This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an immersive hospitality design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, External Reference.
Plaza Mahou is a 1,100 m² experiential space inside Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, designed by External Reference for Mahou San Miguel. Combining a working microbrewery, bar, and terrace, the project connects beer, football, and Madrid’s social culture through the concept of the plaza. The design blends digital innovation, artisanal craft, and sustainable materials to create an immersive and functional environment. Featuring 3D-printed textures, recycled keg furniture, and hand-painted ceramics, Plaza Mahou transforms a hospitality venue into a cultural destination that celebrates identity, community, and experience.
Category: Club & Bar Design
Design Practice: External Reference
Project Title: Plaza Mahou
Project Location: Madrid, Spain
Design Practice Location: Barcelona, Spain
The brief was to celebrate the bond between beer and football through Mahou’s century-long partnership with Real Madrid, both rooted in Madrid. The project had to unite Mahou’s brewing culture with the club’s legacy at the Santiago Bernabéu, reflecting shared values of commitment, excellence, passion, and the spirit of Madrid as a city of encounters.
Plaza Mahou was inspired by the ambition to transform space into an immersive narrative that unites the brand’s three universes: beer, the city, and football. This vision takes shape through the archetype of the Madrid plaza, a timeless place of gathering and conviviality.
The toughest challenge was turning those ideas into tangible elements, reinterpreting them in a way that conveyed the essence of beer, the city, and football.
The most meaningful moment came when each element took shape within the real space, and the environment itself transformed into the living expression of a plaza.
We entered the SBID Awards because it represents a benchmark of excellence in interior and experiential design. Your platform recognizes projects that go beyond aesthetics to deliver meaning and innovation. For us, it is a clear opportunity to share how design can translate culture, identity, and shared values into a space that people can experience, remember, and enjoy.
Being an Award Finalist has validated our approach of merging storytelling with design to create immersive environments. It has strengthened our visibility within the international design community and confirmed the relevance of our work in shaping how brands and audiences connect through space. And of course, it feels like a great honour for our whole team.
Questions answered by Carmelo Zappulla, CEO of External Reference.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring an elegant fusion of studio and showroom, click here to read it.
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 Katharine Pooley. Established over 20 years ago, Katharine’s London-based design studio creates exquisite designs around the world.
Our recent interior design and interior architecture project, Château de la Croix des Gardes, has been called ‘a contemporary reimagining of an historical masterpiece’. The largest remaining estate on the Cote D’Azur, this legendary Belle Époque Château is unparalleled in the beauty of its architecture, its sublime Mediterranean views, the scale of its surrounding gardens and its magical history. It has been an honour and a pleasure for Katharine to lead a formidable team of creatives in the complete redesign of this majestic home (as featured in Architectural Digest France). Inspired by classic French design delicately blended with a touch of English eclecticism it is a good example of Katharine’s design aesthetic, married with her passion for craftsmanship, as it included: - Over 150 hand-crafted bespoke furniture pieces and custom joinery pieces with intricate marquetry, inlays and specialist timber finishes which have been made by England’s traditional, small-scale, fine cabinetry workshops. - Over 40 diqerent hand embroidered textiles from 5 British ateliers. - 30 diqerent pieces of art from British painters and ceramicists. - 13 hand-painted frescos, silk wallpapers and panels painted by 8 diqerent studios and artists – the work of a London based artist features throughout and 2 British handpainted wallpaper companies
We collaborate exceptionally well both internally and externally and that is a cornerstone of the design studio: It takes a village! Internally we have built a studio of experienced and award-winning designers and architects who seamlessly work together to create flawless, fully immersive designs for our clients where every detail is considered, designed, installed and styled. We also work alongside – and often lead – an established network of the highest quality contractors, agents, specialists and suppliers to ensure a luxurious level of workmanship is achieved across every facet of a client’s project.
We like to design unhemmed by trends or fleeting fashions as Katharine strongly believes that true elegance and comfort is timeless. Wellness, fitness, comfort and personalisation are increasingly important to our clients. There is also a move towards more informal entertaining, a generational move away from traditional formal living room spaces to more fun and immersive games rooms, home cinemas, wine tasting rooms, music rooms. Spaces that reflect the unique individual passions of the client and showcase their niche interests are definitely growing in demand.
We make a conscious eqort to design with an eco-friendly approach and have a dedicated librarian who manages all of our supplier relationships and the library of architectural samples and decorative finishes and fabrics to ensure that specifications are made with sustainability in mind. We actively work to minimise waste across our projects and prioritise reuse, refurbishment, reclamation and antiques.
Katharine champions hundreds of the finest small to medium workshops, ateliers and makers in Britain. This ‘British-made’ approach minimises transportation for our domestic projects.
Wherever possible we aim to use natural fibres in our fabric specifications and Katharine’s role as an advocate for the Campaign for Wool reflects this passion for sustainable, natural fabrics. Wool, cotton, linen, jute, Cashmere, sisal, mohair and bamboo are all far more sustainable and better for our health than man-made fibres. Timber in our joinery and bespoke furniture is also sourced from FSC.
Our team of talented architects place sustainable MEP design solutions at the heart of our projects. For example we have completed a number of projects which have ‘air source’ heat pumps and solar photovoltaic solutions. Focusing on achieving the best U values so that the fabric of the building gives the system a head start.
Travel as much as you can, visit galleries, museums, beautiful cities, and individual artists and creators. Live life with your eyes and heart open, everything and anything can inspire you to create new and beautiful designs, but you have to get out in the world, don’t wait for it to come to you.
The Château de la Croix des Gardes has is probably our most iconic recent project, due to the final design and its captivating history. Situated high above Cannes on the lush Crois des Gardes hill, the property became infamous in 1955 as the set of Hitchcock’s film ‘To Catch a Thief’, starring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. The scale of this project was quite spectacular, the Chateau’s square footage is 25,000 sq. ft set across four floors (extended from an original sq ft. of 13,000). Katharine Pooley also designed 42,000 sq. ft of living spaces spread across five additional beautiful secondary buildings and in total there are fifteen guest bedrooms and seven staq bedrooms across the estate. A majestic property set amongst 25 acres of sympathetically restored Italianate gardens, the design and renovation of this “heartstoppingly” beautiful French Riviera chateau embodies the luxury and glamour of its movie-star history.
In spring 2025 we complete a beautiful 50,000 sq ft coastal residence in Sardinia for a returning client. I feel this will be an iconic design for us. Set within two acres of gardens with classic Mediterranean style architecture housing a refined contemporary /rustic interior. We have taken inspiration from the curved architectural detailing that is the hallmark of Mediterranean design and designed joinery and furniture with rounded edges and circular elements to complement the flowing, intimate, nature of the space. The outdoor landscape overlooks a simply sublime Sardinian seascape which has inspired the interior design and infused it with vibrant Mediterranean hues like terracotta, deep blue, or olive green adds warmth.
This year we complete ten more projects that really are unlike anything we have created before. They will be in Paris, Aspen, Kuwait, Hong Kong, London, Bermuda, Mallorca and we currently are working on large scale iconic projects in Dallas, Doha, Dubai and Gibraltar.
Yes, we have a strong internship program which accepts candidates and graduates every year from all the main design schools and from further afield. Katharine gives regular talks and takes part in panel discussions and has a strong relationship with the KLC School of Design.
About Katharine Pooley
Established over 20 years ago, Katharine’s London-based design studio creates exquisite designs around the world. Named as 'British Interior Designer of the Decade', Katharine leads an international team of 49 interior designers, architects and interior architects. Current projects range in scale and style, from traditional country estates to palaces, hotels, luxury spas, beach villas, traditional castles, ski chalets, private jets and super yachts. Katharine is currently working on several international projects for private clients in Bermuda, Majorca, Aspen, Dallas, Sardinia, Paris, New York, Hong Kong, London, Dubai, Kuwait, Doha and Great Britain. Born in Hertfordshire, schooled in Oxfordshire and France, Katharine hails from a family of adventurers and aeronautical enthusiasts and her passion for exploration has been a lifelong inspiration. An intrepid traveller, she has visited more than 150 countries and, along the way, has summited many of the world’s highest mountains; driven a team of dogs on a sled to the North Pole; and crossed the Sahara Desert on horseback, amongst other exciting adventures. Katharine's approach to interior and architectural design is equally fearless and her aesthetic is synonymous with unforgettable, beautifully crafted, art-like living spaces that exude timeless elegance and luxurious comfort. Her positivity and enthusiasm for the minuti of design are legendary. Driven and fearless she creates exuberant and memorably beautiful interiors across the world and is a truly global design icon.
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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an elegant showroom design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Grandiosa Design.
At Grandiosa, everything begins and ends with inspiration. It is a place that invites you to experience our passion and vision firsthand. Here, you imagine, dream, and get inspired. In our showroom, we want you to feel the warmth of meeting, the creativity, and the touch of grandeur we bring to every space with our signature. Our promise is simple: to turn your ideas into the magic of reality. We listen, understand, and create with exceptional care and dedication; all you need to do is allow us to earn your trust. “The beauty of existence waiting to be discovered.”
Category: Retail Design
Design Practice: Grandiosa Design
Project Title: Grandiosa Showroom
Project Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Design Practice Location: Zagreb, Croatia
The client envisioned a space that transcends function—an elegant fusion of showroom and studio, where creativity breathes through every detail. At its heart lies a dedicated stage for design: a showroom that not only displays concepts, materials, and brand identity, but also narrates a story of beauty, accessibility, and vision.
Alongside this, the client required a haven for its team—a place where ideas take shape, where meeting rooms foster dialogue, and working spaces nurture imagination and daily flow. Natural light was to be the guiding thread, a silent architectural element weaving through the interiors, illuminating pathways and creating effortless movement between the showroom and the studio. It becomes both atmosphere and structure, transforming the space into an experience. Flexibility, too, was vital: the design should adapt gracefully, shifting from cultural gatherings to intimate client conversations, from collaborative sessions to moments of reflection. This narrative forms the foundation of the accompanying diagram, a visual symphony of the client’s aspirations, harmoniously interwoven into the spatial composition.
The design of this interior seeks to weave a symphony of elegance, French chic, and warmth—an elevated expression of style that whispers of timelessness. In the historic heart of Zagreb, along the storied Gundulićeva Street, nearly 200 square meters are transformed into a living canvas, a celebration where design and art entwine. Every detail is composed with devotion, shaping a space where sophistication and beauty meet in perfect harmony, leaving an impression that lingers beyond time. Elegance here is not loud, but whispered—achieved through the careful choreography of materials and finishes, each chosen with intention. The aesthetic unfolds as a seamless composition, carrying the quiet allure of understated luxury.
At its core lies French chic, the heartbeat of the design, infusing every corner with the effortless charm of Paris. Warmth embraces the space like a gentle thread, ensuring it feels not only refined, but also deeply inviting—an interior where comfort and grace coexist, where utility meets the intimacy of home. Each room becomes a chapter, a narrative inspired by the timeless poetry of Parisian interiors. Together, they form a collection of stories—spaces that are both inspirational and aspirational, reflecting an unwavering devotion to beauty, craft, and design of the highest order.
One of the greatest challenges that our interior design studio faced during this project, was related to the execution part of the project: Finding the perfect contractors that would deliver meticulously the designed project.
When a contractor fails to execute with the same level of precision and excellence that the project was conceived with, the integrity of the entire vision is compromised. The struggle then becomes twofold: preserving the purity of the design intent while navigating the practical shortcomings of its delivery. Finding the right team—one that possesses not only technical expertise but also a shared respect for craftsmanship and detail—is often a long and demanding journey. Yet it is precisely this alignment between vision and execution that transforms a design from concept to timeless reality.
The interior design team’s highlight of the project was strongly related to these two subjects:
Seamless Concept-to-Reality Execution The ability to translate an abstract vision into a tangible space where every detail—from materials to lighting—aligns with the client’s aspirations.
Timeless Elegance & Identity Crafting a design that not only embodies sophistication and beauty but also reflects the brand’s or client’s unique personality, creating a signature identity.
We specifically decided to be part of SBID Awards, because first and foremost we strongly believe in your transparency, fairness, and exemplary operations.
Following this, we were assured that this step would give us international recognition, strengthen our brand, inspire our team, attract new clients, and open doors to greater opportunities within the global design industry.
As one of the most prestigious interior design awards globally, we are aware that SBID recognition would serve us as a hallmark of design excellence and professional accomplishment, specifically on: - Credibility & Prestige - Global Visibility - Marketing Tools - Networking - Inclusive Participation
In essence, for us SBID recognition isn’t just an accolade—it’s a strategic asset. It elevates our creative reputation, amplifies outreach, unlocks professional networks, and solidifies our position as a leader of design excellence.
Questions answered by Marina Srdjak, Creative Director of Grandiosa Design.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a contemporary and luxury residential design, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the SBID Icon Insights series features HBA. Their expertise covers every design stage, from conceptualization to execution, ensuring exceptional spaces that inspire and elevate experiences.
Although we take pride in not being confined to a single style, we strive to create spaces that foster harmony and balance for those who inhabit them. The example of Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara beautifully illustrates how an environment can evoke a sense of place and connection to nature through thoughtful design choices. Each project indeed presents a unique opportunity to narrate a story that resonates with the guests, enhancing their overall experience.
Staying at the forefront of the design industry requires a proactive and multifaceted approach. We prioritise continuous education and training, ensuring our team is equipped with the latest design trends, technologies, and methodologies through workshops, conferences, and online courses. Simultaneously, we embrace technology by integrating advanced design software and tools, enabling immersive client experiences and streamlining our design processes. Recognising the importance of sustainability practices, we actively incorporate eco-friendly solutions and materials into our designs, reflecting our commitment to environmental responsibility.
Our commitment extends beyond internal development. We foster global networking and partnerships by collaborating with design professionals, suppliers, and industry leaders worldwide, participating in global forums and exhibitions to expand our influence. Central to our approach is a client-centric approach, where we prioritise understanding and exceeding client needs through regular feedback and personalised solutions. We also conduct rigorous trend analysis and forecasting to anticipate market shifts, including cultural influences and emerging materials, ensuring our designs remain relevant and impactful.
We also understand the value of a diverse and inclusive environment. Promoting diversity and inclusion within our team brings a wealth of perspectives and ideas, fostering a more innovative and creative design process. By combining these strategies, we ensure that HBA remains a leader in the design industry, consistently delivering cutting-edge and impactful solutions that resonate with our clients and the evolving market.
Looking ahead, the landscape of interior design is being redefined by a natural blend of sustainability, technology, and deeply personal expression. Sustainability has moved from a trend to a foundational aspect of design, influencing everything from material selection to energy efficiency and the incorporation of biophilic elements. Simultaneously, smart technology is weaving its way into our spaces, creating seamless experiences that enhance both comfort and functionality. These advancements aren't just about innovation; they reflect a growing consciousness about our impact on the environment and a desire for spaces that intuitively serve our needs.
Beyond the technical, we're witnessing a powerful shift towards personalisation and adaptability. Clients are no longer seeking generic luxury; they want spaces that truly resonate with their unique identities and lifestyles. This demand for bespoke, boutique experiences is mirrored by the rise of multifunctional spaces, driven by the growing prevalence of remote work. Interiors must now be fluid and adaptable, seamlessly transitioning from home offices to social hubs. In essence, the future of interior design is about creating environments that are not only beautiful and functional but also deeply personal, responsible, and responsive to the evolving needs of our lives.
Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of our design process. We prioritise eco-friendly materials, choosing options like reclaimed wood, bamboo, and recycled metals, alongside low-VOC paints and finishes, to minimise environmental impact and enhance indoor air quality. We actively pursue local sourcing to support regional economies and reduce transportation emissions. Biophilic design is integral to our spaces, as we incorporate natural elements like plants and green spaces through green roofs, living walls, and indoor gardens, enhancing both aesthetics and well-being. Furthermore, we believe in fostering community engagement, involving local communities in our design and operational decisions to promote cultural sustainability and create authentic experiences that reflect the unique character of each destination.
While we celebrate numerous milestones and accolades, our proudest achievement is consistently evolving and adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of the hospitality industry over our 60-year history. This includes our remarkable growth from a single office to 24 locations across the globe, and our sustained position as the world’s leading hospitality design firm, evidenced by our ranking first on the 2025 Interior Design Top 100 Giants Hospitality List for over nineteen years.
In addition to HBA's global achievements, HBA London is particularly proud of the firm's overall legacy of excellence. HBA London's exceptional work has garnered widespread acclaim, including Gold Key Awards, SBID International Design Awards, World Travel Awards, Hospitality Design Awards (HD), and Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards.
We're proud of our ability to embrace innovation, integrate cutting-edge technologies, and champion sustainability, all while maintaining a deep respect for the unique cultural context of each project. Ultimately, our proudest achievement is the enduring impact we've had on creating exceptional guest experiences and contributing to the success of our clients globally.
As passionate and responsible interior designers, we view every project as a unique and boutique experience tailored to the specific needs and desires of our clients. What sets our work apart in the industry is our unwavering commitment to personalisation and attention to detail. We believe that every space should tell a story, reflecting the distinct character of its inhabitants while also considering the functional aspects of design.
We prioritise collaboration with our clients, engaging them throughout the entire design process to ensure their vision is translated into reality. This collaborative spirit allows for a deeper understanding of their preferences, resulting in spaces that not only align with their aesthetic but also enhance their daily lives.
In essence, our work stands out due to its bespoke approach, commitment to collaboration, and dedication to sustainability, culminating in designs that are as unique as the individuals and businesses we serve.
Yes, each year we welcome university students for internships, providing them with valuable practical experience, and we are proud to have hired several of them following their graduation. I also find it incredibly rewarding to give lectures at various universities when I have the time, as it is important to invest in the next generation of designers.
About HBA
Since our founding in 1965, HBA has been a leader in hospitality interior design. Our expertise covers every design stage, from conceptualization to execution, ensuring exceptional spaces that inspire and elevate experiences. Today, we are a dynamic and multidisciplinary creative collective, bringing decades of experience to bear across design specialisms, markets and industries. From hotels to homes, art to architecture, landscaping to lighting, HBA delivers design solutions that transcend function, creating environments that inspire and evoke emotion. With over 1,500 professionals in 24 offices across four regions, each year HBA partners with clients in over 80 countries. HBA, honoured with multiple awards, has been consistently recognised as the industry leader in hospitality design, ranking first on the renowned Interior Design 2025 Hospitality 100 Giants of Design List for over 19 years. Other prestigious awards include Hospitality Design Awards, Interior Design’s Best of Year Awards, Boutique Design's Gold Key Awards, AHEAD Awards, DNA Paris Design Awards, SBID International Design Awards and International Property Awards.
Set within one of Shrewsbury’s most distinguished streets, Edge Hill is an exceptional new build spanning over 14,000 square feet of refined contemporary living. Designed to unite elegance and practicality, this landmark residence will establish a new benchmark for luxury homes in the area.
The project began with the expertise of renowned architects Anderson Orr, who secured full architectural and planning permissions. Their ambition was to design a home that feels both timeless and modern, combining classical architectural forms with a contemporary sensibility that reflects the surrounding context. The design is rooted in principles of symmetry, proportion and balance, all while maximising the property’s unique position and sweeping views of the landscape.
A defining aspect of the design is the seamless relationship between the interior and exterior. This is where Lewis Knox was brought on board to develop the interior vision. The home is conceived not merely as a place to live but as a space to experience, offering a sanctuary that feels naturally connected to its setting. Expansive glazing and open-plan living areas allow light to pour through the interiors, creating a sense of calm and openness that enhances the feeling of space throughout.
The property’s design is a reflection of its picturesque Shrewsbury surroundings. Classical forms and traditional details blend effortlessly with the local architecture, ensuring the home feels rooted and enduring. Inside, a muted palette of natural tones and tactile materials enriches the tranquil atmosphere and reinforces its sense of place.
Spacious, open-plan living areas form the social heart of the home. Designed for adaptability, these spaces accommodate family gatherings as easily as moments of quiet reflection. A fully equipped gym, indoor pool, bespoke bar and games room create opportunities for relaxation, wellness and entertainment within the comfort of home.
The principal suite occupies the entire second floor and serves as a private retreat. It includes a generous bedroom, personal study, walk-in wardrobes and a luxurious en suite, all arranged to offer serenity, privacy and ease of use.
Every aspect of the interior has been designed to complement the home’s architectural grandeur. A soft, textural colour palette brings warmth and cohesion to the spaces, while refined materials and bespoke finishes enhance the overall sense of craftsmanship.
With its harmonious blend of classic architecture and modern living, Edge Hill embodies understated luxury. As the project progresses, it continues to reveal the balance of form, function and feeling that defines the Lewis Knox approach.
About Lewis Knox
A dynamic interior design studio providing bespoke architectural and interior design services. More than 30 years experience in the luxury residential sector.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a contemporary and luxury residential design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, LWE Interiors.
This striking transformation breathes new life into an old church, reimagined as a grand family residence. Seamlessly blending heritage architecture with contemporary living, the project delivers 13 beautifully designed bedrooms, expansive entertainment spaces, and a luxury private pool - all wrapped within the soaring volumes of the original ecclesiastical structure. A standout feature of the conversion is the former Sunday school hall, transformed into a show-stopping indoor wellness retreat. This serene space houses a fully equipped wellness centre complete with a jacuzzi, gym, sauna, and relaxation zone, offering an indulgent sanctuary that reflects the home's commitment to luxury and wellbeing.
Category: Residential House Under £1M
Design Practice: LWE Interiors
Project Title: Rhos Sea Manor
Project Location: Colwyn Bay, United Kingdom
Design Practice Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
The client entrusted LWE Interiors with complete creative freedom to define the interior style and design direction of the project. The only key criteria were: - The conversion must deliver a 13-bedroom luxury home with extensive leisure and entertaining facilities. - Spaces should feel luxurious, comfortable for family living, and appealing as a high-end holiday rental, bathrooms & bedrooms all needed to be different with different styles & moods, to help create an individual experience in every room. - The old Sunday School hall was to be reimagined as a private spa and wellness area. - Provision for large-scale entertaining was essential, with a bar, games/entertainment lounge, and a banqueting dining room capable of hosting all 34 guests together. - Most importantly, the project had to be delivered on or under budget.
The building itself provided the creative spark for the design direction. The soaring volume and height of the main hall inspired the introduction of a mezzanine level overlooking the lounge, adding drama while maximising space and flow.
I was drawn to the original stonework and architectural details of the church and made it a priority to retain and rework as many features as possible. These were carefully integrated into the interiors in a modern and contemporary way, ensuring the building’s character was celebrated rather than concealed.
The coastal setting also played a key role in the design ethos. With the church situated close to the beach, the interiors were layered in beach-inspired neutrals and boho textures, creating a soft, relaxed aesthetic. This was elevated with a quiet luxury vibe throughout — calm, refined, and timeless, yet warm and welcoming for family life and entertaining.
The budget was the toughest hurdle on this project. The brief demanded a stunning, luxury aesthetic, which meant we had to carefully balance design ambition with cost control. In several cases, alternatives were sourced for original feature lighting and furniture to achieve the desired look without compromising on style or quality.
Beyond this, the project progressed smoothly and to plan. All design concepts and detailed drawings were completed within the agreed timeline, enabling contractors to quote accurately and work efficiently.
Once the building was stripped back to its true structure, a few areas required adjustment. However, these changes had minimal impact and did not escalate costs from the interiors side — ensuring the project was delivered on time, on budget, and true to the design vision.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was watching the interiors take shape almost exactly as envisioned in the concept designs. It’s always a special moment seeing drawings and moodboards evolve into real spaces that people can live in and enjoy.
The double-height lounge and mezzanine became a true showpiece, capturing the building’s volume and character while creating a stunning, memorable interior that leaves a lasting impression.
Perhaps the most fulfilling transformation, however, was the conversion of the old Sunday School hall into a swimming pool and spa. Working closely with contractors, who followed the detailed drawings and specifications I developed, brought this vision to life beautifully. The result was a space that embodies both luxury and tranquillity — a highlight of the project for everyone involved.
I chose to enter the SBID Awards because they are a prestigious, internationally accredited platform that recognises excellence in interior design and architecture. Attracting entries from a diverse global community of designers, manufacturers, and contractors.
For me, entering the SBID Awards was about positioning this project among the highest calibre of international design work, while also celebrating the creativity, vision, and collaboration that brought it to life.
Becoming an SBID Award Finalist has been both a professional milestone and a personal honour. On a professional level, it provides a respected international platform to showcase my work and validates that the design achieved the highest standards of creativity, technical execution, and innovation.
On a personal level, the recognition has been deeply rewarding. As a small interior design practice, every project is incredibly hands-on — from the first sketches to the final details. To see that dedication acknowledged by such a prestigious award body reinforces not only my vision as a designer, but also the belief that passion, persistence, and creativity can stand proudly alongside the best in the industry worldwide.
Questions answered by Lorraine Warwick-Ellis, Interiors Director of LWE Interiors.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a rich and relaxing residential design, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the SBID Icon Insights series features Harrods Interior Design. Harrods Interior Design is a quintessentially British interior design studio dedicated to the highest level of creative expression.
At Harrods Interior Design, sustainability underpins our design philosophy, and our designs incorporate natural features that enhance the built environment allowing our clients to experience the lasting value of thoughtful, sustainable choices. As we evolve our sustainability approach, we place significant emphasis on working with suppliers and contractors who share our values. We prioritize partnerships with those who actively demonstrate commitment to circularity, regeneration, climate impact reduction, and community wellbeing, while also upholding worker rights and safety standards.
With the always on, access-anything-anytime culture we now live in, the need for flexible Living spaces will continue to grow and designing for emotional ease and playful inspiration will be just as important as function. Focus will concentrate on sustainability with architectural resilience and low-tox living the priorities. Integrated tech, particularly the introduction of AI agents will soon become part of everyday life, the key to success will be designing smart interiors that still feel simple.
Most importantly, we have a sense of belonging to Harrods and its values - the dedication to its customers and its legacy for curating the finest in luxury living. This unique position allows us to deliver interiors that are not only beautifully designed but also infused with storytelling which is perfectly tailored for the people it is designed for.
We listen - to our clients, to the spaces we design, and to the ever-evolving relationship between form and function. We also adopt a co-authoring design journey with our clients, where we champion their engagement and take much pride in how this part of our process contributes to the success of our projects.
We have worked on a wide range of exceptional projects within the UK and abroad and are proud of the experiences they fostered.
One example of an iconic project we completed recently was a private residential home for a young couple. This was an international project which went through a 2-year design process to remodel an existing 80s-built shell and transform it into a Parisian-inspired sanctuary from the Empire design era of the early 1800s. It was a masterclass in meticulous research, design and execution and a jewel in our repertoire.
One of the main challenges when working on an international project, more specifically, is the collaborative and management piece with other consultants and disciplines, few of whom may not be familiar with the specifics of that territory. To overcome this, we not only reported weekly and comprehensively as the main conduit between all disciplines but were also based abroad for the duration of site operations and finishing. This adaptability to a project’s needs and pulling in the appropriate resources was key to the project’s journey.
For major projects, we collaborate with a team of exceptional consultants, with architects as our first and foremost partners in shaping the design vision. This design-led approach extends to specialists in lighting, acoustics, smart home systems, and landscape design (to name a few) —ensuring that every element is seamlessly integrated from the outset.
Crucially, our dedicated project management team plays a vital role in facilitating communication and coordinating requirements across this wider network of professionals. Their expertise ensures a structured workflow, maintaining efficiency throughout the project.
Absolutely. Our access to a network of suppliers, manufacturers, and brands is highly valued and we champion opportunities to collaborate to achieve something special together. As an example, we celebrated Harrods’ 175th anniversary last year and joined forced with another British institution to create a capsule collection of stunning wallpapers with Cole & Son. These partnerships allow us to create limited editions that elevate our designs beyond the ordinary or expected.
For our projects, we value our curated network which also enables us to provide a truly bespoke experience, offering our clients access to pieces and finishes not available anywhere else, ensuring that every interior we design is truly unique and refined.
About Harrods Interior Design
Harrods Interior Design is a quintessentially British interior design studio dedicated to the highest level of creative expression. A multidisciplinary practice of designers, interior architects and stylists, we are passionate about design and committed to delivering exceptional interiors. With respect for the past and an eye to the future, we work closely with our clients to design spaces with elegance and character, understanding that our role is to envision carefully considered, functional spaces that seamlessly integrate and reflect the client’s lifestyle. One of our greatest skills lies in bringing new ideas to challenging renovations and our mission is to create inspiring spaces that not only deliver the brief but exceed expectations. Harrods Interior Design are an international practice working with clients across the EMEA region. With a multitude of prestigious brands at our fingertips as well as relationships with a curated selection of specialist suppliers and craftsmen, our diverse and highly skilled design team embodies the store’s long-standing reputation for exceptional quality, expertise and excellence.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a rich and relaxing residential design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Georgina Robertson Interiors.
Georgina Robertson Interiors was chosen to design and specify the layout, lighting design, finishes, furniture and soft furnishings for Bullfinch Way. Maximising storage and decluttering this multi-functional kitchen, dining, and living room extension were key to the success of the project to create a calm but bright space to relax and entertain in. As a compact space, custom joinery was crucial to the design as well as clever lighting design to enhance the ambience in the evenings. Layering textures and prioritising hard wearing materials such as LVT and quartz were essential in this highly utilised and functional space.
Category: Residential Budget Up To £50,000
Design Practice: Georgina Robertson Interiors
Project Title: Bullfinch Way, Cambridge
Project Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Design Practice Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
The owner had hastily furnished the kitchen and extension when it was first built around 15 years ago, but it was never quite what she wanted, so she asked for my help. The client wanted to maximise storage and declutter the space entirely as well as having the perfect space to entertain and relax in the evening and at weekends.
She explained that she wanted the space to feel calm but bright even though she loved darker tones with minimal colour.
The client was inspired by Scandinavian and Japandi styles which heavily influenced the design direction from the beginning. The space needed to work hard to incorporate everything the client wanted so I approached the design trying to maximise every inch of space without making it feel overwhelming.
The slatted panelling that now frames the kitchen was the starting point for the dark accents and it links the cabinetry on either side of the living space. There’s a dramatic bulkhead over the island and into the extension so instead of trying to hide it, I decided to make it into a feature. You can see how the rich, dark elements in the design are set amid off-whites, adding definition while keeping an airy feel.
The main design hurdle was how to incorporate all the storage the client needed without making it feel cluttered or too full again. When installing, we pulled the tiles off the wall in the kitchen, the whole wall came down. The existing flooring had also been laid on top of old floor tiles which were both big setbacks which we weren’t expecting but were easy to overcome. They did delay the project but not hugely.
The highlight was seeing how well we had maximised a relatively small space and given the client everything she needed and more - with it still being beautiful and functional. The client had a bad experience with the initial extension build so to transform the space into something she loved was incredibly rewarding.
As a standalone, the pantry was a fantastic design choice and use of space - especially with the wine rack incorporated!
I felt this project was worthy of recognition on a wider scale. What we achieved with this size of budget is unheard of. We transformed a kitchen, snug, and dining space with all custom joinery, quartz worktops, new appliances, furniture, and lighting all for under £50,000 to an exceptionally high standard which we pride ourselves on.
The client was over the moon, so it only felt right to enter this project to the SBID awards.
We’ve had some amazing engagement on our social media from old and new followers, supporting the achievement in itself and also voting for us in the awards. Just to be recognised as a finalist in such a prestigious award is incredible and we feel privileged to be involved this year.
Questions answered by Georgina Robertson, Founder of Georgina Robertson Interiors.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a neutral and warm office design, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the SBID Icon Insights series features Kris Turnbull Studios. The design studio specialises in bespoke residential projects ranging from traditional country estates to contemporary holiday homes.
My style has evolved over time and is very much inspired by my travels. I have been fortunate to visit many countries and experience so many exciting cultures and ways of life. Since early 2024 I’m renovating a unique property in Holywood, County Down, a beautiful hidden gem dating back to 1838, it’s going to be stunning!
Everyone gets involved! We’ve a dynamic team of 22 people, each role and every person on the team is vital to the overall success of a project completion. We have weekly planning meetings to prepare for the week ahead, we brainstorm and look at each project from all the various disciplines and directions. We set goals and objectives and I encourage the team to work together seamlessly with empathy and patience, leveraging their collective skills and knowledge to overcome challenges and achieve a successful result.
Staying ahead in design isn’t about chasing every trend; it’s about staying aware and well informed whilst creating timeless designs that aligns with your clients. The creative team & I take trips throughout the year to visit our trusted suppliers, many of them who have become close friends. We always look forward to our visits to Chelsea Design Harbour, the annual design weeks in Paris and Milan and our supplier factory visits. I absolutely love visiting the extraordinary workshops of our manufacturers, it’s a privilege to be able to support and continue the centuries old craftsmanship of these ateliers and workshops.
We act as a creative partner to craft our client’s vison for their project, creating unique and thoughtful concepts, sensitive to the property, its location and heritage rather than a standard house style. The whole team is passionate about design and provides a truly personal service to each and every client. The creative team fully develop every aspect of each individual project: from spatial planning, lighting design, furniture layouts, bespoke joinery, kitchen and bathroom designs to specifying the finest furniture, luxury fabrics and so much more to achieve an end result that works. This is what good design is all about, creating a home that functions as well as it looks.
On reflection probably the biggest learn from working on projects is to ensure that the interior design team are engaged early enough in the project, something that often is out of our control. The bones of the building works are quite often well underway when we are appointed, when the contractor starts to request further details in relation the design intent and some of the key features of the home. The challenge for our team is trying to stay in front of the contractors, working under pressure to ensure we were a step ahead, this can in turn put the client under pressure to make decisions quickly. Encouraging our clients to start the process earlier has helped improve the flow of projects and the wider project team success.
Over the past number of years, I have been a guest lecturer at the Art College extending this to sponsorship of various awards to encourage students and the designers of the future. Annually the students attend the studio to meet the team and the various disciplines participating in the daily life of working in the design industry.
Creative collaboration isn’t always easy. Mutual respect for each other’s professions, ideas and methods will go a long way to cultivating creative collaboration. We have developed a good strong network of trusted peers and this helps us all work as a successful project team. Each designer or architect will approach a project differently, that’s what makes our world so exciting; we respect this however always remember the client is the most important person in the process.
About Kris Turnbull Studios
Kris Turnbull Studios is an interior design studio specialising in bespoke residential projects ranging from traditional country estates to contemporary holiday homes. Set within a stunning, converted Grade B-listed church in Belfast, Kris Turnbull Studios is one of a kind. The impressive 5,000 sq. ft design studio with luxury boutique-style showroom, features a selection of lifestyle rooms with a fashionable blend of the finest furniture, most luxurious fabrics and exquisite home accessories from around the world. Dedicated to design through the eyes of each client; Kris and his multi-disciplinary team approach every commission in a tailored fashion, creating unique and thoughtful designs, from concept to completion. The accomplished team of interior architects & designers create the ultimate interior solutions designing from the inside out seamlessly integrating the component parts of each individual project. Creating beautiful homes is woven into our design heritage. Our extensive range of expertise ensures that we remain at the forefront of luxury design. With over 30 projects running concurrently, Kris’s true expertise lies in the connection with his clients and translating their personalities into the design of their homes.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a neutral and warm office design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Paola Leon Design.
PLD have delivered a detailed and considered refurbishment, revitalising the co-working spaces to Capital Tower, Waterloo. Building elements have been carefully selected, repurposing and recycling where possible to minimise renewal. Existing and new are combined to create a cohesive look and feel. All spaces are unified with neutral warm hues, feature lighting, natural eco-friendly materials and accents of colour. Dynamic and flexible workspaces encourage movement and interaction. Amenities, social spaces, group, solo or quiet work settings all combine to deliver a space that is inviting and delightful to clients, colleagues and collaborators, encouraging personal inventiveness and creativity.
Category: Office Design Under 2,000 SqM
Design Practice: Paola Leon Design
Project Title: Capital Tower
Project Location: London, United Kingdom
Design Practice Location: London, United Kingdom
The client brief was to create a sustainable, dynamic and flexible workspace that encouraged movement and interaction. The space needed to be inviting and delightful to clients, colleagues and collaborators, memorable, practical and future proof.
A recent visit to Japan provided the opportunity to re-experience elegant traditional design and sleek modern interiors. Minimalism, functionality and natural materials seemed the perfect combination to create a welcoming and sophisticated space.
We combined this with feature lighting, a bright warm palette, tactile materials and familiar furnishing to complete the design.
To meet sustainability targets we aimed to retain as much of the existing fit-out as we could. This involved assessing the existing elements, reviewing their condition and working to incorporate them into the design where possible.
This was time consuming, however, extremely rewarding as we were able to retain an intricate bespoke metal ceiling to the office spaces and revealed previously covered slot windows along the façade.
The highlight was the attention to detail we were able to go to on the joinery items. The construction and materiality really bring a high-quality feel to the space. A highlight was the timber coffered ceiling. This is a real statement piece, and when combined with the feature pendant lighting it gives a memorable first impression.
As an organisation SBID represents interior designers at the highest level, championing quality and professionalism both in the UK and internationally.
With these credentials entering the awards allows us to showcase our best work and presents an opportunity (if shortlisted) to measure how we compare to others in our industry.
Being a finalist means a huge amount to the business, the associated media, social and PR platforms of SBID brings great exposure to our studio.
Being able to associate ourselves with the values, reputation and international recognition of SBID allows us to demonstrate the quality of our design work not just for this year but years to come.
Questions answered by Paola Leon, Founder & Lead Designer at Paola Leon Design.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring an intricate and creative residential design, click here to read it.
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