This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an eclectic residential design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Sadie Pizzey Interiors.
Nostalgic Notting Hill! Brick arches, Victorian architecture & bookending fireplaces gave Sadie Pizzey Interiors a great launch pad for this residential project in Notting Hill. We took our clients brief and elevated their love of rustic finishes & bold, vibrant colours through our design of the reclaimed timber kitchen, aged flooring & eclectic furniture. We sourced and designed pieces that brought age, depth & connection. SP Interiors mixed bold custom pieces that problem solved, with textural joinery that maximised space & storage. Antiques were weave in with artisan finds & custom design chairs elevated the home & a connection to the diverse materials.
Category: Residential Apartment Under £1M
Design Practice: Sadie Pizzey Interiors
Project Title: Nostaligic Notting Hill!
Project Location: London, United Kingdom
Design Practice Location: Guildford, United Kingdom
The client desired a home with an eclectic feel — a place that worked for two but could easily welcome ten, somewhere to escape the pace of city living while still feeling rooted in Notting Hill. Maintaining the charm and character of the Victorian duplex was central to the brief. Our client wanted as much of the original fabric preserved as possible, so we reconditioned the sash windows, coving and skirting boards, sanded and re-stained the oak floors, and carefully restored the fireplaces and exposed brick. Beyond the architecture, the client also wished to weave her upbringing and close family bond into the home. By integrating her family’s artwork, accessories and even lighting, we created an immediate sense of connection and belonging.
Brick arches, Victorian architecture & bookending fireplaces gave Sadie Pizzey Interiors a great launch pad for this residential project in Notting Hill. We took our clients brief and elevated their love of rustic finishes & bold, vibrant colours through the reclaimed timber kitchen, aged flooring & eclectic furniture. We sourced and designed pieces that brought age, depth & connection. Sadie Pizzey Interiors mixed bold custom pieces that problem solved, with textural joinery that maximised space & storage. Antiques were weave in with artisan finds & custom design chairs elevated the home & a connection to the diverse materials.
Our client initially thought that this duplex would be cosmetic changes, but as with many Victorian flats, once we carried out our survey there were challenges to overcome. The first shock was we had inherited a flat with no lighting. There were a few strip lights hidden in some coving in each room, but the light source was so poor that we knew straight away we would need to redesign all the lighting & electrics. A challenge is always an opportunity, as this allowed us to design a scheme with multi-layered lighting & circuits. We highlighted architectural features such as the brick arches & dome ceilings. We added beautiful decorative lighting above the table & island & other light sources through the bedrooms & snug.
We also uncovered damp & wondering floors. Full treatment & significant membranes were added to the terrace above. We worked with the existing floor instead of replacing, sanding & re-staining to tie-in with the rustic kitchen.
An inherited air conditioning unit which was unattractive but in good working order aesthetically was solved through a bespoke, electric blue joinery piece with built-in vents and access points.
The highlight for our team was seeing the unique quirks of the Victorian duplex celebrated and enhanced, rather than erased. Repurposing the sash windows, oak floors, and brickwork allowed the history of the home to shine through, while layering in reclaimed timber, bespoke joinery, and eclectic furniture brought warmth and individuality. Our passion for craftsmanship was especially evident in the custom design chairs, which united diverse materials such as rustic oak, smooth leather and soft linen in harmony. Perhaps most rewarding was integrating pieces from the client’s family — artwork, accessories and treasured lighting — which gave the completed space a depth of meaning that no new purchase could replicate. Watching the client walk into a home that was both personal and practical, filled with character yet tailored to her lifestyle, was our team’s proudest moment.
We entered the SBID Awards because they represent one of the most respected platforms in the design industry, celebrating creativity, innovation and craftsmanship on an international stage. For us, it was an opportunity to share the story of this project, where bold colour, reclaimed materials and bespoke craftsmanship came together to create a home that was both practical and deeply personal. Submitting our work was about championing the value of thoughtful design — demonstrating how it can transform not only a space but the way our clients experience their everyday lives.
We are so proud of this project and the end result. Whenever any of the team walk into the home we instantly feel warm, cosy and uplifted — and that is the approach we bring to all of our projects. As a small design firm, being recognised as an SBID Finalist feels like an affirmation of our growth over the last five years and proof that smaller, more niche studios can achieve just as much as larger teams.
From the initial concept to the final reveal, we add value at every stage, ensuring each project reflects our clients’ unique visions while enriching their lives. Our aligned philosophy, streamlined processes and clear lines of accountability allow us to transform challenges into opportunities and consistently deliver exceptional results. We believe in the power of collaboration, fostering strong relationships with our clients and partners, and we take pride in delivering interiors that not only meet expectations but exceed them.
Personally, as the founder of Sadie Pizzey Interiors, I am thrilled by the recognition and deeply grateful for the journey we have been on. This achievement has amplified our voice, strengthened our confidence as a team, and motivated us to keep creating homes that inspire, embody and serve the unique individuals who live in them.
Questions answered by Sadie Pizzey, Founder of Sadie Pizzey Interiors.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a characterful residential design by Pippa Paton Design, click here to read it.
The SBID UK Interior Design Icons were selected to recognise leading design practices throughout the UK who have consistently displayed exceptional standards within our esteemed industry network.
This week’s instalment of the SBID Icon Insights series features MKV Design. MKV Design is internationally recognised for combining visionary use of space with design that reaches out beyond trends to create commercially astute, innovative and delightfully surprising work.
Our 10-year re-creation of Bürgenstock Resort overlooking Lake Lucerne in Switzerland exemplifies the diversity of our work because it is a collection of so many different parts, each a one-off project in itself - a new hotel in a modern vernacular, a heritage hotel refurbished in a grand fin-de-siècle manner, ultra luxury residences in a new property built behind an original 19th Century façade, a huge Zen-like spa, restaurants and so on, each with their own distinctive character. However, we planned and designed all these places to “click” together and create a homogenous destination.
In the hospitality sector, design is becoming much more human centric. The industry is now looking at a lot more than aesthetics – the changing demographics of guests for example, the growth in private groups of family and friends travelling together and, as business travel returns, the more nuanced expectations of many guests for a work/leisure experience. It is interesting to note the influence of residential design. Over recent years, hospitality design trends have led the way and had impact on residential design, but the barometer has swung and now it is now aspects of residential design, especially the notion of highly personalised environments, that are shaping hospitality design.
In the world of hospitality, many of the most treasured establishments are housed in old buildings and, as designers, we restore, refurbish and repurpose these legacy buildings. We also repurpose and restore antique pieces. Both buildings and their contents have a key role to play in telling the unique story that guests are eager to find. For much the same reason, we like to incorporate local materials, colour palette, crafts and artwork and, of course, buying locally and supporting neighbouring communities are inherently more sustainable than sourcing from far afield. The great thing now is that the luxury experience and sustainability are recognised as totally compatible, and increasingly guests are prepared to pay a premium to stay in a hotel that achieves both goals.
They drive what we design. As far back as some 15 years ago, we created a concept installation that proposed the advent of flexible hotel guestrooms which, enabled by technology together with innovative design, could easily adapt through work, rest and play scenarios. More recently, when the man-made pollution of our oceans was just becoming headline news, we designed another installation that stripped back the concept of luxury on a paradise island to what really matters – seamless engagement with the environment in a landscape as nature intended. In the real world of our projects, we integrate technology, but are not victims to it, and like to utilise new materials and systems whenever they might benefit operations and the guest experience.
In addition to Bürgenstock, another resort project was and remains seminal – Costa Navarino in Greece. We began our work with the client not long after MKV was founded. The guiding spirit of the vision was to create a premium, sustainably driven destination in Messinia – a beautiful and historic part of the country – bringing opportunity and prosperity to the neighbouring communities. The first phase of work included the design of two luxury hotels, the Agora village, a large conference centre, a spa and a golf clubhouse. Since then, we have worked on additional facilities as the resort expanded, as well as occasional refurbishments. In 2023, we completed the W Costa Navarino, Greece’s first W hotel, and we have just delivered a five-bedroom Mandarin Oriental villa. Costa Navarino is a celebration of its natural location. It offers a contemporary experience but one rich in the stories and traditions of its region as well as engagement with the landscape.
Both Bürgenstock Resort and Costa Navarino feel like they belong in their location, as if they are growing out of the very land and legacy of their context.
Yes, I am one of the founding partners of Kindling, a biennial competition for students of architecture & design which launched in 2022. The inaugural edition aimed to highlight the work of Ukrainian students, inviting them to submit their concept for a new hotel in Ukraine when the war with Russia was over. More than 40 students participated, and we brought the winners to London to celebrate and enjoy a long weekend in the capital. The current edition, is open to students across Europe. Subtitled Sanctuary, it is inviting them to design places of hospitality which welcome, nurture and help break down barriers, as well as which cater for the practical needs of those who are displaced from home, whatever the cause.
In our opinion, collaboration with manufacturers, suppliers and artisans is paramount. What they contribute to projects is as equally important as the design itself. So, MKV has many long-term relationships with all three groups. However, this doesn’t mean we are not open to new project partnerships – far from it!
About MKV Design
Maria Vafiadis established MKV Design in London in 2000 after an early career which took her from Athens to Milan and Vienna and onto the UK. Since then, she has cultivated a business which has worked in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and is internationally recognised for combining visionary use of space with design that reaches out beyond trends to create commercially astute, innovative and delightfully surprising work. Projects include a multitude of prestigious hotels and resorts, both new-build and heritage, spas, restaurants and golf clubs as well as residences. Celebrated as a practice of distinction, MKV has been garlanded with numerous design awards, most recently: AHEAD Europe Best Resort, Gold Key Best Hotel Luxury, World Best Spa Design and Hospitality Design Guestrooms Luxury.
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Picture this: the sun sets over your terrace as the scent of wood-fired pizza mingles with laughter from friends gathered around your outdoor kitchen. What was once a simple backyard barbecue has transformed into something far more significant—a cornerstone of modern social life that's reshaping how we think about home, community, and connection.
The numbers tell the story: outdoor kitchen installations have surged by 30% in recent years, while restaurant dining remains below pre-2020 levels. This isn't just a trend—it's a fundamental shift in how we live, entertain, and connect with others. Gardens, patios, and terraces have evolved from seasonal extras into year-round social hubs that rival any interior space in both function and importance.
This transformation reflects something deeper than design preferences. In an increasingly digital world, outdoor dining offers authentic, sensory-rich experiences that screens simply can't replicate. The ritual of gathering around fire and food taps into something primal and essential in human nature.
Today's outdoor spaces are designed with connection at their core. Unlike traditional indoor kitchens that often isolate the cook, outdoor setups naturally encourage participation. Guests gravitate toward the grill, children help with simple prep tasks, and conversation flows as freely as the drinks.
This participatory approach mirrors culinary traditions from around the world. Argentine asados transform cooking into a social event lasting hours, while Korean Gogi Gui turns the table itself into the cooking surface, making every diner a participant. Japanese yakitori masters work in full view of their guests, creating theatre around the flame.
Modern outdoor kitchen design embraces this communal spirit. Strategic placement of grills and prep areas ensures cooks remain part of the conversation, while thoughtful lighting and comfortable seating create natural gathering spots that draw people together rather than dispersing them across the space.
The most successful outdoor spaces feel like natural extensions of the home's interior. This seamless integration requires careful attention to sightlines, materials, and flow patterns that make movement between spaces feel intuitive and purposeful.
Architectural features like retractable glass walls and continuous flooring materials help blur the boundaries between inside and out. When interior and exterior spaces share similar colour palettes and design languages, the home feels larger and more cohesive, while maintaining the distinct character that makes outdoor dining special.
These spatial relationships and material transitions are best understood experientially—Studio Anqet's 3D visuals and VR of Westmill House demonstrates how thoughtful design creates these seamless connections between interior and exterior spaces.
Climate considerations play a crucial role in this integration. Strategic placement of heating elements, wind breaks, and shade structures extends the usable season, while weather-resistant materials ensure spaces remain beautiful and functional year-round.
BBQ culture is experiencing a renaissance that extends far beyond traditional grilling. Techniques once confined to professional kitchens—wood-fired cooking, smoke infusion, live-fire roasting—are finding their way into residential outdoor spaces.
This evolution embraces global influences and innovative techniques. Wood selection becomes an art form: applewood for delicate fish, hickory for robust pork, or cherry for its subtle sweetness with poultry. Spice blends draw from international traditions—Korean gochujang rubs, Moroccan chermoula marinades, or Japanese miso glazes—creating flavour profiles that would be impossible to achieve indoors.
The plant-based movement has also transformed outdoor cooking, with techniques like smoke-kissed vegetables, grilled fruit desserts, and creative meat alternatives proving that exceptional outdoor cuisine extends well beyond traditional barbecue.
Beyond the obvious pleasures of good food and company, outdoor dining delivers measurable wellness benefits. Natural light exposure helps regulate circadian rhythms, while fresh air and open spaces can reduce stress hormones and improve mood. The slower pace of outdoor cooking encourages mindfulness, turning meal preparation into a form of active meditation.
Biophilic design principles—incorporating natural materials, water features, and abundant greenery—amplify these benefits. When outdoor spaces feel connected to nature rather than imposed upon it, they become restorative environments that nourish both body and spirit.
The outdoor cooking landscape is being revolutionized by artificial intelligence and smart technology. AI-powered grills now entering the market can automatically adjust temperature, predict cooking times, and even suggest optimal wood chip combinations based on the cut of meat and desired flavour profile. These intelligent systems learn from each cooking session, building a database of preferences that ensures perfect results every time.
Beyond grilling, integrated smart systems are transforming entire outdoor spaces. Voice-controlled lighting adapts throughout the evening, while solar-powered pergolas with integrated photovoltaic cells generate clean energy during the day to power evening gatherings, making outdoor kitchens increasingly self-sufficient.
Yet the most meaningful innovations remain beautifully simple: deeper understanding of how families and friends actually gather, leading to more intuitive layouts, enhanced comfort zones, and designs that naturally encourage connection rather than distraction.
Whether you're planning a complete outdoor kitchen renovation or simply reimagining how you use your existing space, the goal remains the same: creating an environment that naturally brings people together. The most successful outdoor spaces feel both sophisticated and welcoming, designed for both grand celebrations and quiet family dinners.
The investment in outdoor / indoor living pays dividends that extend far beyond property value. These spaces become the backdrop for countless memories—birthday celebrations, holiday gatherings, spontaneous weeknight dinners that stretch late into the evening. They remind us that some of life's greatest pleasures are also its simplest: good food, good company, and the open sky above.
In a world that often feels fragmented and rushed, the outdoor table offers something increasingly rare: a reason to slow down, gather together, and celebrate the fundamental human joy of sharing a meal. That's not just good design—it's good living.
About Studio Anqet
Studio Anqet is a well-established multi award winning design studio providing interiors, landscape and architectural design services. At Studio Anqet, we believe that impeccable design has the power to improve lives. Our bespoke interiors & landscapes are conceived to uplift, inspire and delight. Guided by our clients’ aspirations, we breathe life into personal visions – turning houses into incredible homes and buildings into beautiful sanctuaries. We see possibilities others may not, finding beauty in the everyday and solutions where none seem to exist. This spirit runs through everything we create. Studio Anqet’s identity is shaped by our agility, persistence, and personal touch. We are Industry trailblazers committed to wellness-centric design and sustainable practices. Our work is a tribute to both our Egyptian namesake – the goddess of the Nile River – and the new life we help cultivate every day.
This week’s instalment of the SBID Icon Insights series features Ellis Design Studio. The multi-award-winning hospitality interior design studio create daring, conceptually driven interiors, infused with depth and meaning, which are beautifully cinematic, yet anchored in a rich sense of provenance and narrative.
Upstairs at the 1878 – the design is infused with a strong sense of storytelling and a clearly expressed design narrative. The space has a sense of the unexpected and is imbued with vintage-inspired glamour.
At the project’s inception, our team works closely to explore and delve deeply into the essence of the design narrative. This creative collaboration informs all elements of the design process, which continues throughout the design process, to ensure a consistent and clearly articulated design vision.
Interiors are continually being shaped by forces within the broader world around us. We believe sustainability, tech integration and experience-led/experiential interiors will become ever-more important influences shaping the direction of interiors.
As a Studio, we enjoy the challenge of exploring a wide range of design styles. Our approach is based around consistently striving to weave a cohesive narrative throughout the design scheme and communicate the concept through carefully considered touchpoints within the design.
A significant portion of our work is based around the fusion of physical and digital design touchpoints in a luxury design setting. We have become leaders in the creation of spaces with a strong design narrative and a tech enabled immersive element.
Due to the complexity of our designs, we work closely with architects and engineers to bring our creative visions to life. We collaborate with architects on spatial, technical and statutory matters and with structural engineers on a broad range of design elements, including feature bars as well as collaborating to create structures for supporting and suspending ‘showstopper’ elements within out design schemes.
The Studio works with a vast array of suppliers, and we continually seek out new relationships to ensure we’re continually discovering new design approaches. We also work with a range of artists and artisans including fine artists, metal workers, glass blowers, ceramicists, furniture makers etc to help bring our designs to life.
About Ellis Design Studio
Ellis Design Studio is multi-award-winning hospitality interior design studio, based in London. We create daring, conceptually driven interiors, infused with depth and meaning, which are beautifully cinematic, yet anchored in a rich sense of provenance and narrative. We create immersive concepts and extraordinary, memorable, inspiring destinations. Ellis Design Studio specialises in hospitality interior design projects in the UK and internationally. The Studio comprises a strong team with extensive experience across the hospitality sector, including bars, restaurants, 4&5 star hotels, competitive socialising venues, experiential venues and private member’s clubs. Working with clients like Live Nation, IMG, Inception Group, M&C Saatchi & Historic Royal Palaces, we elevate the guest experience, creating immersive, vibrant, surprising and unexpected social spaces.
This week’s instalment of the SBID Icon Insights series features Muza Lab. The studio believe in creating authentic connections to the places they design for. The process for all of their projects hinges on understanding their environment, both geographically and culturally, and reflecting this in their designs.
Every project embodies our approach to design. Our recent project, Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay, captures so much of what defines us. The site itself told the story. Shells scattered along the beach, the warm terracotta tones of the landscape, and the ever-present view of the Rif Mountains. We used those cues to shape a palette, to guide our use of material and craft, and to root the project in its surroundings. We worked closely with Moroccan artisans to reinterpret traditional techniques - carved plaster, hand-chiselled wood, intricate mosaics - each infused with the patterns and tones of the region.
We are seeing a move away from uniformity and polish toward spaces that feel human and connected. There is a desire for warmth, for meaning, for stories that unfold slowly. People want to stay in places that make them feel something, that speak to the culture and history of where they are. We see craft, heritage, and material honesty shaping what comes next.
Sustainability is not a separate idea. It is a way of thinking that is at the core of Muza Lab. We work with local makers, use materials that are responsibly sourced, and design for longevity. We work with artisans and brilliant suppliers that always champion craftsmanship over mass production, which is of course necessary for the kind of pieces our projects call for. It’s also just the simple factors of designing around your environment and in designing spaces that last well beyond a trend.
Technology should support a space, not overwhelm it. When used with care, it helps create comfort and efficiency, but it should never interrupt the human experience. We use innovation to refine our designs, to elevate craft, or to bring new potential to traditional techniques. But the heart of the project must always be emotional and grounded.
Stay open. Stay curious. Keep asking questions and don’t be afraid to explore paths that are unfamiliar. Spend time understanding the stories behind materials and traditions. Design is not about impressing people. It is about making them feel something. And that begins with learning how to listen.
We believe in nurturing talent. Our studio is built on the idea of learning something new every day. We support young designers by aiming to inspire, sharing knowledge, and creating an environment where ideas are welcomed and explored. We talk at universities and colleges all over the world to share this perspective and beliefs around the power of design, and how to achieve them.
We work with an incredible network of artisans, suppliers, and makers from around the world. Many of them we return to again and again, not just because of their skill but because of the trust and understanding we have built together. Fabric suppliers like Pierre Frey and Dedar, wallpaper from the likes of Elitis and degournay, or bespoke work with teams of local artisans - these partnerships allow us to create custom pieces that are completely unique to each project. It is that level of connection that brings authenticity to the work.
About Muza Lab
We believe in creating authentic connections to the places we design for. The process for all of our projects hinges on understanding their environment, both geographically and culturally, and reflecting this in their designs. We use textures, patterns and colours to bridge the past and present through contemporary design, in a way that evokes memory, history and the soul of a destination. It is within the minute stitches, handwoven fabrics, and bespoke touches that a story unfolds, connecting guests with the cultural heartbeat of a locale. By working closely with artisans, we celebrate not only their skill but the stories behind each form. Our spaces are where people go to share special moments with those most precious to them. Our aim is simple: to make these moments rich with feelings that can’t be shaken; to create settings for stories that are held close to the heart, and told again and again.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a characterful residential design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Pippa Paton Design.
Pippa Paton Design led the restoration of a Grade-II listed Cotswold estate, re-instating and accentuating historical features, whilst transforming it into a stylish, practical family home in a pale neutral palette against a backdrop of stone windows, timber flooring and reclaimed Cotswold flags. A derelict granary, now a stunning bar, features an illuminated curved brass bar accentuating the stone chimney behind, stables provide enticing guest accommodation and a stone barn doubles as cinema and large-scale dining room. This is a now beautiful example of a Cotswold village estate, re-envisioned for 21st century family living whilst respecting it’s heritage.
Category: Ultra-Luxury Residential Property
Design Practice: Pippa Paton Design
Project Title: Cotswold Estate
Project Location: Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Design Practice Location: Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
To renovate a Grade II listed manor to create a family home, making it more liveable in terms of layout and functionality and bringing it into the 21st century. We were asked to incorporate a derelict granary to use as utility room on the lower level and a bar above, make another estate barn into a party dining space and provide a variety of guest accommodation.
The overall concept was to reinstate architectural and design features in the house befitting a 19th century manor, the majority of which had been removed over time.
To identify the limited amount of remaining internal architectural details and from that developing a suite of panelling, skirting, architraves etc which reflected the history of the house.
We then selected a contractor and various artisans with experience and expertise in renovating listed buildings, which was critical to restore architectural details such as badly-treated timbers, staircases etc. and to produce the architectural detailing which we had designed.
Seeing the beautiful craftmanship such as the finishes and detailing in the joinery which we had designed come to life, particularly in the bar, the kitchen and the master ensuite.
We also loved designing future heirloom pieces for the client such as a bespoke card games table, a pair of bespoke console tables in the drawing room and a large, curved mirror designed for the hallway.
Another highlight was the client’s feedback that they absolutely love the spaces that have been created - from the serene drawing room, the dark, moody snug for after dinner drinks, the bar seating twenty-two guests in the granary and the entertainment space in another barn for large dinner parties.
To get recognition for the project and for what we do as a studio.
The client appreciates the recognition, and we always meet interesting future suppliers and collaborators at the awards evening itself.
Questions answered by Pippa Paton, Founder of Pippa Paton Design.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a contemporary residential design by Amy Stoddart Studio, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the SBID Icon Insights series features Elicyon. The multidisciplinary studio offers luxury interior design, architecture and project management services across residential, commercial, retail and hospitality disciplines.
Our recent project in the heart of Mayfair, London, 60 Curzon, embodies Elicyon’s design philosophy. It transforms an expansive apartment within an Art Deco building into a serene, sophisticated sanctuary by combining contemporary elements with heritage details. Bespoke joinery, custom lighting, and a curated palette of organic tones create an elegant yet functional home that integrates elegance and luxurious living at its core.
As a studio, Elicyon embraces innovation and new technologies, from 3D modelling to harnessing AI tools, without compromising the human touch that defines our work. Regular research, attending global design fairs, and collaborating with forward-thinking artisans help us stay ahead of industry trends.
We foresee a continued emphasis on sustainability, wellness-driven design, and technology integration. Spaces will increasingly focus on multifunctionality, biophilic elements, and timeless aesthetics that transcend fleeting trends.
Sustainability is always a consideration of every major project. From eco-friendly materials and the minimisation of waste, to partnering with suppliers and craftspeople that share our commitment to responsible practices. For example, in Regent’s Crescent, we worked with leading British manufacturer, Bill Cyendert, whose ethical practices on site meant that waste minimal. We also worked hard to preserve existing elements, such as hardwood floors and door hardware where possible, while introducing sustainable finishes and materials throughout.
Elicyon stands out for its ability to marry architectural integrity with luxurious, bespoke interiors. Our client-first approach, dedication to innovation – whether its technology or materials, and craftsmanship distinguish us as leaders in the field.
Regent’s Crescent, London, is a standout project. By seamlessly blending contemporary functionality with the historic grandeur of the Grade II listed building, we created a home that feels elegant, timeless, and sustainable. The project showcases our ability as a studio to respect heritage while introducing modernity.
The primary challenge was balancing the preservation of the building’s listed features with the client’s desire for a contemporary space. By carefully curating materials and reconfiguring spaces with thoughtful interventions, we delivered a solution that honours both the past and the present.
Our partnerships with like-minded artisans and suppliers are central to our success. From bespoke joinery to handcrafted furniture, these collaborations allow us to deliver exceptional quality and innovation in every project.
About Elicyon
Founded in 2014 by Charu Gandhi, Elicyon is a RIBA-registered multidisciplinary studio offering luxury interior design, architecture and project management services across residential, commercial, retail and hospitality disciplines. Our 35-strong team are proud to have completed multi-award-winning projects both in the UK and worldwide. The combined skills of the Elicyon team, and the studio’s extensive international network of highly skilled consultants, artisans and craftspeople, allows clients to experience a world-class and consummate design process. With a rigorous approach to design detail across the disciplines, and a deep understanding of the project stages, Elicyon are perfectly placed to manage projects from conception to completion. The team’s masterful studio professionals are primed to create flawless interiors with creative integrity, no matter the complexity or scope of the brief.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a contemporary residential design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Amy Stoddart Studio.
Amy Stoddart Studio was commissioned to design this fun, vibrant family home in SW London. The clients trusted them with the ground floor re-work and internal re-fresh on the second floor. The studio took a classic/contemporary approach to the Kitchen, Living, Dining Area; paired with a modern arched crittall internal door, a punchy use of fabric and natural materials weaved throughout the rooms.
Category: Residential Budget Up To £50,000
Design Practice: Amy Stoddart Studio
Project Title: Kingscliffe House
Design Practice Location: Surrey, United Kingdom
Elaine, our client, has a discerning eye for design, appreciating an eclectic mix of new and vintage pieces. She values key statement items over a cluttered aesthetic. Her vision was to preserve the original features of the property while ensuring that the new extension harmoniously blended with the existing structure.
The design was inspired by a fusion of classic and contemporary styles, reflecting Elaine's appreciation for both new and vintage elements. We aimed to create a vibrant and fun atmosphere that resonated with the lively spirit of the family. Incorporating natural materials and maintaining architectural integrity were central to our approach.
One of the challenges was ensuring that the new extension seamlessly integrated with the original structure, both aesthetically and functionally. Additionally, working within budget constraints required creative solutions to achieve the desired high-end look without compromising on quality.
Seeing Elaine's positive reaction and knowing we had created a home that truly reflected her taste and lifestyle was incredibly rewarding.
We entered the SBID Awards to showcase our commitment to design excellence and to gain recognition within the industry. The awards provide a platform to highlight innovative projects and connect with a broader audience, which is invaluable for our studio's growth.
The recognition has enhanced our credibility and motivated us to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity in our future projects.
Questions answered by Amy Stoddart, Creative Director at Amy Stoddart Studio.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a mesmerising restaurant design by Bishop Design, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the SBID Icon Insights series features Quadrant Design. They are an award winning boutique agency providing interior, environmental and digital design services for brands and individuals.
For us, it is all about utilising and placing the right skill sets for the right piece of work. We recognise skills and expertise so often we will work collaboratively throughout the company, bringing in team members for key areas of a project where best suited. We do a lot of workshopping which always starts with pen and paper, scribbling out and drafting our thoughts and visions between us. We also love to collaborate with other boutique agencies and suppliers where we value their expertise for a specific part of a project to make it the best it can be.
Between us, we are forever travelling the country and globe seeking the latest openings and drops from brands, however for us, it isn't just about physical spaces to visit, it's keeping an eye on online trends, fashion, new brands, new exhibitions & movements which inspire our creative vision. Keeping up to date with these trends help us stay on top of the ever changing dynamics of how people shop, eat, play & work. Being based in Soho also allows us to be inspired daily, just walking out our front door on Berwick Street we are forever discovering new pop ups, immersive experiences and soaking up the undeniable energy of Soho.
We also have a monthly whole company workshop where we showcase our latest work, as projects are delivered so quickly it's an opportunity to celebrate the work achieved by the team and what we learnt from that project.
We are forever educating ourselves with the latest materials and methods which enhance the sustainability of a design. As a company, we have an in-house FF&E designer who focuses purely on materials and organises monthly CPD’s for the company to have access to the latest materials, products and suppliers. We also attend trade shows and explore what other brands have done in their physical spaces, exploring and discovering how materials and processes have been used in different ways.
As cost and timescales can often be a challenge when specifying sustainable materials, we always try to approach materiality as early as possible in a project timeline to ensure that we can achieve the desired effect.
It really is all about having a great brief. Our style must be in sync with brands we are designing for so our talent is in pivoting and adapting our style between clients to ensure it is authentic to the brand. Our approach always starts however, with a deep dive research period where we really get to know the brand. This may involve researching the history or a brand or may be working in their spaces, speaking to the team and the customers to really understand the essence of the brand.
Eton in New York is one of our most iconic - located down the world famous Madison Avenue and the first flagship in the USA for Swedish menswear brand Eton. We started working with ETON Shirts in March 2023 to create their global design concept for both Shop in Shop concession spaces as well as flagship stores worldwide.
We worked with Adidas in 2019 to complete this 5 storey Flagship store on Oxford Street, London. Adidas LDN followed on from New York and Paris, as the third new global flagship store. Initially we were brought on board to assist the main contractors, however as the project progressed we quickly assumed the role of Lead Technical Architect to deliver the project, alongside the Concept Design team in both the UK and Germany.
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Just as we work seamlessly within our own team, we take the same approach with architects, engineers, and other consultants. With our deep experience in the process, we understand how to contribute effectively at every stage, ensuring proposals are developed on time and in line with a mutually agreed programme.
It’s always a team effort—the collective input of every consultant shapes the final outcome. The smoother and more enjoyable the process, the better the finished product. I always stress to clients when assembling a team that delivering their vision should be an enjoyable experience. But that only happens when you have the right, solutions-focused people involved. Anyone who isn’t on that same page makes the process far harder than it needs to be.
Everything we do relies on collaboration with suppliers, manufacturers, and brands, it’s integral to the process. While we select partners on a project-by-project basis to ensure the best fit, we’ve built an extensive ‘black book’ of trusted contacts over the years. This network allows us to bring in the right expertise, materials, and innovation to deliver the best results for each client. Rather than rigid partnerships, we value flexibility and the ability to curate the right team for every unique brief.
About Quadrant Design
Quadrant Design is an award winning boutique agency providing interior, environmental and digital design services for brands and individuals. A group of 25+ gifted and big-hearted people who think, create, and grow together. Every member of the team plays a vital role, each project builds on the last, and our strength comes from the way we collaborate, adapt and push each other to do our best work. We’re proud not to have a house style, we answer the brief, challenge perspectives, and expand our clients' minds from that foundation. We design spaces that don’t just look good but work hard, because great design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about product, experience, flow, and, ultimately, making the tills ring.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a mesmerising restaurant design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Bishop Design.
Sereia, meaning 'Mermaid' in Portuguese, made it's debut on February 29th, 2024, in Miami's Coconut Grove. Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa and Sault Hospitality birthed this culinary gem, vowing excellence. Under Bishop Design's direction, the restaurant dazzles with bespoke interiors. Picture gracefully curved furniture and an ocean-inspired palette—blues, greens, and sandy hues merging seamlessly. The ambiance is mesmerising, both unique and welcoming, mirroring the culinary delights it serves. Among its charms, Sereia offers an intimate private room, accommodating up to twelve guests, ensuring every dining experience is as extraordinary as the Iberian Peninsula, from which it draws its inspiration.
Category: Restaurant Design
Design Practice: Bishop Design
Project Title: Sereia
Project Location: Miami, United States
Design Practice Location: Miami, United States
The client envisioned a sophisticated yet approachable dining destination that would celebrate the ocean and Iberian coastal culture, mirroring the culinary vision of two-Michelin-starred Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. They wanted a space that would feel elegant yet inviting, with a natural flow between intimate indoor seating and a sun-dappled outdoor terrace. The goal was to craft an immersive environment that complements the refined simplicity of the menu while embracing the charm and warmth of Coconut Grove’s evolving dining scene.
The design of Sereia is a subtle love letter to the sea, capturing the movement, textures, and colours of the ocean without being overtly thematic. Inspired by the Iberian coastline, we integrated a soothing Atlantic palette of rich blues and greens, complemented by natural woods, curved furniture, and textured elements that create a sense of depth and warmth. Soft, ambient lighting beneath banquettes and the wave-like bar adds an ethereal, floating effect, reinforcing the fluidity of the design. The cobbled flooring, reminiscent of the charming streets of Portugal, brings an al fresco dining essence indoors, seamlessly connecting the space with its coastal inspiration.
One of the challenges was achieving a balance between intricacy and simplicity—creating a space that felt refined and luxurious while maintaining an inviting and effortless ambiance. Ensuring that the organic curves, textural contrasts, and layered lighting worked harmoniously required careful consideration and collaboration with craftsmen and contractors. Additionally, integrating the omakase-style crudo bar within the restaurant’s flow without disrupting the intimacy of the main dining space was another design challenge that we successfully navigated.
Seeing the vision come to life and witnessing the seamless interplay between the culinary artistry and the design was incredibly rewarding. The moment guests step into Sereia, they are enveloped in an ambiance that feels both transportive and welcoming. The integration of natural materials, soft lighting, and carefully curated details creates a space that doesn’t just serve as a backdrop but enhances the overall dining experience. The floating effect of the bar, in particular, stands out as a beautifully executed design element that elevates the space.
Bishop Design has always been dedicated to pushing boundaries and redefining the hospitality experience through design. The SBID Awards are an incredible platform that celebrates excellence and innovation in the industry, and we wanted to showcase how Sereia embodies these principles. Entering the awards allowed us to share our creative approach with the global design community and recognize the incredible collaboration that made this project possible.
Being an SBID Award Finalist is an honour that validates our commitment to design excellence and storytelling through space. It highlights the dedication of our team and the passion we bring to each project. This recognition has not only strengthened our industry presence but has also reinforced our mission to create inspiring, immersive spaces that leave a lasting impact.
Questions answered by Paul Bishop, Founder of Bishop Design.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a luxury rental building design by CHIL Interior Design, click here to read it.
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