Yudi Design Create a Living Space Where Functionality and Emotional Wellbeing Are Truly Integrated

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern family home design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalists, Yudi Design.

“Nest Within” is a thoughtfully designed residential project that redefines family living by prioritizing shared spaces over private ones. Emphasizing natural materials and transparency, the design fosters emotional connection and practical flexibility for a modern family. Innovative use of glass partitions maintains openness while ensuring supervision and interaction, creating a warm, sustainable home that balances function with heartfelt togetherness.

What was the client's brief?

The client, a young family, wanted a home that emphasized daily togetherness and shared living, rather than conventional, separated rooms. Their brief called for maximized communal areas, visual connectivity, child-friendly features, emotional closeness, and the use of natural, sustainable materials. They also wanted the space to support work-from-home needs while remaining aesthetically calm and flexible.

What inspired the design of the project?

The project was inspired by the idea of redefining domestic life for modern families, focusing on emotional well-being and togetherness. The design reversed traditional layouts by minimizing private areas and expanding shared zones. Inspiration also came from natural materials like Shirasu-kabe plaster and reclaimed driftwood, promoting a sustainable and sensory-rich environment.

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

The greatest challenge was achieving intimacy and calm within an open-plan layout without visual clutter or overstimulation. Balancing spatial openness with emotional zoning required careful use of materials, textures, and acoustic control. Additionally, designing for both adult functionality and children's evolving needs added emotional complexity to the process.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight was creating a future-oriented, flexible home that fosters behavioral change—encouraging more face-to-face interaction and shared rituals. By involving both adults and children in the design process, the result is a thoughtful, emotionally resonant space that evolves with the family.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards to share our human-centered and sustainable design approach with a wider audience. It was an opportunity to showcase how design can shape behavior, support emotional well-being, and respond to environmental responsibility—especially in the context of evolving family life.

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

Being an SBID Award Finalist has validated our design philosophy and brought greater exposure to our work. It has strengthened client trust, elevated our brand, and inspired our team to continue pushing the boundaries of emotionally and environmentally conscious design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an innovative hotel design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalists, HBA.

Following its 2025 upgrade, the Hangzhou Wulin GDA Hotel reemerged as a luxurious tribute to the city’s rich heritage, rooted in the 1929 West Lake Expo. Inspired by “A Collector’s Manor Residence,” the design blends Eastern elegance with Western artistry. Guests experience curated spaces filled with antiques, art, and cultural motifs, evoking a private museum. From vibrant dining areas to tranquil guest rooms, every detail celebrates Hangzhou’s legacy of global exchange and refinement. The hotel stands as a living narrative where history, culture, and modern hospitality meet in harmony.

What was the client's brief?

Through the comprehensive renovation and upgrade of the hotel, it will be transformed into an iconic destination, ultimately maximizing the return on investment.

What inspired the design of the project?

Inspired by the 1929 West Lake Expo founded by Mr. Zhang Jingjiang, the hotel boasts a privileged location adjacent to the Zhejiang Exhibition Hall at Wulin Square, offering a front-row seat to the magnificent journey of Hangzhou's exhibition culture.

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

The greatest challenge lay in realizing the design vision and meeting the diverse functional requirements of a hotel while working within the inherent structural and layout constraints of the existing building.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The most impressive highlight is the "Dialogue Across Time" narrative woven throughout the hotel. Adopting the theme of "Visiting a Collector's Manor Estate," it guides guests on an immersive journey to explore the glorious history of the West Lake Expo in Hangzhou.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards place the utmost importance on the innovation, execution, and level of challenge in design. By entering the competition, we aim to present the judges and industry peers with an exemplary project that fully embodies these standards.

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

To the Company: This honor represents significant international recognition of our ability to comprehensively tackle complex projects. It powerfully demonstrates to the market that our company not only delivers cutting-edge aesthetic vision but also possesses the technical expertise and project management capabilities to turn ideas into reality. We are adept at addressing the challenges of renovating existing structures and creating exceptional value for our clients.

To the Team and Individuals: This award brings immense encouragement and recognition to our team and each individual involved. It will continue to inspire us to uphold professionalism and dedicate ourselves to creating more meaningful design works in the future.

Questions answered by John Wang, Design Director of HBA.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a sophisticated salon design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalists, Atrio Design.

Atrio Design proudly presents Beauty Made, a high-end beauty salon located in the heart of Calthorpe Estate, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Designed and built in just two months, the salon blends sophisticated elegance with contemporary luxury, creating a serene and exclusive atmosphere. The interior features bespoke finishes, premium materials, and custom lighting, ensuring a seamless client experience. Every detail reflects the refined aesthetic of Edgbaston Village while offering a modern, functional space for beauty professionals. Beauty Made is a testament to Atrio Design’s expertise in delivering high-end, tailored interiors with precision, creativity, and uncompromising quality.

What was the client's brief?

Atrio Design was commissioned to design and build Beauty Made, an exclusive high-end beauty salon in the prestigious Calthorpe Estate, Edgbaston, Birmingham. The vision was to create a super unique salon that seamlessly integrates with the sophisticated charm of Edgbaston Village while offering a luxurious and immersive experience for clients.

The challenge was to deliver a high-end fit-out within an ambitious 2-month time-frame, ensuring every detail aligned with the salon’s premium aesthetic and functional requirements. Atrio Design took a turnkey approach, managing everything from conceptual design to execution, incorporating bespoke finishes, high-quality materials, and meticulous craftsmanship.

The result is a harmonious blend of elegance and innovation, with tailor-made interiors, curated textures, and a seamless flow that enhances the client experience. Every design element was chosen to reflect sophistication, comfort, and exclusivity, positioning Beauty Made as a standout destination in Birmingham’s beauty industry.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design was inspired by natural textures, timeless detailing, and the philosophy that beauty is best expressed through simplicity and balance.

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

Achieving the right equilibrium between luxury and calm minimalism, ensuring the space felt elegant yet understated.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Delivering a finished space that reflected our vision in every detail — from the atmosphere to the craftsmanship.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

To showcase our work on a global stage and align Atrio Design with the most respected names in the industry.

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

It has validated our design philosophy, enhanced our reputation, and opened new opportunities for growth.

Questions answered by Andrii Yeksarov, Founder & Creative Director of Atrio Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a characterful hallway design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalists, Amy Hunt Interior Design.

Amy Hunt Interiors designed this Edwardian hallway and cloakroom to restore character, warmth, and personality to two previously overlooked spaces. Wide-plank oak flooring, bespoke panelling, and layered lighting reintroduced architectural depth, while a wallpapered ceiling and bold stair runner added drama and visual interest. The adjoining WC was transformed with rich magenta panelling, a marbled wallpaper ceiling, and vintage-inspired details, including brass taps, a wall-mounted basin, and checkerboard tiles. These thoughtful, playful elements celebrate the home’s heritage while creating a cohesive narrative. The result is a striking, characterful transformation that turns transitional areas into standout design moments.

What was the client's brief?

The clients wanted the design to be sensitive to the era of the home and to bring its history back to life. Sadly, over the years, many of the original features had been stripped away or removed. One unique aspect of this project is that my client is colour blind, so it was important to choose colours that stood out clearly rather than blended subtly into the space. The result is a design that’s both visually impactful and respectful of the home’s past.

What inspired the design of the project?

The stained-glass windows on the front door have beautiful colours and a delicate floral theme that were lost in the space. We used this as inspiration to carry those tones and motifs into the rest of the space. When I came across the House of Hackney wallpaper, it felt like fate!

The WC was cold and dark, and we knew we wanted to bring in depth and warmth to the space, having already decided on a wallpaper for the hallway it felt right to opt for something even more bold for this small space!

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

Deciding on the lower half paint colour, we ended up pairing back to allow the ceiling to have its moment.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Stepping back to admire the completed space, the difference is incredible. After eight years of living without colour, the transformation feels uplifting and full of life. Opening the front door is so joyful.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

As a small company, we work incredibly hard, and at times it can feel like a lonely journey, as you sit in your office squirrelling away on your designs for days if not weeks. Submitting a project for an award offers us valuable feedback and recognition from others that we might not otherwise receive.

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

Seeing your clients’ reaction to the finished scheme is incredibly rewarding. Taking that project to the wider market and receiving recognition for your design is really special. It not only validates what you are doing but also inspires you to keep pushing yourself.

Questions answered by Amy Hunt, Founder of Amy Hunt Interior Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a glamorous hotel design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalists, RVD Associates & HBA.

A 1926 Southern California landmark emerges anew in Downtown Long Beach as RVD Associates and HBA San Francisco announces the transformative completion of Fairmont Breakers Long Beach. With a vision championed by developer Pacific6 Enterprises and designed in collaboration with Eden For Your World, the restoration of the 185-room hotel gracefully balances classic glamour with modern sensibility, setting a new standard for luxury hospitality within the city. Stories from the hotel’s opulent past unfold upon arrival at the newly restored entrance, where Renaissance Revival-style architecture pays homage to the original work of architects Walker & Eisen.

What was the client's brief?

The client’s brief was very much in alignment with our vision. Together, we were inspired by the idea of honoring the beauty of the 1920s Spanish Revival architecture while reimagining the building for a new era. The goal was to restore its former grandeur while thoughtfully introducing modern elements that breathe new life into the property.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design was inspired by the building’s rich history and the golden era of Hollywood. We wanted to honor its legacy while introducing a sense of timeless elegance that feels fresh and contemporary. The original period details provided a canvas that encouraged us to layer in refined, modern touches, creating a dialogue between past and present. Our palette drew from the ever-changing hues of the ocean—airy blues and crisp whites welcome guests in the lobby, gradually deepening into rich indigos and sapphires at the Sky Lounge, where the views connect seamlessly with the sea beyond. We also collaborated with local artisans to create truly bespoke elements, such as the custom Robert Crowder wallcovering in La Sala. RVD is proud to have helped re-polish this architectural jewel, breathing new life into ‘The Breakers’ while celebrating its storied past.

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

The Fairmont Breakers is a magnificent historic building, and with that came plenty of quirks and nuances. One of the toughest challenges was working with the guest rooms, each of which presented different conditions and configurations. Our team had to thoughtfully design for this variety while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic and guest experience throughout the property.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

For us, the highlight was the ability to craft a variety of experiences throughout the property. From the moment guests arrive in the light-filled lobby to the more intimate settings of the dining and lounge areas, each space offers its own distinct atmosphere while still feeling connected to the larger story of the Breakers. Designing this layered journey allowed us to honour the building’s history while giving guests a series of moments that feel both unique and cohesive. Creating that spectrum of experiences—each with its own personality yet tied together by a timeless design narrative—was one of the most rewarding aspects of the project.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We have always admired the work that SBID showcases and the calibre of projects they feature on a global stage. Entering the SBID Awards felt like a meaningful opportunity to share the story of the Fairmont Breakers, a project we’re truly proud of. To be recognized among such an esteemed group of designers is an honour in itself, and we are grateful to have been selected.

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

Being named an Award Finalist has been an incredible honour for our team. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase our work on an international stage and to celebrate the craft, creativity, and collaboration that went into the Fairmont Breakers. We feel fortunate to do what we love for such inspiring clients, and even more rewarding is knowing that guests will experience these spaces in ways that are memorable and transformative. This recognition affirms our passion for design and motivates us to continue raising the bar in our work.

Questions answered by Rodrigo Vargas, Principal of RVD Associates.

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.