, we have an in-house FF&E designer who focuses purely on materials and organises monthly CPD’s for the company to have access to the latest materials, products and suppliers. We also attend trade shows and explore what other brands have done in their physical spaces, exploring and discovering how materials and processes have been used in different ways.
As cost and timescales can often be a challenge when specifying sustainable materials, we always try to approach materiality as early as possible in a project timeline to ensure that we can achieve the desired effect.
It really is all about having a great brief. Our style must be in sync with brands we are designing for so our talent is in pivoting and adapting our style between clients to ensure it is authentic to the brand. Our approach always starts however, with a deep dive research period where we really get to know the brand. This may involve researching the history or a brand or may be working in their spaces, speaking to the team and the customers to really understand the essence of the brand.
Eton in New York is one of our most iconic - located down the world famous Madison Avenue and the first flagship in the USA for Swedish menswear brand Eton. We started working with ETON Shirts in March 2023 to create their global design concept for both Shop in Shop concession spaces as well as flagship stores worldwide.
We worked with Adidas in 2019 to complete this 5 storey Flagship store on Oxford Street, London. Adidas LDN followed on from New York and Paris, as the third new global flagship store. Initially we were brought on board to assist the main contractors, however as the project progressed we quickly assumed the role of Lead Technical Architect to deliver the project, alongside the Concept Design team in both the UK and Germany.
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Just as we work seamlessly within our own team, we take the same approach with architects, engineers, and other consultants. With our deep experience in the process, we understand how to contribute effectively at every stage, ensuring proposals are developed on time and in line with a mutually agreed programme.
It’s always a team effort—the collective input of every consultant shapes the final outcome. The smoother and more enjoyable the process, the better the finished product. I always stress to clients when assembling a team that delivering their vision should be an enjoyable experience. But that only happens when you have the right, solutions-focused people involved. Anyone who isn’t on that same page makes the process far harder than it needs to be.
Everything we do relies on collaboration with suppliers, manufacturers, and brands, it’s integral to the process. While we select partners on a project-by-project basis to ensure the best fit, we’ve built an extensive ‘black book’ of trusted contacts over the years. This network allows us to bring in the right expertise, materials, and innovation to deliver the best results for each client. Rather than rigid partnerships, we value flexibility and the ability to curate the right team for every unique brief.
About Quadrant Design
Quadrant Design is an award winning boutique agency providing interior, environmental and digital design services for brands and individuals. A group of 25+ gifted and big-hearted people who think, create, and grow together. Every member of the team plays a vital role, each project builds on the last, and our strength comes from the way we collaborate, adapt and push each other to do our best work. We’re proud not to have a house style, we answer the brief, challenge perspectives, and expand our clients' minds from that foundation. We design spaces that don’t just look good but work hard, because great design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about product, experience, flow, and, ultimately, making the tills ring.
In today’s fast-paced world, our home environment plays a vital role in supporting our overall wellbeing. From mental clarity to physical health, the spaces we live in deeply influence how we feel and function each day. By thoughtfully shaping our surroundings, we can create a home that nurtures and restores us.
GI Design has provided several reasons why a supportive home environment is essential to wellbeing.
Home should be a sanctuary, a place where we feel protected and at ease. When we feel secure in our surroundings, both physically and emotionally, we are better able to relax and recharge. A supportive, calm, and respectful household can greatly reduce stress and promote a sense of emotional balance.
Our homes can have a powerful impact on our daily routines and choices. A well organised kitchen can make healthy cooking more convenient and enjoyable. Creating dedicated spaces for movement, such as a corner for yoga or a peaceful spot for meditation, encourages regular physical activity. Even small changes like keeping fresh produce visible or setting up a daily hydration station can support healthier behaviours.
By intentionally designing our home to support wellbeing, we set ourselves up to make more positive choices effortlessly.
Cluttered spaces often lead to cluttered minds. A tidy, well-ordered home helps reduce visual and mental distractions, making it easier to focus and feel calm. When our surroundings are clear and purposeful, we’re more likely to stay on top of daily tasks, avoid stress, and maintain a balanced mindset.
Investing time in creating an organised home, even if it’s one room at a time, can make a significant difference to mental clarity and productivity.
Bringing nature indoors is a simple yet powerful way to elevate wellbeing. Houseplants, natural materials and ample natural light all help foster a sense of calm. Even a small window view of greenery or the gentle sound of water can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
This connection to the natural world, known as biophilic design, is proven to enhance mood, lower anxiety, and improve overall health. Incorporating nature into the home doesn’t need to be complicated. A few indoor plants, natural textures, or soft earthy colours can make a meaningful difference.
A home that reflects who we are contributes to our sense of identity and emotional wellbeing. Personalising our space through meaningful objects, artwork or colour choices fosters a feeling of comfort and belonging. It’s not about following trends but creating an environment that aligns with our values, tastes and memories.
Whether it’s a gallery wall of family photos or a reading nook styled just for you, these small details help turn a house into a home.
The bedroom environment plays a crucial role in sleep quality. A calm, dark and quiet space encourages deeper, more restful sleep. Reducing clutter, minimising electronic distractions and maintaining a comfortable temperature all contribute to a better night’s rest.
Simple adjustments such as blackout curtains, soft bedding or a gentle evening routine, can have a lasting impact on your physical and mental recovery each night.
The home environment is more than just a backdrop to our lives, it is a dynamic contributor to how we feel, behave and thrive. By creating spaces that promote safety, support healthy habits, enhance mental clarity, connect us to nature, reflect our identity and improve sleep, we can significantly boost our overall wellbeing.
Take time to assess how your living environment supports you. Even small, intentional changes can lead to lasting improvements in your daily life.
About GI Design
At GI Design, we believe that spaces should do more than just look beautiful—they should inspire, rejuvenate and connect people to the natural world. Founded on the principles of functional elegance and a deep appreciation for nature, we specialise in creating interior environments that enrich lives. With a team of experienced designers, we blend aesthetic expertise with innovative biophilic design, bringing organic elements into each project to create harmonious, sustainable spaces that nurture wellbeing. Whether you’re looking to redesign a single room or transform an entire building, GI Design is here to bring your vision to life.
This week’s instalment of the SBID Icon Insights series features Diane Berry Kitchens. They create kitchen designs where style meets function and culinary aspirations come to life.
We are always researching online, we visit trade shows in Milan and Germany, we visit all our suppliers in Germany and research all the time, we watch the SBID awards entries and spend time looking and learning in cities and towns as we all travel. I've seen amazing ideas on cruise ships and hotels, Vegas was an eye opener and it carries on like that. I find myself watching TV and studying the sets too. If you love design, you never stop seeing ideas and thinking where and when can I use that. My team and I weekly share images we find and challenge each other to find a client that will love it.
I think wellbeing is key, rather than a style or colour trend. Covid made us all realise how important our homes are and being locked in them for months on end made us really focus on the bits we hated and loved. Decluttering and organisation is a key part of a calm home and then easy to clean and maintain too. Pay a little more and make it last is a motto I have lived by, this in return is sustainable. Avoid buy cheap buy twice mentality and this will be such a great thing for us to do for our world.
Technology had a huge impact on how we present out work but we are still a very touchy feely company as we love our stunning award winning studio as people do buy what they see. Long may this continue as meeting people in the studio helps us read them and their needs, keeping us presenting what is truly best for them.
Make sure you truly care about people, this job is 25% design and 75% business. So many people talk about the fun part of the materials and textures and rarely talk about the detail and work that goes into the detail. I know so much about plumbing, electrics, lighting, ventilation, damp courses, pad stones etc. I know this is design but the part people think about is putting that paper with that paint, a nice natural wood floor and a cute handle. Honestly this part is so small once the design bit is done it needs sourcing and costing accurately! So be ready for maths and lonely computer work, late nights and weekends too. If a builder needs electrical drawings on Monday it won’t wait! And this goes on all the time.
Opening our flagship studio. We bought the derelict building when it was full of asbestos and pigeons and now we have an iconic building presenting seven huge room sets with all appliances working. We are able to host cookery events for all our brands and have a happy environment for our team to work in.
We love working with architects, builders and designers, they love our studio. We also work closely with lots of interior specialist like fireplaces designers, blinds and curtain specialist etc. We know what we are good at and respect others are better at their area of expertise than us, so we have lots of people we work closely with especially lighting design as this is a constantly moving technology.
We work with two kitchen furniture brands: Eggersmann and Rempp, then appliance brands: Miele, Siemens, Neff, Bora and Fisher and Paykel, Quooker for their amazing taps and too many to mention worktop brands. We love Arte wall coverings and have a list of lighting and flooring brands. Our trade is very much about brand loyalty as we need to know what we sell inside and out and be able to guide our clients to what meets their needs on technology and function as well as budgeting.
About Diane Berry Kitchens
Diane started her career in all things interior design in 1980 learning all aspects of buildings and construction first, moving straight into spatial design focusing on Kitchens, Bathrooms, Bedrooms and fireplaces. Taking the step in 2002 to open her own studio which has gone from strength to strength now employing a team of fourteen and installing several million pounds of Kitchens a year.
Katherine Jane Channell, Founder of Katherine Jane Design Studio, has given her insights into the industry.
My journey into interior design began with a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design from Nottingham Trent University, which gave me an incredible understanding of how different materials work together. This background has been invaluable in interior design - knowing how fabrics drape, which textures complement each other, and how to select upholstery that's both beautiful and practical for real life.
After completing my Diploma in Interior Design from the British College of Interior Design, I discovered my true passion for creating transformative living spaces. I founded Katherine Jane Design Studio here in Berkshire, and now I work with clients throughout the South of England, as well as internationally through my virtual design services. Whether I'm working hands-on with my UK clients or collaborating remotely with international clients, I bring that same attention to detail to every project.
Throughout my development years I loved designing and creating emotion through art, whether this is a bold garment or redesigning my own bedroom, so it felt calming and serene. When I left university, it was 2020 and I ended up in an upside-down world, I nearly went to do an internship at Thurstan Interior Design Studio but due to the world shutting down I ended up not knowing which direction to take. Listening to my peers I realised that fashion was not what made me tick. I went and did a few jobs here and there and then studied interior design which I then realised that this was where my heart lay. I am a homebody, and I appreciate the feeling of coming home and spending time with loved ones in a comforting and personal space. I also realised I cared more about what my home looked like than my clothes ever did!
I love connecting with a wide variety of people and being able to throw myself into projects that I love. Being able to take a tired worn-out space or empty canvas and be able to transform this into a functionally timeless space makes me genuinely excited to do my job. I love helping people create a space they never even thought was possible as well as also having fun and pushing people outside of their boundaries to create exceptionally beautiful spaces.
A significant highlight is my successful transition from being a solo operation to building a team - moving from working alone to now having freelancers on board and using "we" instead of "I" when talking about my business. I also have loved transitioning into the commercial space, I really enjoy building my knowledge in all areas of design and my recent project with Dr Memee has been amazing in implementing this from the design into the install.
I love working with amazing clients who are willing to be bold and be open to new innovative ideas. I enjoy both commercial and residential projects however, whole-home renovations are also incredibly fulfilling because you get to see the complete transformation and really understand how a family lives. Working through multiple rooms allows me to create a cohesive flow throughout the space while still giving each room its own personality.
What really makes any project special for me is when clients are collaborative and trust the process. The best projects happen when there's that perfect balance of client input and creative freedom.
Personally, I love a challenge! I enjoy making the impossible possible and working with contractors to make this happen. I will say what I am currently struggling with is as a growing business I have taken someone on a freelance basis but the transition from being a one-man band to growing a successful business where we can take on many more projects with more people working for us is a new challenge for me.
Interior design isn't just about creating beautiful spaces - it's about understanding people's emotional connections to their homes. I've learned that listening to what clients don't say is often as important as what they do say. Their lifestyle, family dynamics, and even their insecurities all play into design decisions.
So much of this business runs on relationships - with suppliers, contractors, other designers, and of course clients. I would recommend building a network around you, visiting as many suppliers and events as possible to immerse yourself in the design world and don’t forget to have fun! Sometimes the everyday can cause you to get stuck in a routine but remember why you are doing this. Experiment and gain inspiration whenever you can!
This year has snowballed for myself, and I think the world is waking up to how important the quality of an interior is and how it can affect your mood, for example in commercial design this is so important to connect with customers/clients. I feel like this is leaking more into the residential world, clients want spaces that tell their unique story, but they also want efficiency.
We're also seeing a major push toward sustainable materials and circular design principles. Clients are increasingly asking about eco-friendly and longer lasting options, and I expect this to become the standard rather than the exception.
Virtual design services are also becoming more sophisticated and widely accepted, allowing clients who may not have been able to access certain designers before are able to do so with remote collaboration. I see this segment growing significantly, especially for international projects.
Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer has allowed me to communicate to my clients a mark of quality and professionalism that can help them feel at ease from the beginning. I want Katherine Jane Design Studio to be known for creating amazing, beautiful interiors that withstand the test of time and communicate the highest standard while also offering the best service to our clients so the whole process is enjoyable and exciting and this accreditation communicated this from the get go.
About Katherine Jane Design Studio
Katherine Jane Design Studio curates exceptional interiors that feel authentically personal to each client. The refined approach transcends fleeting trends—crafting spaces that remain timeless for years to come. Meticulous attention to understanding not just how clients envision their space, but how they truly inhabit it. Through careful consultation and thoughtful planning, every precisely considered detail reflects the client's unique lifestyle and elevates their daily experience to new heights of comfort and sophistication. Devoted to enduring design and creating spaces with lasting sophistication that won't require constant reinvention. When partnering with Katherine Jane Design Studio, you’re investing in a home that truly enhances your everyday living.
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