Studio 502 Shows How Heritage and Modernity Can Co-Exist Without Compromise

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a lively and cosy restaurant design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Studio 502.

Studio 502 was commissioned to reimagine Villa Tončić, a protected 1920s Secessionist villa in Split, as a contemporary dining destination. Bound by preservation rules, the studio retained the villa’s historic fabric, introducing subtle interventions to enhance the atmosphere and improve the flow. Subtle interventions defined the villa's character without disruption. Outdoor furniture found on-site was restored and reintegrated. Working within a modest budget, the team focused on high-impact gestures. The result is an inviting, layered space that honours the building’s legacy while meeting the needs of a modern, all-day restaurant, welcoming guests year-round and restoring its civic and cultural relevance.

What was the client's brief?

The client wanted a restaurant that felt cosy and lively — an inviting, comfortable atmosphere that would also be an experience for guests. With a limited budget and sustainability in mind, we reused much of the furniture found on site and worked with the villa’s existing conditions rather than replacing them.

What inspired the design of the project?

Kamil Tončić, a celebrated Secessionist architect in Split, built the villa. His legacy set the tone: most spaces were preserved and enhanced, while two new interventions — the Green Salon and the bar — were designed as contemporary additions. We were inspired by the way Tončić originally engaged young artists from the School of Applied Arts, which led us to collaborate with Croatian artist Jelena Bando to reinterpret the villa’s spirit in a modern context.

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

The building is listed, so heavy interventions were impossible. Combined with budget restraints, this meant working around existing finishes; instead, we had to turn those limitations into part of the design language.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Working with restoration specialist Giuseppe “Pepi” Sava, who had been involved in the villa’s earlier restoration, was a highlight. He introduced us to original wall paintings and old techniques, giving us a deeper connection to the building’s craft. Revitalising the garden was another — repainting and reusing original outdoor furniture, paired with new textiles, to extend the dining experience outdoors.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Because the project shows how heritage and modernity can co-exist without compromise. SBID offers a platform to share that approach with an international design community.

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

It has reinforced Studio 502’s ability to work with heritage responsibly while delivering expressive hospitality spaces. The recognition strengthens our international positioning and motivates our team.

Questions answered by Andrea Yateem, Founder & Lead Designer at Studio 502.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a dynamic restaurant design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, LXA Projects.

Pirana is a visionary restaurant concept that redefines the dining experience through immersive and dynamic design. Thoughtfully crafted to enhance guest interaction, the space seamlessly blends luxury and entertainment, setting Pirana apart from its Mayfair competitors. Guests are invited to indulge in an exclusive restaurant with champagne room, destination bar, and intimate private dining room, all contributing to a one-of-a-kind experience. Pirana makes a bold statement transitioning effortlessly from an elegant and inviting daytime setting to a striking evening venue. The washrooms feature a striking six-meter water tank housing live piranhas.

What was the client's brief?

The client asked us to create an immersive destination restaurant that would draw in a highly networked crowd and establish itself as a go-to spot in Mayfair. The vision was to design a space that delivered a distinctive and elevated dining experience, while also becoming a social hub. The brief called for a bold blend of innovative design, exceptional service, and a sense of theatre, ensuring the restaurant would command attention and stand out as a premier venue in an already competitive market.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design had to embody the spirit of its name, drawing on the allure and intensity that comes to mind when people think of a piranha: sharp, bold, and impossible to ignore. This translated into a layered aesthetic that is luxurious yet provocative, with moments of drama carefully woven throughout the space.

A key part of the brief was for Pirana to function seamlessly across the day and into the night. By day, the venue needed to feel elegant, welcoming, and refined, a destination for sophisticated daytime dining. By night, it was to transform into a striking, high-energy hub, alive with music, theatre, and spectacle. This duality was achieved through spatial planning, materiality, and a dynamic lighting scheme that allows the atmosphere to shift effortlessly as the day progresses.

Entertainment is embedded into the very fabric of the design. A discreet ceiling track allows operators to deliver theatrical surprises, like champagne bottles arriving in dramatic fashion, ensuring that every visit feels distinctive and memorable. Elevated dining zones and private areas strike a balance between openness and intimacy, while bold focal points, from the sculptural front bar to the bespoke wave ceiling, pull guests deeper into the experience. A live DJ stage anchors the evolving atmosphere, reinforcing Pirana’s position as both restaurant and nightlife destination. The daring edge of the design culminates in one of Pirana’s most striking moments: a six-metre water tank in the washrooms, home to live piranhas. This unforgettable feature encapsulates the restaurant’s ethos, immersive, unexpected, and undeniably bold, securing its place as a standout venue in Mayfair’s competitive dining scene.

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

The toughest hurdles our team faced were bringing the drama of Pirana to life while ensuring it remained seamless, safe, and sensitive to its prestigious Mayfair setting. A defining challenge was the integration of the six-metre piranha tank, a striking focal point that required meticulous planning. Beyond its theatrical impact, the installation demanded complex engineering, specialist collaboration, and strict regulatory compliance to ensure safety and functionality without compromising the immersive experience.

Equally intricate was the integration of lighting and services. Pirana’s design relies on creating moments of surprise, features that shift the mood from day to night and appear as if from nowhere. Achieving this effect required careful coordination of lighting systems, mechanical services, and structure, ensuring the technology vanished into the architecture while still delivering drama.

Sound management posed another major challenge. With Pirana’s high-energy evening atmosphere, it was essential to prevent disruption to neighbouring properties. Situated in a conservation area near Buckingham Palace, the project demanded advanced acoustic solutions that contained the energy inside while respecting its surroundings. By overcoming these challenges, the team delivered a restaurant that pushes creative boundaries while remaining considered, immersive, and perfectly tuned to its Mayfair context.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of Pirana was seeing a daring concept come to life and transform into a fully immersive reality. For the team, watching the materials, textures, and finishes we had carefully curated come together so seamlessly was incredibly rewarding, everything felt effortless, as though it was always meant to be. The front bar and lounge emerged as a defining moment in the project. The bespoke wave ceiling and sculptural wall installation created an immediate sense of drama, guiding guests into the heart of the restaurant while setting the tone for the bold identity of the venue. Their integration into the back-bar setup showcased the strength of the detailing and the precision of the craftsmanship. Elsewhere in the restaurant, a commissioned artist travelled from overseas to hand-install a striking sculptural wall feature over the course of a week. This bespoke piece became a focal point in its own right, elevating the space with a unique layer of artistry and character. Beyond the design itself, the collaborative spirit across the consultant and contractor teams was a highlight in its own right. The journey of problem-solving together ensured Pirana became not just a project, but a collective achievement.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Pirana is a project that’s very close to our hearts, and as a team we felt strongly that it deserved recognition. Entering it into the SBID Awards, specifically the Restaurant Design category, felt like the natural platform. The SBID represents the highest standard of interior design and reaches an audience in more than 85 countries, giving Pirana the opportunity to be celebrated on a truly international stage. To have our work placed alongside some of the industry’s most accomplished projects is not only an honour but also a chance to share our design story with a global community. Equally, entering the awards encourages reflection. It allows us to step back and look at the wider industry, how other designers are pushing boundaries, interpreting briefs, and crafting experiences in their own unique ways. That perspective is invaluable, sparking dialogue,
inspiration, and fresh ideas that feed back into our own practice. For us, the SBID Awards are about more than recognition; they are about being part of a collective celebration of design at its best. To see Pirana included within that context is an achievement in itself, and one we are immensely proud of.

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

Being named an SBID Award Finalist is a genuine honour, and it carries real meaning for our team. While the recognition itself is significant, what matters most is what it represents: the value of design that goes beyond aesthetics to create spaces with impact. At LXA, we are deeply committed to designing environments that are not only visually bold but also immersive, functional, and socially engaging. To see Pirana recognised at this level reinforces that ethos, it validates the belief that design has the power to shape how people connect, celebrate, and experience a space. It has also given us the chance to pause and reflect. As designers, we are often absorbed in the detail and intensity of project delivery. Being a finalist encourages us to step back and appreciate the wider journey, the vision, the collaboration, and the trust that allowed us to push creative boundaries and bring Pirana to life. Above all, this recognition is a reminder of why we do what we do: to create meaningful spaces that leave a lasting impression. That perspective makes the achievement even more rewarding, both for our business and for the people who experience our work.

Questions answered by Sammy Bikoulis and Jo Aitken, Associate Designers at LXA Projects.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an impressive retail design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, IRD Design Studio.

IRD Design was commissioned by RAK properties to refurbish the Julphar Mall Avenues. The were monotonous finishes carried from outside to inside The task was to ensure a solution which would require the least downtime. The team preserved and enhanced by cladding original railings in timber, concealing steel trusses with lighting. Weber pour-on flooring was applied over existing tiles, minimizing waste. Lift walls were refreshed with 3M vinyl. False columns were removed, ceilings raised, and lighting reimagined to create vibrant, energy-efficient spaces. The project demonstrates how thoughtful restoration can transform aging infrastructure into a modern, sustainable destination for today’s consumers.

What was the client's brief?

The project intent was to create a showstopping space that creates the best first impression with the right ambience and lighting!

What inspired the design of the project?

This is not a typical upgrade. Julphar Avenue Mall was brought back to life through design. When RAK Properties set out to refresh this under performing space, their vision was clear: elevate outlet visibility, create a cool and clean interior, and reimagine the customer journey. IRD answered with an experiential design strategy rooted in Ras Al Khaimah’s dual identity, with the sea on one side and mountain ranges on the other. The outcome? IRD delivered a complete reimagination, turning the mall into a destination that reflects the natural beauty of Ras Al Khaimah while strengthening its commercial and cultural appeal. Through design intervention alone, it demonstrates retail design’s power to revive not just spaces, but entire communities.

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

The biggest challenge was not having as-built drawings, so an intensive site survey was required. This also meant that to do any structural changes or understanding loading patterns, a specialist structural survey had to be undertaken. The rest were taken as the unknown, some design changes were made as demolition took place including discovery a new skylight under a false ceiling.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Our team’s highlight was to build an actual model of building and constantly adapt this model to show the stake-holders the impact of design changes. Click here for Julphar's BIMx Presentation.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

SBID is a well known Awards platform which has credibility in the design world. We wanted to showcase our ability to transform spaces. Our philosophy of re-use, re-purpose and rejuvenate as the basis of sustainable living is on full display in this project.

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

Although the business is 20 years and has an international presence, this award will help us receive acclaim, recognition and publicity for the good work we do. We understand design as core to wellbeing in human society rather than a make-over. This recognition confirms that we are on the correct path.

Questions answered by Indu Varanasi, Design Director of IRD Design Studio.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a minimalist residential design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Susan Chesney Interiors.

This project involved the full interior design of a newly rebuilt 1967 ski chalet in Switzerland, grounded in a bold Brutalist foundation of concrete, blackened steel, and glass. The brief was to honour the clients’ love of raw, architectural structure while softening the interior to reflect both husband and wife’s tastes. Despite being a long-distance project, only two site visits were made over 22 months, minimising our carbon impact. The result is a striking yet liveable Alpine retreat—balancing strength with soul, and minimalism with warmth through considered materials and layered texture.

What was the client's brief?

The client's goal was to create a warm, enduring alpine retreat for family gatherings year-round, blending the chalet’s striking brutalist architecture with comfort, practicality, and understated luxury.

Susan Chesney Interiors collaborated closely with the client and a Swiss–Italian architectural team to ensure the interiors and architecture evolved in harmony. A key creative challenge was bridging the gap between one stakeholder’s love of minimalism and the other’s desire for cosiness — resulting in a layered design that is visually calm yet deeply inviting.

The project vision was to create a year-round alpine home where minimalist architecture meets enveloping comfort — a space that satisfies two distinct aesthetic sensibilities while delivering connection, craftsmanship, and a sense of belonging.

What inspired the design of the project?

The client's lifestyle inspired the design, as they were sporty, grounded, social and nature-loving. The architectural integrity celebrates the chalet’s brutalist form with natural, tactile finishes. The chosen palette includes natural oak, exposed concrete, inky blues, mossy greens, aged brass, natural stone, and warm plaster tones. The architectural details include black steel staircases that punctuate the interior, bringing a graphic contrast to the warm, layered materials. The design is influenced by mid-century alpine modernism and European craftsmanship. Minimalist clarity is softened with textural warmth — cocooning for the ski season, airy for summer.

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

The remote aspect of the job and the logistics of deliveries up narrow mountain roads.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The final outcome! The client was absolutely delighted when it all came together.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards to showcase the collaborative spirit and design integrity of Project Laax — a brutalist 1967 Swiss chalet reimagined as a year-round family retreat. Working closely with the client and a Swiss–Italian architectural team, we bridged one stakeholder’s love of stark minimalism with the other’s desire for colour and cosiness. Proud of our achievement, we wanted to share it with the SBID community as a mark of craftsmanship, context, and enduring style.

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

Being an SBID Award Finalist is both an honour and a proud milestone for our studio. It recognises the creativity, technical rigour, and collaboration behind Project Laax — uniting stark minimalism with colour and cosiness while honouring its brutalist heritage. The recognition has strengthened our credibility, opened new collaborations, and created valuable press opportunities, while giving us a moment to celebrate the craft and detail behind this alpine family retreat.

Questions answered by Susan Chesney, Creative Director of Susan Chesney Interiors.

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.