Susanna Cots Create a Place of Calm, Light, and Contemplation

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a calm boutique hotel design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Susanna Cots.

Les Clarisses is a boutique hotel in Vic, designed by Susanna Cots, blending the peaceful legacy of an ancient convent with modern elegance. The project preserves the building’s historic integrity while integrating organic materials like wood and stone to create a tranquil atmosphere. Soft, flowing shapes, bespoke furniture, and natural light invite guests to experience mindfulness and luxury. Original architectural elements, such as stone vaults and pillars, merge seamlessly with contemporary design, maintaining the convent’s serene spirit. Les Clarisses is not just a hotel but a restorative space where history and modernity coexist to offer a unique experience.

What was the client's brief?

The client had a clear and poetic vision: to transform a former convent into a boutique hotel where silence would not only be respected but become the soul of the project. A place of calm, light, and contemplation — where every detail invites pause and wellbeing.

What inspired the design of the project?

Silence was our greatest inspiration — not as absence, but as presence. Natural light guided us as a narrative thread to shape each space. And, of course, the architectural essence of the original convent, which we wanted to preserve and reinterpret with emotion and deep respect.

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

The main challenge was to find the balance between historical memory and contemporary function. We were working with a building full of emotional and symbolic weight, and our task was to reinterpret it without betraying it. Managing natural light within such an ancient structure also required precision and sensitivity.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The moment we saw light flow naturally into the reimagined spaces for the first time. That instant when everything aligns, when the design disappears and only peace remains. Also very special were the first impressions from the guests — when they connected with the space through silence.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

For us, silence is not the absence of sound — it is a design principle. We wanted to share this vision with an international community that values subtlety, emotion, and depth in interior design. We’ve been part of the SBID community for many years, and for us, it feels almost like a responsibility — and an honour — to showcase our work through such a respected platform.

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

It’s a recognition that touches us deeply — especially in the year we celebrate our 25th anniversary. To be shortlisted with such a symbolic project as Les Clarisses reaffirms our belief that beauty, when born from stillness and respect, can resonate far beyond borders.

Questions answered by Susanna Cots, Founder of Susanna Cots.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an understated luxury hotel lobby design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, IQOSA.

A lobby that feels less like a public space — and more like the first chapter of home. Designed by IQOSA for THE ONE in Kyiv, this interior balances timeless materials with thoughtful zoning and sculptural light. Travertine, soft contours, and tactile furnishings create an atmosphere of quiet confidence. No excess — only purpose. A refined space that welcomes, grounds, and leaves a lasting impression without trying too hard.

What was the client's brief?

“Make it feel like checking into a five-star hotel – only now, it’s your home.” That was the tone from day one. The space needed to welcome, wow, and whisper luxury at every corner. High-end materials, seamless flow, thoughtful zoning – but no clichés. We had to find a balance between impressive and personal, between comfort and statement. And yes, it had to look like money – but feel like home.

What inspired the design of the project?

Honestly? The idea that luxury doesn’t have to shout. We looked at materials that age beautifully – travertine, warm bronze, soft glass – and imagined how they could shape a space that whispers rather than announces. Also, we loved the idea of the chandelier feeling like sculpture. A quiet statement piece that kind of says, “You’ve arrived.”

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

Hiding all the technical stuff! (Laughs.) We had to incorporate biometric access, a full concierge back-office, soundproofing, ventilation – all inside what looks like a gallery. No visible cameras, no clutter, no mess. The cleaner the space looks, the more work is hidden behind it.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We’ll let you know when the first person steps into the finished lobby and forgets what they came for – that’s when we’ll know it works.

But if we had to pick a moment during the process: finalizing the chandelier design and how it will catch natural light. It’s one of those rare elements that’s sculptural, technical, and poetic all at once. We’re counting down the days to see it glow in real life.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Because we love what SBID stands for: intelligent design, not just decorative design. This project wasn’t about trends – it was about feeling. We wanted to share that with a wider audience.

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

Let’s be honest – it’s a great moment for the team. We obsess over every tiny detail, over hidden screws, over which travertine slab to use... and now the world gets to see that obsession in the spotlight. It’s motivating. It also tells future clients: “Yes, this team can handle your high expectations.”

Questions answered by Mykyta Riazhko, Lead Designer at IQOSA.

What Does ‘Design & Build’ Really Mean?

If you’ve ever started a renovation or new build project, you’ll know how many moving parts there are — architects, contractors, engineers, suppliers, and so many decisions in between. The design & build approach brings all of that under one roof.

In simple terms, design & build means your designer and builder work together from the very beginning, united by one vision and one contract. The creative ideas, technical drawings, and construction plans evolve hand in hand — with everyone on the same page. This collaboration makes the process faster, more efficient, and often, far more enjoyable.

Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Design & Build

At Studio Anqet, we’ve seen how transformative this approach can be. Instead of working in silos, design and construction flow together as one process — blending creativity, practicality, and cost awareness at every stage.

It’s not just about building faster; it’s about building smarter. Clients stay in control, decisions are clearer, and surprises are minimised. The result is a project that feels considered, cohesive, and truly tailored to you.

The Real Benefits

- One unified team – No finger-pointing, no crossed wires — just one team devoted to your project.
- Faster timelines – With design and build overlapping, progress happens sooner and smoother.
- Real-time cost clarity – The builder’s input from day one keeps budgets realistic and decisions grounded.
- Seamless communication – Everyone involved shares the same understanding of your goals.
- A calmer client experience – You focus on the dream; your team handles the details.

How It Helps You Save Money

- Smarter planning upfront means fewer costly surprises later.
- Budget efficiency comes from having accurate costs tied to design choices early on.
- No redesign costs — because the design and build teams coordinate before work begins.
- Early procurement and scheduling often lead to better rates and quicker lead times.

The Designer’s Role in Getting It Right

A good designer does more than make your space look beautiful — they think ahead, anticipate challenges, and make sure everything works in harmony. From the first sketch to the final finish, their role is to ensure every detail is well-considered.

Most importantly, your designer should listen. They’ll get to know your lifestyle, your tastes, and your priorities, then guide you with honest, unbiased advice every step of the way. Their aim? To make sure your home not only looks incredible but functions seamlessly for years to come.

When design and build come together under one roof, the process doesn’t just save time and money — it creates better spaces and happier clients.

At Studio Anqet we champion design and build to help our clients simplify their build and renovations projects.

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a biophilic hotel suite design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Róisín Lafferty.

Completed by Róisín Lafferty in collaboration with Henry J. Lyons in 2024, the Woodland Suite Experience redefines hospitality. Through cantilevered, nest-inspired structures the suites blend into the wooded landscape overlooking the River Lee and Cork City. Each space is connected through soft, natural materials and colours that mirror their surroundings to create a tranquil, inviting atmosphere. Sustainability is core, with charred timber cladding and sedum roofs. The result is a restorative retreat of quiet confidence. Spaces so beautifully balanced between luxury and nature, guests feel immersed, at ease, and reluctant to leave.

What was the client's brief?

The Montenotte team wanted to unlock the potential of a steep, wooded hillside overlooking Cork City. Their ambition was to create nine luxury standalone suites and a private clubhouse, offering a truly exclusive experience distinct from the main hotel. Because the site is so visible from the city below, it was crucial that the new structures integrate seamlessly into the landscape, preserving the mature woodland and historic gardens. The brief asked us to balance high end hospitality with environmental sensitivity; crafting a destination that felt both luxurious and deeply rooted in nature.

What inspired the design of the project?

Nature itself was our biggest inspiration. We wanted the suites to feel like “nests” in the tree canopy – retreats that touch the land lightly while opening up extraordinary views of the River Lee valley. Working with Henry J Lyons, we elevated the suites on stilts and cantilevered them to preserve the forest floor and reduce disruption. Externally, charred timber cladding and living sedum roofs allow the buildings to disappear into the woodland while enhancing biodiversity. Inside, biophilic principles guided every decision. Beds face full height sliding glass doors, so guests feel as though they are sleeping in the trees. Open-plan layouts orbit the central view, with the bath, bar, and lounge positioned to connect seamlessly to nature. One sculptural oak joinery element integrates bed, bar, sofa, and kitchen into a single flowing structure, enhanced by Japanese rice paper bi-fold screens that double as part of the headboard. Travertine sinks appear to emerge organically from the walls, echoing the earthy tones of the landscape. Tactile finishes such as boucle, Irish linen and wool combined with natural light filtering through the canopy, create an immersive, restorative atmosphere. The Clubhouse mirrors these principles with a monolithic red travertine bar, sculptural banquettes, and muted tones, offering a calm communal counterpart to the private suites.

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

The site itself was the biggest challenge. With steep terrain and soft woodland ground, cranes couldn’t be used, which made installing large and heavy items like the custom travertine sinks and bar, extremely complex. Everything had to be manoeuvred by hand with precision sequencing, requiring meticulous planning, phased logistics, and incredible teamwork on site. Rejecting modular construction also posed challenges, but it allowed each suite to be tailored precisely to its location in the landscape. That approach demanded extraordinary craftsmanship and problem-solving, but it ensured the buildings felt genuinely embedded in their setting and delivered a level of architectural and interior detail that would have been impossible otherwise.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

For us, the highlight was seeing the stone installations come to life. The red travertine pedestal sinks in the Nest units, the oversized split-face silver travertine sinks in the River Suites, and the sweeping curved travertine bar in the Clubhouse all became sculptural anchors. These bespoke pieces demanded exceptional craftsmanship and watching them evolve from sketches to installation was incredibly rewarding. Equally, there was a joy in seeing how light, shadow, and seasonal colour interact with the interiors – mirrored walls reflecting the trees, rice paper screens glowing softly at dusk, and custom furniture pieces grounding the spaces. These details brought the vision of immersive, nature-rooted luxury to life, and gave the suites their unforgettable character.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

This project redefines what luxury hospitality can be; less about excess, more about connection, restoration, and respect for place. We wanted to showcase that vision on a global stage. The SBID Awards celebrate projects that innovate and set new standards, and we believe the Woodland Suites do exactly that: they demonstrate how architecture, interiors, and landscape can come together as one holistic experience.

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

It’s hugely affirming for our team. Being shortlisted validates the bravery it took to reject conventional approaches and craft something so site specific. For our business, it demonstrates our ability to deliver ambitious, environmentally sensitive hospitality projects on an international stage. And for us personally, it’s a reminder that when design is rooted in nature and authenticity, it resonates deeply with people. That’s what makes this recognition so meaningful.

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

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.