La Bottega Interiors Use a Muted Palette, Natural Materials, and Artisanal Details to Evoke Timeless Serenity

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

La Bottega Interiors was commissioned to refurbish the iconic Beit Al Bahar villas at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, preserving their original architecture while reimagining the interiors for today’s luxury traveller. The design blends understated Arabian elegance with a tactile, contemporary language rooted in nature. A muted palette, natural materials, and artisanal details evoke timeless serenity, while custom furnishings and thoughtful spatial planning enhance comfort and flow. Emphasising longevity and sustainability, the project uses FSC-certified wood, low-impact fabrics, and terrazzo with recycled content. The result is a sanctuary that feels both deeply grounded in place and effortlessly modern.

What was the client's brief?

The design brief was to create an elevated concept that celebrates the unique location — a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery, with a breathtaking view of the Burj Al Arab. The client requested a renovation that delivers a luxury experience while remaining rooted in the villa’s architectural language and aligned with Jumeirah’s ever-rising brand standards. The vision was to craft a design that feels both luxurious and residential in character, offering guests a relaxed environment with the comfort of home and the refinement of a high-end retreat.

What inspired the design of the project?

As architects, we always begin by understanding the architectural vocabulary of a space. At Beit Al Bahar, we were fascinated by the eclectic dialogue between Arabic and Balinese influences. This inspired us to create a design that carries a subtle twist — artistic enough to leave a lasting memory, but never overly themed. Our focus was on relaxing the interiors, softening transitions, and opening the villas to the outdoors, so that the beautiful views become an integral part of the experience.

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

The biggest challenge was to create a space that feels both elevated and deeply personal. For us, personalization comes through details — every crafted element reflects a specific cultural background that supports the overall concept. However, such richness in detail naturally carried cost implications. Striking the right balance between maintaining this level of refinement and aligning with the project’s budget was one of the most demanding aspects of the design process, but ultimately it’s what gave the space its unique character.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight for our team was witnessing how the different design layers seamlessly connected into one story. From the mosaic craftsmanship at the minibar to the subtle zellige tiles, the built-in dining nook, and the flowing crazy paving, each element embodied our efforts as a team and the client’s desire for relaxed luxury. What we cherished most was seeing the villa transform into a space that feels elevated yet intimate — a true home away from home with its own cultural soul.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

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

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

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

Questions answered by Sahar Al Yaseer & Cristina Gallenca, Founders of La Bottega Interiors.

Custom joinery was introduced in every area of the home, creating a consistent visual thread while addressing the specific requirements of each room. Lighting and electrical layouts were drawn around detailed furniture plans to achieve seamless integration. Bespoke flooring, handcrafted fireplaces and a discreet, panelled doorway leading to a private cinema contribute to the home’s layered character.

As family life evolved, so too did the design. Guest bedrooms were planned to convert easily into nurseries, providing flexibility for the years ahead. At the centre of the home, a large open-plan kitchen links to a games room and central bar, forming a natural space for entertaining. Smaller areas were given equal attention: a feminine home office, a dedicated playroom adjoining the kitchen, and a well-organised utility and boot room that can be tucked away when not in use.

Every detail has been designed to serve both comfort and purpose. The games room encourages connection, with a tailored bar that draws people together and deep midnight blue walls that lend a touch of theatre. In quieter moments, the cinema room offers a hidden retreat behind panelled joinery, while the master bedroom brings calm through soft textures and minimal detailing.

The bathrooms follow a similarly tactile approach, combining natural stone, bronze accents and layered lighting to create spaces that feel indulgent yet understated. A soft neutral palette runs throughout the home, enriched by warm timber tones that add depth and balance.

Rectory House is grounded in practicality yet imbued with warmth. Every space invites connection, yet offers a sense of calm and retreat. It is a home designed for the present, and ready to grow with the family into the future.

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How does your team collaborate on major projects?

We maintain an open-plan office layout, which we find enables seamless and efficient communication between ourselves and our interior architecture team, FF&E designers, and support team. This constant collaboration helps us stay on top of every detail, keeping every project on track, highlight each individual’s strengths, and build trust. The result is a cohesive process from concept to completion.

What steps do you take to stay at the forefront of the design industry?

We’re always exploring what’s next, whether it’s innovative finishes, forward-thinking concepts, or emerging technologies like AI. We don’t chase trends for the sake of it; instead, we stay curious and selective. Attending international design fairs, such as Salone in Milan, is a major source of inspiration for us. We love spotting prototypes and conceptual pieces that might not be released for several years, as they help us anticipate what’s on the horizon. Our process is equally informed by the synergy between fashion and interiors—tracking colour palettes, materials, and silhouettes to keep our work current yet enduring.

What trends do you see shaping the future of interior design?

Wellness is an absolute standout right now—think home spas, ice baths, salt rooms, and hot yoga studios, all designed to recreate a five-star hotel experience right at home. We’re also finding new ways to work with innovative finishes and clever ways of incorporating classic materials, giving them a fresh twist that feels interesting and ahead of the curve.

Another shift is the rise of “couture interiors,” where carefully curated, one-off pieces take centre stage, rather than relying solely on big-name brands. This approach really elevates the ultra-high-net-worth design portfolio, ensuring every project feels entirely unique.

We’re also delighted to see more sustainable innovations, like a new outdoor rug collection made from recycled ocean waste. These rugs emulate the look and feel of indoor styles, helping us create sophisticated, eco-friendly spaces that are as kind to the planet as they are pleasing to the eye.

How do technology and innovation influence your work?

Technology is a delightful layer in our designs—subtle but undeniably impactful. Whether it’s discreetly integrated climate control or customisable lighting scenes that set just the right ambience, we love how modern innovations can elevate everyday living without ever compromising aesthetics. It’s remarkable how far tech has come; we can now design seamless, invisible solutions that blend beautifully with our interior schemes.

For us, the best technology is the kind you barely notice—it simply works in the background, ensuring complete comfort and convenience. It’s this effortless sophistication that resonates with our ethos of understated luxury. When done right, innovation becomes a natural extension of the design rather than a distraction, allowing our clients to enjoy a space that’s as practical as it is elegant.

What advice would you give to emerging designers?

Helen:
Never be afraid to ask questions. Hands-on experience is invaluable, even if it means starting out in a junior position or offering your time for free. It’s all part of the process. Keep yourself organised, stay curious, and don’t be put off by the long hours—when you see how far you’ve come, it’ll be well worth it. One of the best feelings in this industry is looking back and realising how much you’ve grown by embracing every opportunity to learn.

Jenny:
Seek inspiration wherever you go—from major design exhibitions, to a stroll around your local market or your favourite holiday destination. You never know which unexpected detail might spark a brilliant idea. The more experiences you gather, the richer your creative palette becomes. Above all, keep an open mind and a sense of wonder—design is a continuous journey of learning, exploration, and collaboration.

Are you involved in mentoring or education within the interior design industry?

Mentorship has always been close to our hearts. We’ve been in the industry for almost three decades, and we feel strongly about supporting the next generation of designers who share our passion for creativity and craftsmanship. Each year, we attend the Inchbald Graduate Exhibition and we offer internships, many of which have blossomed into full-time roles for talented individuals who truly shine.

We also love taking part in panel discussions—there’s something wonderfully fulfilling about passing on knowledge we’ve gained over the years, hearing fresh perspectives from newcomers, and sparking that sense of excitement in the field. Judging on the SBID panel is another enriching way for us to give back, as it connects us with peers and provides a platform for constructive feedback that helps raise the bar for everyone.

How do you collaborate with other professionals, such as architects and engineers?

Collaboration is part of our everyday fabric. We believe there’s a specialist for every aspect of a project—from architects and engineers to artisans who craft bespoke finishes. Over the years, we’ve joined forces with iconic names like Lalique, Ralph Lauren, and Benjamin Raymond to create inspiring, one-of-a-kind environments. We also love teaming up for events and showroom exhibitions with brands such as Gladee and Bella Figura, where we can collectively showcase design at its finest.

A recent highlight was our collaboration with Glancy Fawcett, Sylka Carpets, and Parkway England at the Dubai International Boat Show, presenting a “Best of Luxury British Brands” experience. Bringing together a diverse group of experts in one space allowed us to truly celebrate the richness and depth of British design on a global stage.

We’re also working on lots of new ideas in the background so watch this space!

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a tranquil office design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Davide Macullo Architects.

Atmosphere is today the key for the success of a company. Being able to offer an environment built with reasons and beauty through emotions that sing to the soul of the company means touching the intimate perception of the users and delivering a clear positive message. EFG is studying, along with the architect, a new world of representing itself through a unique and seducing design that conveys spaces and care for every single detail. This enhances and reinforces the sensitive approach of EFG worldwide.

What was the client's brief?

EFG’s brief called for the creation of spaces capable of achieving a subtle balance between solemnity and informality, conveying professionalism without sacrificing human warmth. The project needed to reflect the bank’s values - rooted in a philosophical and psychological vision - going beyond individualities to connect with a shared human sensitivity, made of emotions, meanings, and even pleasure. EFG is an enlightened client: they gave us the freedom to draw a design line guided by passion, joy, and reason. A line that, once defined, began (and will continue over time) to release new meanings, capable of breaking with the past to shape a new era. The concept is based on the exploration of perception: creating living, breathing spaces, able to transmit comfort, beauty, and tranquillity. At the heart of this approach are circular geometries, symbols of inclusivity and stability, designed to make every individual feel like the protagonist, at the centre of their own world, free from prejudice. Curved walls amplify the spatial experience, expanding perception in a fluid way and infusing the environment with a sense of welcome and pleasure. This formal language draws on lessons from spatial psychology, early existentialism, and the anthropological aspects that shape our instinctive reactions. The interiors for EFG stem from an inexhaustible curiosity, an unconditional love for life, and a deep passion for interpreting emotional states, thus transforming spaces into places to be lived in, not merely passed through.

Today, atmosphere is an essential component of a company’s success. Offering an environment designed with care, beauty, and intention - capable of evoking emotion and reflecting the soul of the organisation - means reaching the most intimate perceptions of users, communicating a clear message of well-being, both internal and external. In every EFG location around the world, the spirit of local traditions is respected and reinterpreted, reinforcing a common vision based on shared sensitivity and the enhancement of context. A thought expressed during the inauguration of the new EFG Academy spaces in Lugano best summarises this approach: elevating space to place, transforming a necessity into an opportunity.

What inspired the design of the project?

For us, designing a space means creating a place. The difference may seem subtle, but it is substantial: a space responds to functions, a place is born from the essence of being. This approach transforms architecture into the most complete of human arts, capable of giving shape to emotions, experiences, and identities. Every place is always a transformation of something pre-existing - whether it’s a historic interior, a hillside dotted with olive trees, or a bustling metropolis. In the project for EFG Bank, this transformation came to life through a universal concept, which I like to represent with the metaphor of a journey. I imagine our society as a speeding train, frantic, driven by rules, technology, finance, economics, politics, and traditions. Yet, on that train, we find the calm to play a game of cards: that’s where our inspiration is born. Play is the fundamental element of our profession. The cards represent who we are: our background, our sensitivity, our role, our motivation. They are our inner rules, which allow us to express creativity in a world that tends toward conformity. The only rules we accept are those of the game itself - not constraints, but tools to be used freely in order to achieve the true purpose of architecture: making people feel at ease in the places we create. In this project, it is precisely from this balance between freedom and discipline, between emotion and function, that the design took shape: a silent yet powerful language, capable of welcoming and inspiring.

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

The connection between architecture and context is the common thread that guides every one of our projects. However, when we are asked to design spaces for the same client in different locations, the main challenge becomes integrating each intervention into the local context without ever losing sight of the client’s essence and identity. The familiarity of the structures, combined with the surprise of innovative and refined solutions, responds to the need to recover references from the past and reinterpret them in a dynamic interplay between interior and exterior, heaviness and lightness, past, present, and future. Upon entering these spaces, one perceives a balance between the bank’s personal and international identity and a genuine appreciation of local culture and craftsmanship. The use of regional materials and the involvement of local artisans allowed us to create environments that reflect global values - but with unique regional nuances. The design choices in each location tell the story of the relationship between the city’s DNA and its future vision, going beyond the dogmas of the past to rediscover a freer, more human architecture. Despite the high level of technology involved, the approach remains deeply sensitive, capable of giving life to places, not just spaces.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Creating beauty is our craft. We do it through the senses - stimulating emotions and sensations, giving them meaning, and making them representative. Beyond intuition and personal sensitivity, it is meaning that determines the longevity of art in architecture. In the case of EFG Bank, the spaces we designed are born from forms and teachings of the past, tied to the context in which we operate, but reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. They are living compositions - immersive experiences where the senses take centre stage, creating a unique atmosphere. The most meaningful moment for our team was precisely when we found the right balance between necessity and functionality, comfort and luxury: a turning point where the project began to tell its own story. From the classical era - full of dogmas - to the contemporary age - free from prejudice and trends; from heaviness to lightness, from physical reality to virtual reality, from needs to opportunities: at the heart of our philosophy lies the desire to translate a group’s core values into tangible, lived moments. We never forget that every project is, ultimately, a portrait of those who commissioned it.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We believe that the SBID Awards represent an excellent opportunity to expand our international visibility, especially given the prestige and specialization of this recognition in the field of interior design. We chose to submit this project because, while it is an interior design intervention, it fully reflects our design philosophy: attention to detail, conceptual consistency, and a deep dialogue with the context. Projects like this often receive less attention compared to other areas of architecture, but they deserve to be acknowledged for the quality and depth of work they represent.

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

Being finalists for this award represents not only a source of pride for us, but also a moment of reflection. We have completed over 800 projects in fifty countries, driven by a deep dedication and the joy we find in what we do. This recognition takes on even greater meaning because, through our work, we can pass on that same joy to future generations - offering them inspiration, courage, and motivation.

In our practice, every detail is thoughtfully conceived and carefully executed, with the aim of creating environments that instil a sense of safety and familiarity. The contextual approach we adopt strives for an organic integration - never imposed - one that considers not only the natural surroundings, but also the cultural and social dimensions: an ecology that is not only environmental, but deeply human.

Another key element in the design process is time: whether in its stillness or in its flow, time is intrinsically connected to the proportion and scale of every space. This focus on time and perception translates into a meaningful physical and psychological impact - especially in environments where important decisions are made. It fosters calm, security, and encourages synergistic collaboration between users and professionals.

Can you share a project that best represents your design style?

My design style evolves and rotates between many polarities. I’m inspired by Medieval and Georgian periods in our culture, early Chinese furniture, also Arts and Crafts and Modernist architecture, as well as Japanese movements such as the Metabolists. I am always on the lookout to connect with artists and craftspeople, including through the paint and patterns of domestic artefacts, fabrics and wood carving. My new Unfitted Kitchen shows off this approach with aesthetics that incorporate many of the design references I have mentioned.

What trends do you see shaping the future of interior design?

Unfitted kitchens are increasingly popular as they offer a range of furniture items to give clients freedom in creating their own personal environments. Furnishing a room, as opposed to having cabinetry built in, allows clients more flexibility and self-expression. Kitchens are no longer just for cooking. The functions of other downstairs room are often folded into them these days. With home working, hobbies and sociability increasingly taking place in the kitchen, the room can now be designated a ‘House Place’, an idea articulated by the poet William Wordsworth. This fits with a process that involves functions of rooms becoming less specific and more diverse. Interestingly the trend applies to both small and large homes. The hybrid nature of this new kitchen, ‘broken plan’ rather open plan, suggests that we need activity areas as well as nooks for privacy or security, plus a personal sense of belonging expressed through its decor.

How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?

We have a section on the Johnny Grey Studio website called Full Circle where we resell kitchens that have been taken out of their original homes. This is a very effective way of reducing waste and the problem of disposal of building materials. Our kitchens are always well crafted, very durable and fit to be repurposed. We make conscious efforts to use natural and recycled materials when possible and to avoid plastic finishes on our furniture when this can be done in line with durability, which it often can.

Do you have a signature style or hallmark design approach?

Our designs use multiple style references, allowing them to stand out from fashion trends and obsolescence. Because of this, a thirty-year-old Johnny Grey kitchen still looks modern. Three essential design ideas of mine are in evidence in most, if not all, of my kitchens. Number one is to make eye contact possible as this promotes sociable use of space so that people can have conversations while cooking and preparing food. Number two is ‘soft geometry’ – that is, the avoidance of sharp corners, particularly on furniture like central islands in the middle of a room. Walking around the kitchen feels safe and natural and it means the passageways can actually be narrower. The third principle is the use of dedicated work surfaces instead of indiscriminately long countertop work surfaces. This allows both small and large kitchens to function efficiently, often with reduced distances between key activities. It frees up space for sociable furniture.

What advice would you give to emerging designers?

Spend time in a workshop to learn how things are made. Take your education and learning processes across design boundaries. Learn skills from product design, architecture and interior design as well as project management. Observe how people use space, follow research into behavioural psychology and neuroscience, visit historic buildings and enjoy books on the history of design. Remain self-critical of your work, seek a broad spectrum of style and constantly explore new ways of approaching your work.

What sets your work apart in the industry?

It is not fashion focused. It connects history and my personal vision of using colour, pattern, shape with a sense of fun and quirkiness. I attempt to make people feel comfortable and happy in their surroundings through sociable design philosophy. The quality of the individual pieces of furniture should last for generations.

Can you highlight one or two of your most iconic projects?

Many if not all my projects represent the core aspects of my approach. Narrowed down, I would say the Unfitted Kitchen for the reasons mentioned above. It’s the distillation of years of work honing furniture that is practical, stylish and flexible, has an easy appeal and represents good value for money. After successfully offering this to the public in 1986-9 through Smallbone of Devizes, I have now revived the concept as part of my legacy. I’m hoping it will change the industry by becoming a popular alternative to fitted kitchens.

The Guildford kitchen is a classic JG Studio collaboration between clients, furniture makers and the design team. The design is functional and innovative – three working tables distribute the activity of the kitchen, all linked together and with different heights and materials. Surfaces are warm to the touch, including the ceramic wall with its innovative unglazed hammered finish that is soft and eye catching in a fun way. The Dolphin shaped legs make a hinged bar that is ideal for leaning against and serving food is a classic example of one of my custom designs. For interior projects, the Treasure Island House for Felix Dennis stands out. This was a themed fun house based on the writings of Robert Louis Stevenson. It centred around a swimming pool with palm trees distributing heat, a seventeenth century opium ketch kitchen and panelled dining room, a four poster bed decorated with carved statues of Long John Silver and the Spanish Lady with a secret staircase to the stars, a shell filled bathroom and a double-sided aquarium through which the viewer enters the building on arrival.

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

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a contemporary boutique design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, LADO.

Portugal Jewels commissioned a sensitive architectural intervention to transform the former Barbearia Campos, located within a historic 18th-century Pombaline building in Lisbon’s Largo do Chiado, into a contemporary boutique celebrating Portuguese jewellery and traditional filigree craftsmanship. The design preserved key original elements of the barbershop, blending heritage with modern details. A focused, purposeful renovation introduced Klein blue cabinetry and blue accents that harmonize with the space’s aged character, creating an intimate retail environment that honors cultural legacy while reflecting the brand’s refined, contemporary identity.

What was the client's brief?

With the barbershop long closed, the brief was to transform it into a boutique dedicated to Portuguese jewellery and goldsmithery, with a special emphasis on traditional filigree craftsmanship.

What inspired the design of the project?

The project draws inspiration from the work of Brazilian artist Marcius Galan, while also using Yves Klein signature blue colour.

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

The design of a custom design counter, half an old piece of furniture, half contemporary metal. Very much customised to accommodate all things needed for sales, packaging, etc.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We are particularly enthusiastic about the effect of reflection of the new part of the shop reflected on the old mirrors in the opposite wall.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We believe it is an award with high reputation.

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

It is both a pleasure and an honour.

Questions answered by João Regal, Co-Founder of LADO.

Can you share a project that best represents your design style?

A standout project that embodies our design ethos is Harcourt House Apartments Grade II listed residences in the heart of Marylebone. This project beautifully reflects our ability to balance heritage architecture with contemporary living. We introduced layered lighting solutions to enhance the ornate period details while ensuring the space felt modern and inviting. The use of refined materials, bespoke furnishings, and carefully curated finishes created an interior that feels luxurious yet understated—something that is central to our approach.

What trends do you see shaping the future of interior design?

The future of interior design is being shaped by a renewed focus on timeless craftsmanship, sustainability, and the fusion of tradition with modernity. Clients are increasingly seeking personalized, curated interiors that reflect their lifestyle while standing the test of time. The demand for bespoke, artisan-made pieces continues to grow, as does an appreciation for historic architectural details reinterpreted in a contemporary way. Additionally, there is a shift towards holistic well-being in design, incorporating biophilic elements, natural materials, and intelligent spatial planning to enhance quality of life.

How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?

Sustainability is integrated into our design philosophy through responsible sourcing, longevity, and craftsmanship. We prioritize high-quality, durable materials that age beautifully, reducing the need for frequent replacements. We work with artisans and suppliers who share our commitment to ethical production, favoring locally crafted furniture and finishes where possible. Additionally, we emphasize adaptive reuse, preserving and repurposing existing architectural elements rather than replacing them. Energy-efficient lighting, natural ventilation strategies, and sustainable fabrics are also key considerations in our projects.

Do you have a signature style or hallmark design approach?

Helen Green Design is known for its timeless British luxury with a contemporary edge. Our interiors are defined by layered textures, refined detailing, and an elegant yet understated aesthetic. While each project is tailored to the client’s personal vision, our hallmark approach emphasizes proportion, craftsmanship, and a balance between classic and modern influences. We create spaces that feel sophisticated yet inviting, always prioritizing comfort and function alongside beauty.

What has been your company’s proudest achievement so far?

One of Helen Green Design’s greatest achievements has been maintaining the brand’s identity, reputation, and recognition following the absence of its founder, ensuring that the studio continues to thrive while staying true to its original vision of timeless British luxury. Through a commitment to excellence, craftsmanship, and innovation, we have successfully upheld the studio’s legacy while evolving to meet the needs of a modern, discerning clientele.

Additionally, we take pride in being pioneers in integrating sustainability within the luxury interior design sector. In an industry often driven by excess, we have actively worked to promote responsible sourcing, longevity, and ethical craftsmanship. By prioritizing high quality, enduring materials, collaborating with sustainable artisans, and advocating for adaptive reuse where possible, we are reshaping the perception of luxury to be not only beautiful but also conscious and future-focused.

What sets your work apart in the industry?

Helen Green Design distinguishes itself through its ability to blend heritage with modernity while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality, detail, and client experience. Our interiors are carefully curated to feel both elegant and deeply personal, ensuring that every project reflects the lifestyle and aspirations of our clients.

We also stand apart in our pioneering approach to sustainability in high-end design, proving that luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist. By championing artisanal craftsmanship, responsible material sourcing, and timeless rather than trend-driven design, we create spaces that are not only exquisite but also built to last.

Furthermore, our collaborative, client-first approach ensures that every project benefits from the expertise of a multidisciplinary team, delivering a seamless experience from concept to completion. This, combined with our reputation for discretion, excellence, and innovation, continues to set Helen Green Design apart as a leader in the luxury interior design industry.

Are you involved in mentoring or education within the interior design industry?

Yes, mentorship and education are integral to Helen Green Design’s ethos. We believe in nurturing the next generation of designers, sharing knowledge, and fostering creativity within the industry. Through in-house training programs, internships, and mentorship opportunities, we guide emerging talent in understanding the intricacies of luxury interior design, craftsmanship, and project execution.

Additionally, members of our team participate in industry panels, guest lectures, and design forums, offering insights into evolving trends, sustainability in luxury design, and the business of interior design. We take pride in supporting young designers and fostering a collaborative learning environment within the studio.

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 an immersive hospitality design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, External Reference.

Plaza Mahou is a 1,100 m² experiential space inside Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, designed by External Reference for Mahou San Miguel. Combining a working microbrewery, bar, and terrace, the project connects beer, football, and Madrid’s social culture through the concept of the plaza. The design blends digital innovation, artisanal craft, and sustainable materials to create an immersive and functional environment. Featuring 3D-printed textures, recycled keg furniture, and hand-painted ceramics, Plaza Mahou transforms a hospitality venue into a cultural destination that celebrates identity, community, and experience.

What was the client's brief?

The brief was to celebrate the bond between beer and football through Mahou’s century-long partnership with Real Madrid, both rooted in Madrid. The project had to unite Mahou’s brewing culture with the club’s legacy at the Santiago Bernabéu, reflecting shared values of commitment, excellence, passion, and the spirit of Madrid as a city of encounters.

What inspired the design of the project?

Plaza Mahou was inspired by the ambition to transform space into an immersive narrative that unites the brand’s three universes: beer, the city, and football. This vision takes shape through the archetype of the Madrid plaza, a timeless place of gathering and conviviality.

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

The toughest challenge was turning those ideas into tangible elements, reinterpreting them in a way that conveyed the essence of beer, the city, and football.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The most meaningful moment came when each element took shape within the real space, and the environment itself transformed into the living expression of a plaza.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards because it represents a benchmark of excellence in interior and experiential design. Your platform recognizes projects that go beyond aesthetics to deliver meaning and innovation. For us, it is a clear opportunity to share how design can translate culture, identity, and shared values into a space that people can experience, remember, and enjoy.

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

Being an Award Finalist has validated our approach of merging storytelling with design to create immersive environments. It has strengthened our visibility within the international design community and confirmed the relevance of our work in shaping how brands and audiences connect through space. And of course, it feels like a great honour for our whole team.

Questions answered by Carmelo Zappulla, CEO of External Reference.

Can you share a project that best represents your design style?

Our recent interior design and interior architecture project, Château de la Croix des Gardes, has been called ‘a contemporary reimagining of an historical masterpiece’. The largest remaining estate on the Cote D’Azur, this legendary Belle Époque Château is unparalleled in the beauty of its architecture, its sublime Mediterranean views, the scale of its surrounding gardens and its magical history. It has been an honour and a pleasure for Katharine to lead a formidable team of creatives in the complete redesign of this majestic home (as featured in Architectural Digest France). Inspired by classic French design delicately blended with a touch of English eclecticism it is a good example of Katharine’s design aesthetic, married with her passion for craftsmanship, as it included:
- Over 150 hand-crafted bespoke furniture pieces and custom joinery pieces with intricate marquetry, inlays and specialist timber finishes which have been made by England’s traditional, small-scale, fine cabinetry workshops.
- Over 40 diqerent hand embroidered textiles from 5 British ateliers.
- 30 diqerent pieces of art from British painters and ceramicists.
- 13 hand-painted frescos, silk wallpapers and panels painted by 8 diqerent studios and artists – the work of a London based artist features throughout and 2 British handpainted wallpaper companies

How does your team collaborate on major projects?

We collaborate exceptionally well both internally and externally and that is a cornerstone of the design studio: It takes a village! Internally we have built a studio of experienced and award-winning designers and architects who seamlessly work together to create flawless, fully immersive designs for our clients where every detail is considered, designed, installed and styled. We also work alongside – and often lead – an established network of the highest quality contractors, agents, specialists and suppliers to ensure a luxurious level of workmanship is achieved across every facet of a client’s project.

What trends do you see shaping the future of interior design?

We like to design unhemmed by trends or fleeting fashions as Katharine strongly believes that true elegance and comfort is timeless. Wellness, fitness, comfort and personalisation are increasingly important to our clients. There is also a move towards more informal entertaining, a generational move away from traditional formal living room spaces to more fun and immersive games rooms, home cinemas, wine tasting rooms, music rooms. Spaces that reflect the unique individual passions of the client and showcase their niche interests are definitely growing in demand.

How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?

We make a conscious eqort to design with an eco-friendly approach and have a dedicated librarian who manages all of our supplier relationships and the library of architectural samples and decorative finishes and fabrics to ensure that specifications are made with sustainability in mind. We actively work to minimise waste across our projects and prioritise reuse, refurbishment, reclamation and antiques.

Katharine champions hundreds of the finest small to medium workshops, ateliers and makers in Britain. This ‘British-made’ approach minimises transportation for our domestic projects.

Wherever possible we aim to use natural fibres in our fabric specifications and Katharine’s role as an advocate for the Campaign for Wool reflects this passion for sustainable, natural fabrics. Wool, cotton, linen, jute, Cashmere, sisal, mohair and bamboo are all far more sustainable and better for our health than man-made fibres. Timber in our joinery and bespoke furniture is also sourced from FSC.

Our team of talented architects place sustainable MEP design solutions at the heart of our projects. For example we have completed a number of projects which have ‘air source’ heat pumps and solar photovoltaic solutions. Focusing on achieving the best U values so that the fabric of the building gives the system a head start.

What advice would you give to emerging designers?

Travel as much as you can, visit galleries, museums, beautiful cities, and individual artists and creators. Live life with your eyes and heart open, everything and anything can inspire you to create new and beautiful designs, but you have to get out in the world, don’t wait for it to come to you.

Can you highlight one or two of your most iconic projects?

The Château de la Croix des Gardes has is probably our most iconic recent project, due to the final design and its captivating history. Situated high above Cannes on the lush Crois des Gardes hill, the property became infamous in 1955 as the set of Hitchcock’s film ‘To Catch a Thief’, starring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. The scale of this project was quite spectacular, the Chateau’s square footage is 25,000 sq. ft set across four floors (extended from an original sq ft. of 13,000). Katharine Pooley also designed 42,000 sq. ft of living spaces spread across five additional beautiful secondary buildings and in total there are fifteen guest bedrooms and seven staq bedrooms across the estate. A majestic property set amongst 25 acres of sympathetically restored Italianate gardens, the design and renovation of this “heartstoppingly” beautiful French Riviera chateau embodies the luxury and glamour of its movie-star history.

In spring 2025 we complete a beautiful 50,000 sq ft coastal residence in Sardinia for a returning client. I feel this will be an iconic design for us. Set within two acres of gardens with classic Mediterranean style architecture housing a refined contemporary /rustic interior. We have taken inspiration from the curved architectural detailing that is the hallmark of Mediterranean design and designed joinery and furniture with rounded edges and circular elements to complement the flowing, intimate, nature of the space. The outdoor landscape overlooks a simply sublime Sardinian seascape which has inspired the interior design and infused it with vibrant Mediterranean hues like terracotta, deep blue, or olive green adds warmth.

This year we complete ten more projects that really are unlike anything we have created before. They will be in Paris, Aspen, Kuwait, Hong Kong, London, Bermuda, Mallorca and we currently are working on large scale iconic projects in Dallas, Doha, Dubai and Gibraltar.

Are you involved in mentoring or education within the interior design industry?

Yes, we have a strong internship program which accepts candidates and graduates every year from all the main design schools and from further afield. Katharine gives regular talks and takes part in panel discussions and has a strong relationship with the KLC School of Design.

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an elegant showroom design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Grandiosa Design.

At Grandiosa, everything begins and ends with inspiration. It is a place that invites you to experience our passion and vision firsthand. Here, you imagine, dream, and get inspired. In our showroom, we want you to feel the warmth of meeting, the creativity, and the touch of grandeur we bring to every space with our signature. Our promise is simple: to turn your ideas into the magic of reality. We listen, understand, and create with exceptional care and dedication; all you need to do is allow us to earn your trust. “The beauty of existence waiting to be discovered.”

What was the client's brief?

The client envisioned a space that transcends function—an elegant fusion of showroom and studio, where creativity breathes through every detail. At its heart lies a dedicated stage for design: a showroom that not only displays concepts, materials, and brand identity, but also narrates a story of beauty, accessibility, and vision.

Alongside this, the client required a haven for its team—a place where ideas take shape, where meeting rooms foster dialogue, and working spaces nurture imagination and daily flow. Natural light was to be the guiding thread, a silent architectural element weaving through the interiors, illuminating pathways and creating effortless movement between the showroom and the studio. It becomes both atmosphere and structure, transforming the space into an experience. Flexibility, too, was vital: the design should adapt gracefully, shifting from cultural gatherings to intimate client conversations, from collaborative sessions to moments of reflection. This narrative forms the foundation of the accompanying diagram, a visual symphony of the client’s aspirations, harmoniously interwoven into the spatial composition.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design of this interior seeks to weave a symphony of elegance, French chic, and warmth—an elevated expression of style that whispers of timelessness. In the historic heart of Zagreb, along the storied Gundulićeva Street, nearly 200 square meters are transformed into a living canvas, a celebration where design and art entwine. Every detail is composed with devotion, shaping a space where sophistication and beauty meet in perfect harmony, leaving an impression that lingers beyond time. Elegance here is not loud, but whispered—achieved through the careful choreography of materials and finishes, each chosen with intention. The aesthetic unfolds as a seamless composition, carrying the quiet allure of understated luxury.

At its core lies French chic, the heartbeat of the design, infusing every corner with the effortless charm of Paris. Warmth embraces the space like a gentle thread, ensuring it feels not only refined, but also deeply inviting—an interior where comfort and grace coexist, where utility meets the intimacy of home. Each room becomes a chapter, a narrative inspired by the timeless poetry of Parisian interiors. Together, they form a collection of stories—spaces that are both inspirational and aspirational, reflecting an unwavering devotion to beauty, craft, and design of the highest order.

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

One of the greatest challenges that our interior design studio faced during this project, was related to the execution part of the project: Finding the perfect contractors that would deliver meticulously the designed project.

When a contractor fails to execute with the same level of precision and excellence that the project was conceived with, the integrity of the entire vision is compromised. The struggle then becomes twofold: preserving the purity of the design intent while navigating the practical shortcomings of its delivery. Finding the right team—one that possesses not only technical expertise but also a shared respect for craftsmanship and detail—is often a long and demanding journey. Yet it is precisely this alignment between vision and execution that transforms a design from concept to timeless reality.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The interior design team’s highlight of the project was strongly related to these two subjects:

Seamless Concept-to-Reality Execution
The ability to translate an abstract vision into a tangible space where every detail—from materials to lighting—aligns with the client’s aspirations.

Timeless Elegance & Identity
Crafting a design that not only embodies sophistication and beauty but also reflects the brand’s or client’s unique personality, creating a signature identity.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We specifically decided to be part of SBID Awards, because first and foremost we strongly believe in your transparency, fairness, and exemplary operations.

Following this, we were assured that this step would give us international recognition, strengthen our brand, inspire our team, attract new clients, and open doors to greater opportunities within the global design industry.

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

As one of the most prestigious interior design awards globally, we are aware that SBID recognition would serve us as a hallmark of design excellence and professional accomplishment, specifically on:
- Credibility & Prestige
- Global Visibility
- Marketing Tools
- Networking
- Inclusive Participation

In essence, for us SBID recognition isn’t just an accolade—it’s a strategic asset. It elevates our creative reputation, amplifies outreach, unlocks professional networks, and solidifies our position as a leader of design excellence.

Questions answered by Marina Srdjak, Creative Director of Grandiosa Design.