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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a playful and collaborative office design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Modus Workspace.

Huckletree and Modus Workspace have joined forces, creating London’s most innovative ecosystem, built to support the next generation of disruptors. Huckletree project, Jubilee House. This co-working space is designed to be inclusive, playful, and visually appealing, while providing mental and physical space for ideating, offering an immersive experience for its occupants. Spanning two floors, the design manipulates colour and light to create boundaryless and visually deceptive spaces that represent the endless possibilities in a constantly evolving world. Each space challenges all five senses in a unique way, fostering a dynamic and vibrant environment that promotes inclusivity, innovation, creativity, and collaboration.

SBID Awards Category: Office Design Over 2,000 SqM

Practice: Modus Workspace

Project: Huckletree Jubilee House

Location: London, United Kingdom

Modus Workspace - Huckletree Jubilee House

What was the client's brief? 

Huckletree, the network of curated coworking hubs for innovative businesses, approached Modus to design and build their new Web3 focused workspace on the world-renowned Oxford Street. In the words of Huckletree co-founder and CEO Gaby Hersham,

"The Web3 space is the next frontier of our economy, and we want to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs. To do this, we need to look at workspaces that incorporate a mix of old world and new. We need to tailor-make spaces where creators, agencies and Web3 collaborators can come together to help our members thrive and build strong companies with robust longevity”.

This idea provided the foundations of the brief, which Modus digested and then transformed into the incredibly inclusive, playful, and Instagrammable, Huckletree Jubilee House workspace.

Modus Workspace - Huckletree Jubilee House

What inspired the design of the project?

The design of the Jubilee House is where the metaverse influences reality, the journey of which was a highly collaborative experience for all those involved. Think bold colour spectrums, infinity mirrors, contemplative archways, NFT digital galleries, creative parlours, and an immersive meta-lounge. Huckletree Oxford Street not only meets the diverse needs of its occupants but provides a unique experience and a playground for reinventing the future of everything.

Modus Workspace - Huckletree Jubilee House

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of the project for the team was working with such a forward-thinking and energetic brand. The freedom of colour use during the design process was unlike any project we have worked on before. It is not every day you get to incorporate all the colours of the rainbow into a workspace! It was equally refreshing and inspiring to incorporate non-gender specific bathrooms to the space, a request from Huckletree, showcasing their commitment to inclusivity and diversity, making all occupants feel comfortable and valued. The whole project was a pleasure from start to finish and we look forward to future collaborations with Huckletree.

Modus Workspace - Huckletree Jubilee House

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered Huckletree for an SBID award with the aim of showcasing the design and all that is has achieved with a wider audience, promoting an outstanding example of playful and inclusive workspace design.

Modus Workspace - Huckletree Jubilee House

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

Being a finalist in the SBID Awards is a phenomenal achievement, and one in which we are incredibly proud! It has highlighted our ability, as a leading office design and build company, to create unique, immersive, and inclusive workspaces that stand out in the competitive design industry.

Vidhi Sharma, Creative Director at Modus Workspace

Questions answered by Vidhi Sharma, Creative Director at Modus Workspace.

We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!

If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a traditional Indian beach house design by Pencil & Monk, click here to read it.

Linda McNally, Founder of Clontarf Interiors, has given her insights into the industry.

Clontarf Interiors

Why did you want to work in the interior design profession?

Ever since I was young, I’ve been a creative person with a strong affinity for art and design. While I loved to paint I concluded that I wanted my creations to not just be merely contemplated but to actually be experienced; I started my career in advertising (visualising) then a career travelling with Virgin Atlantic Airways, which opened my insights into interior design. I realised I wanted to physically include the observer in my work and ultimately, I wanted my creations to have a profoundly positive impact on peoples day-to-day life. Once I had this epiphany, it became immediately clear that interior design was the creative avenue that would best allow me to realise this goal. I haven’t looked back since.

Clontarf Interiors

Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?

The main aim for any project I undertake to create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and truly enjoyable to live in. Feng shui is a keen interest of mine and incorporating it’s timeless and powerful principles is not only a source of personal enjoyment but also allows me to achieve the aforementioned aim.

Additionally, being a people person, I enjoy meeting new clients and collaboratively including them in the design process so that they feel part of the finished work, which hopefully will bring genuine and lasting joy into their lives. This gives me a great deal of satisfaction.

Clontarf Interiors

What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year?

I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with many great clients this year, with each project having several memorable features. There is, however, one project that really stands out in my mind and that is an apartment that I designed on Aylesbury Road, Dublin. Honestly, it was a challenging project as the apartment’s ceilings, walls and floors were concrete, this made simple installations of wall lights etc. a challenge. After much deliberation, we converted it into a one bed apartment and fitted it with a walk in dressing area, ensuite, galley kitchen and an expansive living room.

A big part of why this project is so memorable is because of how big the transformation was. The before and after photos honestly look like completely different properties and when the client finally saw the finished space they were truly taken aback; astonished, even. It’s reactions like these that I truly cherish.

Clontarf Interiors

What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why?

I most enjoy working on new built homes, as it’s like getting a blank canvas. Such projects allow me to employ the entirety of my creative arsenal. You get a chance to determine room sizes, lighting plans, space planning, minor details like where the sockets go, this may seem miniscule but these are all little details that are imperative to achieving a beautiful finish.

Clontarf Interiors

What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design?

Managing one’s time effectively can be difficult in this game, as there are so many moving parts. You have to coordinate your own schedule (which can be hectic at times!) as well as ensuring that everything from windows, custom furniture, kitchen fittings and flooring are all delivered on time and installed to the highest standard. If just one item is delayed or one item isn’t fitted to a sufficiently high standard, then this can have a major knock on effect in other areas of the process and cause a deadline to potentially be missed. That’s why staying on top of things and planning ahead are always necessary.

Clontarf Interiors

What do you wish you knew before working in the field?

I wish I knew how big a time commitment is required to succeed in this field. The truth is that to develop a level of design proficiency where you can consistently generate amazing results for your clients, you need to spend years diligently and persistently working on your craft. The required work ethic can only be sustained if you have a genuine burning passion for design and keep up the momentum.

Clontarf Interiors

If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be?

Fully believe in your own design concepts; don’t get too influenced by trends! Trust your gut. Make sure you plan your time wisely, schedules are so important in this game, one slip and the project could fall apart quite quickly.

Clontarf Interiors

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

With my own clients, I’m seeing an increase in demand for eco-friendly furniture and fabrics. Sustainability is a trend that I foresee continuing as more and more people become aware of the environmental problems we face today.

From a technological standpoint, depending on which way developments in artificial intelligence unfold, we may see a world in which designers work alongside AI to enhance and expedite their creative process. Such a development could lead to big changes in the industry as a whole.

Clontarf Interiors

What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you?

I feel greatly honoured to have become an SBID Accredited Interior Designer. I have worked extremely hard over the course of my 24 year career to become the best interior designer that I could be and to have my work recognised by one of the most reputable design institutions in the world means a great deal to me personally, my family and all of the wonderful clients that I have been fortunate enough to serve over the years.

About Clontarf Interiors

Established by Linda McNally in 2004. Since the beginning, we have been serious about achieving quality in every single aspect of our work, which is clearly reflected in our portfolio of residential and commercial projects. Atmosphere & Energy are the essential ingredients that go into creating the personality of your home. They make visitors' experiences unforgettable but more importantly that they allow the occupants to live in an environment that creates great pleasure every day. During my many years in business, the success of the house comes from the owner, (the house is tailored to meet the needs of its occupants). At the end of a project, it’s important that each room evokes a sense of wellbeing, comfort, and happiness. No two households have or share the same requirements, taste, or style, so I approach each project with a blank canvas and allow the client to lay down the first brushstrokes of their individual style.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Alison Henry, Founder of Alison Henry Design Studio, has given her insights into the industry.

Why did you want to work in the interior design profession?

As a child I grew up living abroad from my native New Zealand and travelling extensively with my family. I was always inspired by the various cultures, fashions and styles of architecture I came across and fascinated by how they had evolved over the generations.

I recall visiting a family friend's home in Singapore and being blown away; he was an architect and had created a contemporary underground development with the garden on the roof and large sliding glass windows opening up to views out into the exotic garden. It was so different from everything else I was familiar with in the area - either modern high-rise or classical colonial.

It inspired me to want to become an architect when I grew up and create these memorable spaces and places.

Alison Henry Design Studio
Alison Henry Design Studio

Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?

I love the initial stages of a design project and seeing the potential of what can be achieved, developing ideas and the concept without any limitations. It’s an opportunity to allow myself to really think outside the box.

Once you get a clearer understanding of the design brief, budget and program, it often needs to be reined in. Then it’s a matter of selecting the key areas that are most important to ensure you retain the impact and a statement. Interior architectural design is like theatre finding where you can amp up the drama.

Alison Henry Design Studio

What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year?

My most memorable career highlight in the last year has been the sale of my own family home that I developed over the course of several years in Belgravia, a classical Georgian Villa with timeless luxury and contemporary sophistication. We set about preserving the property's historic charm while infusing it with modern amenities, creating a home that is both elegant and functional.

I was stunned by the positive reaction to what we had created, and it made it worth the time and effort that had gone into achieving it.

The other career highlight has been the opportunity to work on a contemporary project on the South Coast, in a completely different style to some of our other design projects currently. It is an architectural statement using concrete floors and glass walls that open up onto views over the grounds and the water from terraces at various levels.

Alison Henry Design Studio
Alison Henry Design Studio

What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why?

I love to work on projects whether residential or hospitality where the client and or owners are passionate about achieving their dreams and not willing to compromise on quality. It is also important to have an open relationship with your client so that you can work with them to ensure that you have a complete understanding of their vision and dream.

Timeless design is behind everything I have done in my career. I believe in designing well, and with passion. This ideology has carried me from hotel and house projects to boat and product design.

I also enjoy looking at projects where it’s a change of use as it makes for an interesting challenge on all levels, from permits to layout.

Alison Henry Design Studio

What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design?

The most challenging aspect of working in interior design is ensuring the quality and attention to detail is maintained throughout the project, that it is not sacrificed for the sake of time and budget.

Therefore, having contractors that you have worked with in the past and who have an understanding of the expectations helps to ensure this is maintained. I also like to have samples produced and approved where necessary as this avoids disappointments and any potential rectification.

It is also important that each design stage is approved before progressing to ensure the design is fully cohesive and that everything works together as otherwise it can have a knock-on effect.

Alison Henry Design Studio

What do you wish you knew before working in the field?

I wish I had understood the complex nature of getting planning consent and the restrictions on listed buildings and architectural heritage requirements. I have now worked on several properties of this nature and have a better understanding of planning obstacles and how best to manage these… or cut through red tape and get around them.

If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be?

My advice to any aspiring designer would be to get experience by working for a designer or design organisation and try to dive in on all aspects of a project, from the initial design brief, developing the concept and presentation, budgets and programs, tenders and award, on site supervision and purchasing through to snagging, dressing out and finally client handover.

A good sense of the scope of work and all the work stages that are required will also give a better understanding of the contractual agreement and therefore time management.

Alison Henry Design Studio

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

I believe the interior design industry is changing as there is a trend towards not only sustainability but also to create more personalised spaces. Plus, there has been an increase in people wanting to try to do the work themselves in order to keep the costs down. I also see a desire to minimise the number of consultants, especially with the increase in advice from influencers and social media. Therefore, I see there being more opportunity to give design consultation to clients such as producing initial design concepts for both residential projects and commercial projects to enable them to attempt to undertake and manage the project themselves. Where the project is overseas, they could appoint a local company.

Alison Henry Design Studio

What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you?

Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer means a lot as it is an acknowledgement that we have been vetted and approved and invited to be part of the Society of British and International Interior Designers and that we have met all their standards and requirements for the professional body.

About Alison Henry Design Studio

With a background in architecture, and extensive experience in large-scale refurbishments both commercial and private, Alison Henry brings knowledge and insight to any phase of an interior design project. From working with planners and contractors on optimising the structure of the building to appointing the interiors down to the very last detail, her studio is equipped for residential projects of any size.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a traditional Indian styled beach house design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Pencil & Monk.

We are entrusted with revamping a beach house in Uthandi, Chennai. Our client desires a contemporary retreat infused with traditional Indian style. Situated by the sea, the property’s expansive landscapes provide an ideal backdrop. Our goal is to blend modern interiors with Indian elements, evoking tranquility and a connection with nature. The client envisions an outdoor open bar area for social gatherings, accommodating both intimate and larger events against the magnificent sea views. Our team of experts in interior design, landscape architecture, and project management will ensure the successful execution of the client’s vision.

SBID Awards Category: Residential Budget Up To £50,000

Practice: Pencil & Monk

Project: Beach House at Uthandi

Location: Chennai, India

Pencil & Monk - Beach House at Uthandi

What was the client's brief? 

The client had a special desire. They dreamed of transforming the space into a special spot that would bring them a sense of refreshment and renewal. They wanted a space that's close to nature. To step outside and feel the gentle breeze, see the trees swaying, and hear the soothing sounds of nature - that's the kind of experience the client was aiming for - to make this place a true abode of calmness amidst the chaotic city life. Their thought was for us to craft a space that's not only a getaway from the city's hustle but also a way to connect with the beauty of the natural world and that is exactly what we delivered.

Pencil & Monk - Beach House at Uthandi

What inspired the design of the project?

The house finds its home in a neighbourhood wrapped up in lots of plants and trees. The beautiful surroundings gave us some big ideas for how the house should look and feel. We thought, "Why not bring a little piece of this nature inside the house?" So, we put on our creative hats and started planning. We envisioned a house where you don't just see nature from the windows, but where nature is a part of every nook and cranny. We wanted to create a place where the outside and the inside blend together. The goal was to make anyone who enters the house feel a little bit closer to the natural world.

Pencil & Monk - Beach House at Uthandi

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

The toughest challenge we faced while designing was the fact that a lot of walls in the existing space had to be broken down. The layout didn’t work for us. We had to open up a lot of spaces. We had a lot of surprises during the whole process. We also had a lot of issues involving the labour force working on site. Material laying also proved to be very challenging.

Pencil & Monk - Beach House at Uthandi

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Since the area of the site was vast, the team came up with a creative proposal for the outdoors - to utilise the terrain and existing landscape to create an outdoor bar. The bar is the major highlight of the property. The existing landscape was highlighted using creative lighting designs.

Pencil & Monk - Beach House at Uthandi

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Receiving an SBID award equates to global acknowledgment and elevating our design on an international stage. When someone looks at what we've designed, we want them to go, "Wow, that's quality right there!" We want them to see the spaces we've designed and think, "Wow, this is really working well!" And most importantly, we want our clients to look at what we've done for them and say, "Wow, this is exactly what we wanted!" We're not just aiming to impress folks around the block – we're thinking global. We want design enthusiasts from all over the word to see what we've done and feel that spark of admiration. We believe SBID gives us the platform to achieve this.

Pencil & Monk - Beach House at Uthandi

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

It’s been an absolute honour to be listed as one of the finalists at SBID awards. It’s a major boost to the company and the team steering the company. Winning this award would mean global recognition for the firm and the talent of the team being recognised by design lovers across the globe.

Siddharth Chandrasekar, Founder of Pencil & Monk

Questions answered by Siddharth Chandrasekar, Founder of Pencil & Monk, and his team Ravi Kumar, Abhirami Vaithiyanathan, and Viswanathan.

We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!

If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a relaxing and Oriental spa design by Lude Design, click here to read it.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a relaxing and Oriental spa design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Lude Design.

As a strategic partner of Renhe Zudao Spa, Lude Design participated in the design of the new project in Hangzhou, China. As a relaxing space, the foot spa must be a livable and tourable place that the body and mind yearn for. With the Chinese culture and aesthetics throughout the project, the design starts from nature and returns to it, arousing a new understanding of elegant oriental living.

SBID Awards Category: Healthcare & Wellness Design

Practice: Lude Design

Project: Renhe Zudao Spa Huafeng

Location: Hangzhou, China

Lude Design - Renhe Zudao Spa Huafeng
Lude Design - Renhe Zudao Spa Huafeng

What was the client's brief? 

Established in 2004, Renhe Zudao Spa is an upscale commercial healthcare spa chain brand that features a cinema-style vibe. It is currently credited as a leading registered agency of the Hangzhou Health Care Service Industry Association. Since its establishment, it has opened numerous stores. Renhe Zudao Spa boasts a fashionable and elegant decoration style that creates a comfortable and warm health environment. Their professional and skilled massage manipulation and thoughtful and attentive service have gained a word-of-mouth reputation and over 15,000 members in 18 years of development. Renhe Zudao Spa perfectly integrates a natural healthcare approach with cutting-edge technology, setting a new benchmark for the foot bath and healthcare industry.

Lude Design - Renhe Zudao Spa Huafeng

What inspired the design of the project?

The inspiration for this design is drawn from Jiangnan, which is a blend of natural landscapes and urban features. The city of Hangzhou is known for its strong cultural identity and regional symbols, but it also has a dynamic and constantly evolving nature. We embrace change and innovation and blends modern consciousness with avant-garde concepts. Through active exploration and experimental design practices, we strive to create something truly unique.

Lude Design - Renhe Zudao Spa Huafeng
Lude Design - Renhe Zudao Spa Huafeng

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

As the spa was constructed during the peak of the pandemic, workers could not all come on-site, so the construction could not be completed efficiently.

Lude Design - Renhe Zudao Spa Huafeng

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Our team specialises in identifying unique brand cultures and crafting effective business models that help our clients thrive even in the midst of an epidemic. We offer both design services and brand consulting to our valued clients.

Lude Design - Renhe Zudao Spa Huafeng
Lude Design - Renhe Zudao Spa Huafeng

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

As a brand consultant for our clients, we also have a professional consulting company that offers us valuable predictions and suggestions. With their guidance, we have participated in numerous international competitions, such as SBID, and have won several awards. We are optimistic about achieving further success in the future.

Lude Design - Renhe Zudao Spa Huafeng

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

The field we have been specialising in is relatively niche and our design style is quite distinct. Being on this shortlist has given us confidence that we can make a name for ourselves on the global stage. We hope to enter the following year’s SBID award with better projects.

Bin Liu, Design Director of Lude Design

Questions answered by Bin Liu, Design Director of Lude Design.

We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!

If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a warm and earthy salon design by Layrd Design, click here to read it.

The Abel Heywood sits proudly in the Bustling Northern Quarter of Manchester City centre and has been a popular destination since it was first developed in 2015, from a derelict and fire damaged cotton warehouse, into a stylish pub and boutique hotel. After tirelessly serving its loyal customers for the past 9 years, the site’s owners, Hydes Brewery, appointed MGI to develop and project manage a refurbishment scheme that will ensure the site will maintain its status as a landmark of the Manchester hospitality industry into the future.

The brief given by Hydes’ Managing Director was to move the site from its previous industrial leaning design toward a modern-traditional public house whilst paying tribute to the history of Hydes Brewery and to Manchester's iconic music heritage.

MGI proposed the introduction of feature wallpapers, Victorian tiling and bright heritage colours in order to create a light and airy atmosphere away from its previously scumble glazed ceilings and worn plaster effect walls. All industrial light fittings were replaced with new antique brass period lighting and industrial shelving units and back fittings removed in favour of new timber back fittings and antique Victorian wall shelving.

Much of the existing furniture was given a new lease of life through refurbishment and reupholstery, with new feature furniture introduced to compliment the proposed layout changes. Feature cast resin tables with vinyl records from Manchester`s most famous bands, or Hydes' brewery beer clips were included to provide points of interest and conversation points for visiting customers. New music and local interest themed bric a brac adorns the walls and compliments the overall finish of the site.

Layout changes to the ground floor were kept to a minimum with only the removal of existing face to face booths and introduction of new horseshoe booths and mid-height fixed seating.

The underutilised first floor of the pub was redesigned to encourage dining whilst the ground floor area remains focused on drinking and light bar snacks. The introduction of bi-fold doors to close off an area of the first floor provides a contained function room space for parties and meetings.

Feedback from the client and customers has been unanimously positive and MGI are confident that The Abel Heywood will continue its reign as king in the north(ern quarter) for years to come.

About MGI Partners

MGI Partners are an award-winning Interior design practice with decades of experience within the hospitality and commercial sectors.
Our talented team have honed their skills and specialist industry knowledge to provide beautiful, commercially viable design solutions that meet our client`s specific brief and can be delivered no matter how challenging the project or budget spend is. We always put our clients first and love to work in close collaboration, to guide them through the design and construction processes to ensure we create spaces that their customers will love and want to return to again and again. With a range of services including surveying, site analysis, interior design, Visualisation, Statutory applications, branding and project management we tailor our offer to meet each client`s specific requirements.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a warm and earthy salon design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Layrd Design.

Layrd Design completed this bespoke salon scheme for Douce. Douce is a 5 seat Salon, Cafe and Bar, this is a truly unique offering for Cambridge. The space is very welcoming with warm earthy tones throughout, from the walnut surfaces, concrete floor, dusty pink, deep greens and coffee colours. They designed a curved bar that was compact and functional to allow for both coffee service and alcoholic drinks. The front of this is clad in stainless steel as a nod to the former Air-Stream that was converted as a mobile salon and was located near to the new space.

SBID Awards Category: Retail Design

Practice: Layrd Design

Project: Douce

Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom

Layrd Design - Douce

What was the client's brief? 

The brief was to take the clients vision for the space and turn this into a feasible and achievable scheme withing their budget. We were tasked with creating a unique salon space that also encompassed a small café/bar space which didn’t overlook or make the salon customers feel uncomfortable. Douce were looking to create a warm and welcoming setting so natural tones and earthy red and green tones were incorporated into the space.

The existing salon space was a mobile airstream located close to the new salon, they wanted the airstream to be included in the design in subtle ways as a hint to the heritage to the company.

Layrd Design - Douce

What inspired the design of the project?

The existing airstreams and the values of Douce were big inspirations for the design. The need to create a calming, welcoming and timeless interior space.

Layrd Design - Douce

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

The client had an incredible vision for their concept store. Creating this clear vision into a functioning design that met all of the necessary regulations, within budget, was a hurdle. Also creating a space that worked as a salon and a cafe at the same time and felt cohesive.

Layrd Design - Douce

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing the bespoke Joinery elements all come together and work as they had been designed to work. There is a lot of bespoke elements to the space and you only see it all come together when they are installed.

Layrd Design - Douce

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We have been finalists on two other occasions and the recognition and awareness from this is really great for our company growth and exposure. Company and team recognition for the completed project, as well as awareness of the concept store itself, Douce.

Layrd Design - Douce

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

We are immensely proud to be nominated for the third successive year, it has elevated our profile and brand exposure massively and contributed to our growth as a company.

Will Mayes, Director of Layrd Design

Questions answered by Will Mayes, Director of Layrd Design.

We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!

If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a charming and historic KBB design by Arsight, click here to read it.

Offering a one-stop solution for sanitaryware and surfaces that turn an average golf club into a luxurious sports and leisure retreat, RAK Ceramics has helped transform the Cambridge Country Club into a health and wellness destination, as part of a multi-million-pound development.

RAK Ceramics

Partnering with interior architect May Fawzy of MF Studio, RAK Ceramics supplied surfaces and sanitaryware for use throughout the newly built Country Club. Making first impressions count, large format Calacatta Gold tiles feature in the venue’s main entrance and reception area.

RAK Ceramics
RAK Ceramics

“The selection of finishes was meticulously aligned with the original brief, emphasizing the creation of a premium space for club users,” explains Fawzy. “We carefully handpicked materials and textures that not only met our aesthetic aspirations but also embodied enduring quality.”

RAK Ceramics

RAK Ceramics surfaces feature throughout the location, from the RAK Revive floor tiles in the lavish spa and shower rooms and nature-inspired flooring in the bar and restaurant to RAK Detroit metallic finish tiles in the pool area and changing rooms and porcelain flooring and countertops in the golf shop.

Sanitaryware from the leading brand also features, with the designer collection RAK-Petit floorstanding washbasins featuring in the WCs and the public bathrooms all finished with RAK-Precious basins teamed with matt black brassware. “Our objective was to source products that seamlessly merged aesthetics with durability,” continues Fawzy. “We pursued a minimalist design infused with a touch of opulence, a quest that led us to the exquisite offerings within the RAK Ceramics collection.”

RAK Ceramics

Commenting on the finished project, the club’s General Manager, Ben Evans, says: “The new club was created for the Cambourne community, which until now has lacked anything like it in terms of leisure facilities. It’s quickly become a go-to lifestyle destination for our members and their families.”

About RAK Ceramics Ltd

RAK Ceramics products feature in some of the most iconic buildings in the world. Known for a wide product range and the ability to produce bespoke solutions for both small and large scale projects, RAK Ceramics enable clients to bring their ideas to life. They respect, inspire, improve and deliver; today, tomorrow, no matter the ambition, no matter the challenge, RAK Ceramics take care of all the details, so you don’t have to. Their passion and expertise combined with a careful attention to detail means they can provide you with a range of integrated ceramics solutions, allowing you freedom to be creative and plenty of room for imagination.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a charming and historic KBB design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Arsight.

Artem Kropovinsky, of Arsight Studio, masterfully reimagines a 120-year-old Brooklyn brownstone, infusing Scandinavian-inspired design elements. The renovated kitchen and bathroom seamlessly blend historic charm with modern comfort, integrating cutting-edge technology while preserving original details. Custom woodwork, brass hardware, and eclectic wallpaper create a harmonious visual flow. Underlying the design is a strong commitment to sustainability, with restored original features, locally sourced materials, and energy-efficient appliances, demonstrating that luxury and eco-consciousness can coexist.

SBID Awards Category: KBB Design

Practice: Arsight

Project: Brooklyn Brownstone Revival

Location: New York, United States of America

Arsight - Brooklyn Brownstone Revival
Arsight - Brooklyn Brownstone Revival

What was the client's brief? 

The client desired a blend of the Brooklyn brownstone's rich 120-year history with cutting-edge modern technology. Their goal was a harmonious marriage of the two, focusing on the custom kitchen and bathroom. They wanted these spaces to pay homage to the property's heritage while providing the modern conveniences and features expected in a high-end property today.

Arsight - Brooklyn Brownstone Revival

What inspired the design of the project?

Our inspiration was twofold. First, the inherent charm and architectural beauty of the Brooklyn brownstone acted as our canvas. Second, we were inspired by the potential of cutting-edge technology to enhance daily life. Drawing on minimalist Scandinavian aesthetics, we combined earthy tones and minimalist finishes with state-of-the-art technology, like voice-activated assistants and adaptive lighting, to craft a space that's as smart as it is stunning.

Arsight - Brooklyn Brownstone Revival
Arsight - Brooklyn Brownstone Revival

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

Beyond marrying the old with the new in terms of design, our challenge was seamlessly integrating modern technology without disrupting the brownstone's historical integrity. Introducing smart appliances, retractable range hood, and sensor-driven lighting into a setting that boasts carefully restored stained glass windows and original woodwork was a delicate task. It required a perfect blend of innovation and respect for history.

Arsight - Brooklyn Brownstone Revival

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The custom wood kitchen was a crowning achievement. It wasn't only the aesthetic harmony we achieved, but also the integration of modern tech features like smart appliances, voice-activated assistants, and centralised control panels. This kitchen isn't just a treat for the eyes; it's a hub of modern convenience, with every technological addition designed to enhance user experience, from adaptive lighting to an integrated sound system.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards represent the epitome of interior design innovation and excellence. We believed our project, with its unique blend of historical aesthetics and advanced technological features, was emblematic of the pioneering spirit SBID celebrates. Participating in the SBID Awards was a chance to spotlight our commitment to pushing the boundaries of design.

Arsight - Brooklyn Brownstone Revival
Artem Kropovinsky, Founder & Principal Designer at Arsight

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

Achieving Finalist status at the SBID has been both an affirmation of our dedication to design and innovation and a tremendous boon for our brand's reputation. It's not only about being recognised but also about showcasing our approach, which deftly balances reverence for history with the exciting possibilities of modern technology. The acknowledgment has reinforced our reputation as innovators in the world of interior design.

Questions answered by Artem Kropovinsky, Founder & Principal Designer at Arsight.

We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!

If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a peaceful and earthy apartment design by RS Interiores, click here to read it.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a peaceful and earthy apartment design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, RS Interiores.

Udo means peace in Hindu, just the name Rosadela Serulle had been searching for this project, since its exactly what is reflected in its ambiance. She describes it as a symbol of amplitude, where the unity of colors come together in perfect harmony. All the spaces in Casa UDO have elements of design that forces its visitors to admire them. The simplicity in the entrance and its complicity with the grand living room. These spaces are in earthy hues to create the sensation of lightness and tranquility it offers.

SBID Awards Category: Residential Apartment Under £1M

Practice: RS Interiores

Project: UDO

Location: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

RS Interiores - UDO

What was the client's brief? 

The client's brief was simple, they wanted a residence that transmitted peace. After that I was given full freedom of design, which is every designer's dream.

RS Interiores - UDO

What inspired the design of the project?

The inspiration for this project came from the first conversation with my client, where we sat down and just spoke about life, their expectations and desires for their home. This is where UDO was born. Udo, means peace in Hindu, just the name I had been searching for this project, since its exactly what is reflects in its ambiance.

RS Interiores - UDO

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

The toughest hurdle we overcame was definitely time, we had a specific goal to completed this project within a few months, from a blank canvas to what we accomplished, and our team delivered, we completed UDO within 6 months. This includes all of the wood works, tapestry, wall finishing, curtains and all furnishings.

We aim to please our clients and this project met all the expectations.

RS Interiores - UDO

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Our highlight of Casa UDO, was definitely composing a home worth of this family, we met all of our clients expectations. Our designs, color, lighting and furnishing came together in a wonderful way.

RS Interiores - UDO

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

I entered SBID awards as we have done for the past years, I believe in excellence and recognition, and you can always find this in SBID.

RS Interiores - UDO

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

It truly meaningful to be recognised at this stage as a finalist to this prestigious award. We strive to produce designs that create a unique identity, that truly represents our clients way of life.

RS Interiores - UDO

Questions answered by Rosadela Serulle, Founder of RS Interiores.

We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!

If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a rustic and urban residential design by Arsight, click here to read it.

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