Róisín Lafferty Designs a Story-Driven Environment that Balances Privacy and Connection

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an expressive office design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Róisín Lafferty.

The Malin South Gulch is a members-only co-working space that reimagines the workplace through expressive, story-driven design. Reflecting both The Malin’s ethos and the creative energy of Nashville, Róisín Lafferty’s vision delivers on the brand’s core promise: to offer thoughtfully designed environments that enable people to work beautifully. Set within a 1930s former John Deere warehouse in the vibrant South Gulch neighborhood, the interior blends industrial character with sculptural detail, rich materiality, and functional elegance. The result is an inspiring, immersive space that balances creativity and comfort—elevating the everyday experience of work.

What was the client's brief?

The Malin team asked us to design a members-only co-working space that would reflect Nashville’s creative energy while delivering on the brand’s ethos of thoughtful, elevated work environments. Housed in a 1930s John Deere warehouse in South Gulch, the project marked The Malin’s first collaboration with an external design studio. The brief was about balance: preserving the industrial heritage while transforming it into a richly layered, immersive destination where members; many of them creatives and entrepreneurs - could feel inspired, supported, and part of a community. At 1,130 sqm, the space needed to function intuitively, with zones that could adapt to different working styles while still feeling like one cohesive narrative.

What inspired the design of the project?

The inspiration came directly from Nashville itself: its rhythm, grit, and layered cultural identity. We wanted the space to unfold like a cinematic sequence of chapters, with each zone offering a distinct mood and pace. From a sunlit atrium to quiet corners, from phone booths to a library-style lounge, members are guided through a story-driven environment that balances privacy and connection.

Materiality was crucial. Rich rosewood, terrazzo, coloured glass, and brass are layered with softer boucle, leather, limewashed walls, and velvet upholstery. Natural light floods through undressed Crittall windows, animating surfaces like lacquered cabinetry, marble accents, and bespoke joinery. Colour was used not just decoratively, but as a tool to set tone and atmosphere; tonal contrasts in the library encourage focus, while playful pattern mixing elsewhere sparks creativity. The aim was never to feel like a traditional office; instead, The Malin South Gulch is a sensory hub of creativity and comfort, where sculptural furniture, vintage finds, and commissioned artwork merge storytelling, function, and soulful elegance.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The biggest challenge was the tight programme and geography. Designing from Dublin while sourcing lighting, vintage furniture, and artisan craft in Nashville required immense coordination. Lead times were tight, and every decision had to balance logistics with uncompromising design quality. At the same time, the technical challenge was to reinvent a co-working model often dominated by utilitarian layouts. We wanted to deliver a bold, maximalist, story-driven workplace without sacrificing function. That meant carefully choreographing how each environment connected: sculptural joinery doubling as infrastructure, tonal zoning guiding moods, and layered acoustics ensuring productivity. It stretched us, but ultimately made the project richer and more deeply grounded in its Nashville context.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight was the collaboration with exceptional craftspeople and furniture makers, both in Ireland and locally in Nashville. Every element, from custom rosewood stools and marble bullnose tables to amber crystal privacy screens and striped rosewood reception cladding – was bespoke, designed for this project. That gave us the freedom to experiment with materials and forms, pushing the design beyond standard workplace solutions. Seeing those sketches evolve into sculptural pieces that now define the character of the interiors was incredibly rewarding. They bring individuality and richness – a mirrored ceiling in the library reflecting playful striped banquettes, a boldly coloured kitchen with stained timber joinery, a central marble-topped desk beneath an oversized pendant. These moments make the space feel truly one-of-a-kind and memorable.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The Malin is a brand committed to elevating the experience of work, and this project exemplifies how design can transform a workplace into a destination. By merging storytelling, cultural grounding, and innovation – while championing wellbeing and community; it challenges what a co-working space can be. SBID provides an international platform that celebrates bold creativity, and we wanted to share how design can turn the everyday act of working into something inspiring.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

It’s a huge achievement for us. Being recognised at this level reinforces the importance of storytelling, craftsmanship, and collaboration in our work. It also demonstrates our ability to deliver ambitious, detail-driven projects globally, even with the challenges of distance. For the team, it’s a proud moment; proof that thoughtful, design-led workplaces resonate just as strongly as homes or hospitality spaces.

Questions answered by Róisín Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a warm and tactile retail design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Solid Design Studio.

Solid Design Studio was assigned to redesign the Curtain Library retail space with a focus on creating an immersive, interactive customer experience. The project transforms a previously linear layout into a fluid, multifunctional environment using curved elements and flexible zoning. A custom curved curtain track serves as both a functional and visual centerpiece, dividing the space while maintaining openness. Key features include interactive material displays, seasonal showcases, and dedicated zones for informal and formal consultations. The design reflects the brand’s identity while enhancing customer engagement, offering a warm, tactile, and visually compelling retail destination.

What was the client's brief?

The main brief in redesigning the Curtain Library retail space was to reimagine its layout, transitioning from a straightforward linear walkway to a more fluid and dynamic design. Our central concept was to create an environment that encourages interaction and exploration, where curved elements symbolize movement and flexibility, inviting customers to engage with the space in a more dynamic way. At the heart of the design, the curved curtain display track serves as a centrepiece, subtly dividing the floor into distinct zones while maintaining an open and airy atmosphere. This approach not only improves circulation and enhances the overall customer journey but also emphasizes adaptability, allowing the space to function seamlessly for casual conversations, immersive browsing, or even private events to reflecting our commitment to both customer satisfaction and innovative design.

What inspired the design of the project?

The Curtain Library redefines retail through a fluid layout inspired by movement and exploration. Curves form the foundation of the design, introducing flexibility and a sense of flow that guides customers through the space. The central curtain track anchors the concept, balancing visual impact with adaptability for both display and private consultation. Drawing from the tactile qualities of fabric, layered textures and curated seasonal showcases enrich the experience, while distinct zones foster meaningful interaction. The result is a retail environment that seamlessly blends form and function, elevating both brand identity and customer engagement.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The toughest hurdle was aligning communication between all parties, from translating drawings into real customer experiences, to ensuring the final design was both eye-catching and true to the concept. On top of that, working within a renowned mall in Bangsar meant adhering to strict timelines and overnight work. Completing the entire scope within just one month was a challenge, but it pushed our team to be precise, adaptive, and highly collaborative throughout the process.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The real highlight for our team was the collaboration behind the project. Despite the tight one-month timeline and overnight work, every member from designers to contractors all came together with a shared vision. Seeing that teamwork translates into a space where customers could truly engage and connect was incredibly rewarding. It reminded us that great design isn’t just about the outcome, but the people who bring it to life.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards is one of the most reputable competitions in the industry, and entering felt like the right platform to showcase our work on an international stage. For us, it’s not just about gaining recognition, but also celebrating our team’s creativity and dedication. Being part of the awards is already a form of validation, and it allows us to share our design journey and honour the effort that went into bringing this project to life.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an Award Finalist has been both an honour and a source of motivation for our team. It’s a proud moment that validates the creativity and dedication we poured into the project, while also giving our studio recognition on a larger stage. For us, it’s not only about business growth, but also about the encouragement to keep challenging ourselves and creating designs that truly make a difference.

Questions answered by Wilson Tan, Managing Director of Solid Design Studio.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern and industrial kitchen design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Sticks+Stones Design.

Sticks+Stones Design was commissioned to create a space for these clients linking the home with a bold and strong kitchen creating connection of living spaces for the family. This design a Canvas for their colourful art collection and everyday life.

What was the client's brief?

This kitchen is part of a renovation of a 1940s-era home in central Auckland, for a family of four with teenage children. It's often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home; in this case, it truly is, as it serves as the only link between the living and outdoor areas, dining, and the other areas of the home.

The brief was to make this a family hub where they could all comfortably enjoy each other’s company, as well as enhance the flow through to the other parts of the house. They requested a modern, industrial vibe and a palette that would showcase their art collection and other colourful touches throughout their home.

What inspired the design of the project?

Much of the inspiration came from my client's art collection; the amount of colour and vibrancy required a robust and grounded design. Existing structural elements in the home (and the renovation), such as beams and partition walls, had to be worked around, as well as the skylights, which were already in place. The design and layout of this kitchen was created as a connection point; a space that had good flow but connected everyone and all the areas of the house.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

With renovations of older homes, there are always hurdles: walls that can’t be moved, uneven floors, structural beams, and differing ceiling heights. All these factors came into play with this project, which made things a little more challenging. But we enhanced the space and gave character.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

It was very rewarding seeing the island coming together; being completely clad in porcelain, including hidden storage along the front, and the customised metal frame. However, the biggest highlight for us was seeing the custom light being installed over the island; the way that it suspended over the skylight, creating a sculptural component, was very fitting with the client's brief and the overall look and aesthetic of this kitchen.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Coming from New Zealand, which has a very small population, I wanted to push my designs into the global arena to test the waters and see how they would fare on a larger stage. Seeing what is being designed internationally and being part of that is very exciting and ultimately very motivating, making sure that our little nation’s design is keeping up with the rest of the world.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Personally, it has been one of the highlights of my career. It really puts into perspective what we are capable of, even though feeling very far away. It's reassuring to know that we are judged and can stand alongside such amazing peers in the global design industry. It now feels like there are no limits and anything is possible, no matter where you’re from, how far away, or how big or small.

Questions answered by Katie Scott, Director of Sticks+Stones Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an elegant show flat design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, CHIL Interior Design.

CHIL Interior Design was commissioned to design the Latitude on Cambie Presentation Centre in Vancouver. The concept balances boldness with refinement, using rich materiality and sculptural elements to create an immersive experience for potential homeowners. Key features include a dramatic marble reception desk and a ribbon-like ceiling installation that introduces softness and movement to the linear space. Carefully zoned layouts, layered textures, and two contrasting model suites showcase the development’s design versatility. More than just a sales environment, the centre was envisioned as a sensory journey—emotive, elegant, and highly functional—capturing the spirit of contemporary West Coast living.

What was the client's brief?

The client wanted a high-impact presentation centre and show suites that would resonate with Vancouver’s discerning real estate market, particularly international luxury buyers. The brief was to create an immersive experience at Latitude on Cambie Presentation Centre that would not only showcase the quality of the residences but also set an elevated first impression for the entire development. The space also needed to be versatile, supporting a range of client functions and sales events while maintaining its polished, design-forward presence.

What inspired the design of the project?

We drew inspiration from both the sophistication of Vancouver’s global real estate audience and the cultural nuances of the target market. This informed our use of bold materiality, such as the dramatic veining of marble at the reception desk and stone-wrapped columns. In the show suites, one palette emphasizes serenity through pale oak tones, soft textiles, and a lively stone backsplash that energizes the kitchen, while the other embraces richness with dramatic walnut finishes and brushed metals. Layered details like under-shelf lighting, smoked glass closets, and spa-like bathrooms balance luxury with functionality, ensuring the spaces feel aspirational yet liveable.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

A key challenge was bringing the expandable kitchen island to life. Designed to retract or expand as needed for both entertaining and everyday living, the mechanics required an innovative solution. Thanks to our collaboration with our kitchen partner at Inform, we were able to bring this crucial design feature into the show suite.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

A highlight for our team was the successful execution of the custom ribbon ceiling feature. Its billowing form was designed to soften the geometry of the sales gallery while guiding the flow of the space. Executing that concept required extensive coordination between designers, fabricators, and installers. The precision needed to suspend and align each segment seamlessly was a challenge, but the end result created a striking focal point that elevated the entire presentation centre.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards celebrate design excellence on a global stage, and we saw this as an opportunity to showcase the innovation, cultural sensitivity, and design storytelling that went into Latitude on Cambie. Entering the awards also reflects our ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of what interior design can achieve.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being named a finalist is a meaningful recognition of our team’s creativity and hard work. It validates our design approach and reinforces CHIL’s position as a leader in crafting immersive spaces that resonate with both local and international audiences.

Insights by CHIL Interior Design, with contributions by Carolyn Kaczmarek.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a bold beauty salon design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Róisín Lafferty.

Róisín Lafferty was tasked with designing Base & Boon 2.0, a bold reimagining of the salon experience located in the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Initiated by two visionary female entrepreneurs, the project expands the Base & Boon brand by introducing a pioneering concept: an inclusive, multifunctional beauty hub where independent therapists across disciplines work side by side. Located within Saudi Arabia’s first Special Economic Zone, the space sets a new standard by combining luxury services with a co-working model that welcomes both male and female professionals and clients, marking a first of its kind in the region.

What was the client's brief?

The founders of Base & Boon wanted to completely reimagine what a salon could be. Their vision was bold: not only a luxurious beauty destination but also a pioneering co-working hub for independent therapists across hair, nails, skincare and massage. It needed to feel empowering, safe, and inclusive; a true first of its kind in Saudi Arabia. They gave us full creative freedom to design something future facing and immersive, a space that reflected their vibrant brand identity while fostering both individuality and community.

What inspired the design of the project?

The ampersand in the brand’s logo became our guiding motif. It symbolises connection between beauty and business, work and wellness, professionals and clients. That concept informed the architecture: a sculptural central reception cylinder anchors the space, with each treatment zone radiating from it like branches of a journey. This layout allows the salon to unfold in stages, so every guest experiences a sense of discovery. The design blends functionality with a deliberate theatricality; sweeping ombré sheers, concealed doors, and catwalk-like walkways transform everyday treatments into immersive, almost performative moments.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Managing the build remotely from Dublin while the site was in Riyadh was a huge challenge. Every detail had to meet our exacting standards without us being physically present. To solve this, the main contractor created a series of prototypes; custom junctions, finishes, even gradient effects, which the client could review on site and we could assess over video calls. This process demanded patience and precision, but it ensured that the tactile richness - from polished plaster to tinted Perspex and resin - was executed flawlessly. It pushed all of us to be more collaborative, and ultimately the result feels as considered and crafted as if we had been on site every day.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

There were two standout moments. The first was in the early design stages; pulling together a palette of finishes that felt nothing like a traditional wellness or beauty salon. Bold, vibrant and dramatic, it combined polished steel, glossy tiles and coloured glass to set the tone for a new kind of experience: a collaborative, energetic unisex salon where clients could explore, connect, and create memorable moments. The second highlight was seeing those theatrical elements installed on site; the sweeping ombré curtains, the sculptural reception cylinder, the mirrored catwalk-like walkways. Each required immense collaboration and craftsmanship to perfect, and to watch them go from sketches to reality was incredibly rewarding.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards are a global benchmark for design excellence, and this project felt worthy of that platform. Beauty environments are often overlooked in design conversations, but Base & Boon 2.0 is a world-first typology: a hybrid of luxury salon, co-working hub, and cultural platform. It proves that even highly functional spaces can be bold, immersive, and boundary-pushing.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

It’s a huge honour for our studio. Being shortlisted validates the ambition and hard work that went into delivering such a pioneering project, not just for our team, but for our visionary clients. It’s also opened doors internationally, demonstrating that we can design and deliver innovative, detail-driven environments anywhere in the world. Most of all, it’s given our team immense pride and momentum to keep creating projects that surprise, delight, and redefine expectations.

Questions answered by Róisín Lafferty, Founder and Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a timeless home design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Zophia Scarlett Interiors.

Following a significant life event, Zophia Scarlett Interiors was commissioned for a complete interior refresh to transform their client's house into a true reflection of who he is today. The brief called for a timeless design that balances warmth, functionality, and brings heart back in to this home. The design features natural materials, custom joinery, and a refined, masculine palette, with feminine touches to create an inviting space. Reconfigured layouts, layered lighting, and thoughtful details support both everyday living and family connection. The result is a deeply personal space; a home that represents a fresh chapter in their client’s life.

What was the client's brief?

Our client came to us wanting a fresh start. Following a difficult time in his personal life, he had spent several years in a home that was a constant reminder of a previous life. He was ready to transform it into something reflective of who he is today; a warm, welcoming environment where he and his child could connect, grow, and create new memories together.

The brief centred on creating a home that felt both grounded and elevated. The client wanted a clean, modern-traditional aesthetic with subtle masculine undertones, softened with a female touch.

Key requirements included:
- Reimagining the layout with considered spatial planning to improve the flow.
- Introducing functional and decorative lighting, replacing the oversized, dated fittings.
- Incorporating durable, natural materials such as timber, stone, and linen.
- Designing ample built-in storage specifically to their needs to reduce visual clutter and create a renewed sense of order.

Ultimately, the vision was to deliver a space that felt calm, confident, and deeply personal; a true reflection of the next chapter in our client’s life.

What inspired the design of the project?

As a bachelor, it was important to our client that the design had a masculine feel, but with a feminine influence throughout. Achieving this balance set the tone for the entire design direction: grounded yet elevated, confident yet welcoming.

For me, the starting point was the property itself. It had solid bones and strong potential, but the interiors felt flat and underwhelming with clutter and ill-fitting furniture. My aim was to deliver a timeless design at the core with clean, modern-traditional lines and then layer in texture, colour, and natural materials to add depth, personality, and emotion. Ultimately, it was about transforming a magnolia, lifeless house into a home with presence, and authenticity.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

By far the biggest challenge was our client’s deep distrust of trades, built from past negative experiences. This meant his natural disposition was to question almost every element of the process, which could have slowed progress and created unnecessary tension. I saw it as my role to manage this carefully—positioning myself between the client and the trades, ensuring clear communication, and demonstrating the professionalism and skill of my team.

I strongly believe that great design only becomes reality through the craft and dedication of talented tradespeople. Execution is often where the magic truly happens. By maintaining trust, clarity, and collaboration throughout, we not only delivered the project on time but also changed the client’s perception—he was delighted with both the journey and the results - all whilst I was pregnant, completing when I was 39 weeks and due into hospital the following week.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Although my client was unable to move out during most of the process, I was able to persuade him to leave for three days so that my team and I could complete and style the project for a true grand reveal. That moment was the absolute highlight for us. His reaction said it all; he admitted that if he had known his home would turn out this way, he would have trusted the process from the very beginning. What touched us most was his shift in perspective: before, he referred to it as his house, but now he proudly calls it his home.

To further reinforce this, he even invited a renowned local estate agent to view the finished property. Not only did it exceed his personal expectations, but the valuation also confirmed a significant increase in the property’s worth. This was an outcome that made the transformation even more rewarding.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

I entered the SBID Awards because they represent one of the most respected benchmarks of excellence in the design industry, and I wanted to showcase a project that I believe deserved recognition. This particular project was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my career, delivered under immense time pressure, while also overcoming my client’s deep distrust of the process. To see the transformation not only delight him but also significantly increase the value of his property was something I am deeply proud of.

On a personal level, I am naturally competitive, and I love pushing myself and my work to the highest standard. Entering the SBID Awards felt like the perfect way to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and collaboration that went into this project, while also challenging myself and my team against the very best in the industry.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an SBID International Design Awards Finalist is an incredible honour for me and my studio at this early stage. I am proud to be recognised alongside such talented designers, and this milestone inspires me to keep pushing for excellence for my clients and my creative possibilities.

Questions answered by Zophia Scarlett Cleghorn, Director of Zophia Scarlett Interiors.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a sleek kitchen design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, German Kitchens.

Faced with a stunning backdrop and a challenging interior German Kitchens Limited were handed a renovation project that would test their skill level and broaden their search for the best products, all while creating the perfect environment for their clients wishes. This beautifully located residence in Queenstown, New Zealand required specialist assistance to turn a very tired and dated existing kitchen into the ideal entertaining space. Challengers were met and overcome and a worldwide search was undertaken to find the perfect benchtop and splashback material to replicate the Remarkable mountain range that hovered above the property and the lake beyond.

What was the client's brief?

My clients were renovating their exquisitely located, elevated home in Queenstown New Zealand and are frequent entertainers and passionate cooks so their wish was for a large functional kitchen with lots of separate working and entertaining spaces. They also desired an area to hide away the small appliances and mess when they entertain. Some informal seating where the stunning lake views and warm afternoon sun can be appreciated and a separate coffee area and wine fridge added to their wish list.

What inspired the design of the project?

As the kitchen was very much a part of their main living area, my clients desired a kitchen that would act as both the daily cooking and socialising family space and when entertaining was able to accommodate large groups, extended family and social gatherings. In response we centred a very long large island in the middle of the room with social cooking and easy cleaning located on the island for maximum functionality and flow. This allowed us to then create locations for the tall appliances, coffee station, wine area and a pocket door cabinet to hide away the small appliances. The design then allowed us to create a lowered servery under the window to allow the perfect entertainers kitchen.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Our biggest challenge was that there were two windows along the North Wall and these were different heights due to one being in the raised kitchen and the other on the normal floor level. This presented us with an issue that to keep both windows would mean that they would be different heights with one far too high to be functional. As the New Zealand sun travels East to West across the Northern sky, a North facing window is desirable due to the light and the warmth it brings. To remove a North facing window is normally not advised without good cause. We looked at lowering the higher window, but this would involve major rework to the exterior cladding of the home and this was something the client was reluctant to do due to the costs and uncertainty. Therefore, we had to make a very good case with the proposed design to prove that the window should be covered over for the best interests, functionality and aesthetic of the desired kitchen. Thankfully the design won through as the client could see how the kitchen space was vastly improved without the higher window and that we had worked out a solution to still retain the desired sunlight into the space.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

My client’s home is surrounded by the world famous 'The Remarkable's' (aptly named) mountain range that hovers over my clients home and looks ominous raising sharply from Lake Wakatipu with its dark Greywacke Rock and snow filled crevices. While these stunning mountains surround the home, they are not seen from the kitchen area as the architecture has been designed to face the Lake. Therefore, I wanted to bring The Remarkable's into the home through the use of natural stone. We searched far and wide and found a stunning stone in Spain called Sensa Black Beauty by Cosentino which creates a synergy with the mountain range with its black base with snow filled highlights. The Black Beauty benchtop material was carefully hand-picked in a leathered finish to allow a very natural and tactile response in a rugged environment. The design of the kitchen, and especially the island was adjusted to suit the overall lengths of the Black Beauty slabs.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

It's the one award that I am determined to win. I have been a finalist in the SBID Awards 9 times (including this year) and have still not won it yet. I have attended the fabulous Awards evenings in London 5 times and that’s a lot considering we live in the furthest country from England. I have watched three of my design peers from NZ win the award and I would dearly love to add this award to my list of achievements.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Winning awards is key to our business as it is another way of proving our design capabilities and professionalism when you are judged by your peers. Our clients respect the SBID awards and show that our design work is at an international level and has a desirable aesthetic.

Questions answered by Damian Hannah, Lead Designer at German Kitchens.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a characterful cottage design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Isobel Star Interior Design.

Isobel Star Interior Design was commissioned to reimagine a historic holiday cottage in Helmsley, to balance character with modern comfort. The design sensitively embraced the cottage’s charm and thoughtfully updated it and maximised functionality. A mix of vintage finds, natural materials, and a warm, timeless palette creates a welcoming, layered, lived-in feel. The bold yellow front door ensures the cottage stands out in holiday listings, while evoking the charm of long English summer days.

What was the client's brief?

The clients wanted to create a holiday home that felt warm and personal while keeping the charm of the Victorian railway cottage. Their aim was to offer guests something more thoughtful and unique than a standard holiday let, comfortable, welcoming, and full of character. It also had to be practical and easy for the clients to maintain.

What inspired the design of the project?

The cottage itself was the main source of inspiration. I worked with its original features, existing elements such as the bathroom sanitaryware, and the building’s quirks rather than against them choosing colours, textures, and details that embraced the cottage’s history and its countryside setting. I wanted the interior to have the storybook quality of an English country cottage.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Working within a tight budget was the biggest challenge. We had to make careful choices about where to invest and where to be resourceful. Combining bespoke joinery, window dressings, and quality finishes with vintage finds and high street pieces gave us the right balance.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing the cottage come together as a space that feels both calm and inviting was a real highlight. The tradespeople and delivery teams loved being there as the project took shape, often commenting on how charming and welcoming the cottage felt. The clients are delighted with the finished result, and it has been hugely rewarding to see it so warmly received. Guests have shared wonderful feedback about the interiors, and the cottage is now fully booked well into 2026, with many already planning return visits.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards are highly respected in the industry, and it felt like the right platform to share a project that shows what can be achieved even on a tight budget and to celebrate the collaborative effort with my clients.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

It has been a huge boost. As a young studio, it is encouraging to have this recognition so early on. It has helped raise the profile of my work and given me confidence to continue creating projects that are thoughtful and honour the setting and soul of a building.

Questions answered by Isobel Star, Interior Designer & Founder of Isobel Star Design Studio.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a seamless and cohesive residential design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Róisín Lafferty.

Róisín Lafferty was commissioned to reimagine two neighbouring semi-detached properties as one highly functional, long-term family home. The brief required a complete spatial rethink while retaining two entrances, staircases, and mechanical systems. The goal was to create a seamless, cohesive interior that could eventually be divided into two independent homes for the client’s children. The point where the properties meet became the design’s central focus.

What was the client's brief?

The clients wanted to merge two neighbouring semi-detached houses into one forever family home - but with the ability to divide them again in the future for the next generation. The challenge was to create a seamless, unified interior while retaining two staircases, entrances, and independent systems. At the heart of the brief was flexibility: a home that could evolve over time without compromising function or flow. The brief also celebrated connection to the larger garden, ensuring key views and interactions with the landscape from multiple rooms, while eliminating wasted corridors so that every space had purpose.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design centred on the point where the two houses meet. Instead of disguising the joint, we made it the conceptual heart of the home, incorporating a sculptural sunken lounge at the original boundary line. This recessed lounge – finished with an inset marble floor and mirrored ceiling to reflect the garden indoors – became the hub that unites both houses. From here, a terrace extends the geometry into the garden, further strengthening the indoor / outdoor connection.

Throughout the house, the concept was about balance and discovery: twin music rooms linked by cobalt shelving that wraps around a central chimney breast, concealed oversized pivot doors that read as seamless wall panels, and a monumental steel-clad sliding screen that can transform the spatial flow. The playfulness of the layout encourages exploration, with endless routes and subtle surprises, while still maintaining proportion and calm.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

One of the biggest challenges was the technical complexity of merging two houses into one while keeping them fully independent behind the scenes. Every system, from underfloor heating to lighting, data wiring, and ventilation; had to be designed to work both together and separately. Structurally, new connections had to be created without introducing visual obstructions. Balancing that level of engineering with the desire for a seamless, calm aesthetic required meticulous planning, smart routing for services, and constant collaboration across trades. It meant rethinking how we normally approach design and construction, but it allowed the project to function beautifully now while remaining future proof for generations to come.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight was seeing the two houses truly come together as one; not just structurally, but emotionally. Spaces like the twin music rooms, unified by cobalt shelving and a shared chimney breast, embody that balance between individuality and cohesion. And the sunken lounge at the centre, with its sculptural form and connection to the garden, felt like the moment the vision became reality. For the team, it was incredibly rewarding to watch the design evolve from concept into a home that feels both elegant and deeply liveable.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Because this project embodies what great design can do: solve highly technical challenges while creating a home that feels calm, generous, and deeply personal. It’s deceptively complex, and we wanted to celebrate that on an international stage.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

It’s hugely affirming for our team and our clients. It shows that innovation, adaptability, and forward-thinking design resonate far beyond Ireland. For us, it reinforces the importance of pushing boundaries while always keeping the needs of the family at the centre.

Questions answered by Róisín Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director at Róisín Lafferty.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a refined penthouse design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, La Bottega Interiors.

La Bottega Interiors was commissioned to design the Delano Penthouse, set at the pinnacle of the newly opened Delano Dubai. Conceived as a private sanctuary rather than traditional hotel accommodation, the 850-square-metre residence blends the warmth of a refined home with the elevated service of a five-star resort. The design balances bold identity with operational functionality, using intuitive spatial planning to separate guest and service zones. Rich materiality—including Calacatta Borghini marble, custom timber marquetry, and sculpted oak joinery—creates a tactile, immersive experience. Expansive terraces, an infinity pool, and bespoke amenities complete this elevated expression of experiential luxury living.

What was the client's brief?

The client’s brief was to create an ultra-luxury penthouse that feels at once like a private residence and an effortless resort retreat. It needed to reflect the Delano brand’s spirit of convivial sophistication and discretion, while providing generous spaces for entertaining, seamless indoor-outdoor living with panoramic terraces and a rooftop pool, five calm ensuite bedrooms, and high-performance service areas. The design was to balance understated glamour with timeless materials, bespoke detailing, and curated FF&E from leading international brands.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design embraces a neutral, light-toned palette of whites, creams, and soft natural shades that defines the Delano identity. Originating in Miami, the brand established a distinctive language of serenity and effortless sophistication, where texture and light are complemented by carefully chosen accent marbles and colors. In the Dubai Sky Villa, this palette is reinterpreted with feature marbles, tactile woods, and subtle metallics, enriching the brand’s signature clarity with a contextual warmth suited to its Gulf setting. The intricacy of Dubai’s cultural tapestry also inspired the flooring, expressed through a bespoke timber design that adds depth, artistry, and a sense of place.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The toughest hurdle was adapting the space, which was originally conceived as a restaurant, into a residential penthouse. The ceiling heights were unusually high for a residence, and the arrival sequence was through a long corridor, both of which could have felt awkward. We turned these challenges into opportunities: the tall ceilings became a dramatic backdrop for layered interiors, and the long arrival corridor was transformed into a feature experience with an enfilade of columns and integrated lighting, creating a striking, ceremonial entry that sets the tone for the penthouse.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The team’s highlight was transforming the Penthouse into a seamless blend of residential comfort and an entertainment suite. Key moments included creating the feature arrival corridor with its enfilade of columns and integrated lighting, designing bespoke timber flooring inspired by Dubai’s intricate cultural tapestry, and layering the interiors with feature marbles, tactile woods, and subtle metallics to reinterpret the Delano palette for a Gulf context. Seeing the space come together as a cohesive, luxurious, and livable home that still embodies the brand’s signature sophistication was truly the most rewarding achievement.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards because they are one of the most prestigious design awards globally, recognized for celebrating excellence in creativity, innovation, and functionality. Being based in London, the heart of international design, the SBID Awards provide a platform that goes far beyond regional recognition — it allows our work to be seen on a global stage. For us, this project embodies a unique design rooted in cultural authenticity yet expressed with modern refinement. Entering SBID not only highlights the project’s values of craftsmanship, detail, and hospitality, but also gives us the opportunity to position our practice within an international community of leading designers.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an SBID Award Finalist has been an incredible honor and a milestone for our practice. It validates the hard work, creativity, and collaboration that went into this project, while giving us international recognition on one of the most prestigious design platforms. For our business, it has strengthened our visibility globally, positioned us among leading design firms, and reinforced the trust our clients place in us. Most importantly, it motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and delivering designs that are both meaningful and timeless.

Questions answered by Sahar Al Yaseer & Cristina Gallenca, Partners at La Bottega Interiors.