Robert Glynn, Founder & Creative Director at Studio 31 Interior Design, has given his insights into the industry.
I'm the Founder and Creative Director of Studio 31 Interior Design. Before starting Studio 31, I spent seven years as a Director at Habu Interior Design, working on residential and commercial projects across Ireland.
Leaving Habu was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made. Starting your own business is daunting at the best of times, but I somehow decided it was also the right time to build my own home, launch a new company and raise a young family. Looking back, I honestly don't know how we got through it. It was incredibly stressful, but it also gave me complete clarity about the type of design practice I wanted to build.
Blackbarn became a turning point. Designing and building my own home reinforced everything I believe about good design and continues to influence every Studio 31 project today.
Studio 31 Interior Design is pleased to be among the inspiring global design talent to have been shortlisted as a finalist in this year’s SBID International Design Awards for its entry, Blackbarn in the Residential House Under £1M category.
I don't think there was one particular moment where I decided to become an interior designer. Looking back, I've probably always looked at buildings differently. Even now I'll walk into a restaurant or hotel and immediately start looking at the lighting, proportions and layout rather than the menu.
What drew me into the profession was the mix of creativity and problem solving. You're not creating art to sit on a wall; you're creating spaces people live in every day. If you've done your job well, life becomes a little easier, calmer and more enjoyable.
The beginning of a project is still my favourite part. Before we talk about colours or furniture, I want to understand how people actually live. Where do they drink their morning coffee? Who cooks? What frustrates them about their current home? Those conversations tell me far more than a Pinterest board ever will.
I genuinely believe the best interiors aren't designed around furniture—they're designed around people.
Without question, completing Blackbarn. It was the most rewarding and demanding project I've ever worked on. When you're designing for yourself there's nowhere to hide. Every decision is yours, and if you get something wrong, you're the one living with it.
Launching Studio 31 at the same time definitely wasn't the sensible option, but together those experiences have shaped the designer and business owner I am today.
Residential projects will always be my favourite because they're so personal. A house isn't just another project; it's where people build their lives.
The projects I enjoy most are those where we're involved early enough to influence both the architecture and the interiors. When everything is considered together from day one, the end result feels calmer, more cohesive and more natural.
Helping people understand the value of the decisions they can't necessarily see. Most people get excited about kitchens, sofas and finishes, but layout, proportion, circulation and natural light usually have a much bigger impact on how a home feels.
I probably have a slightly controversial opinion as an interior designer, but I think liveability just edges aesthetics. I want every project to look beautiful, but if it doesn't function brilliantly every day, then it hasn't quite succeeded. The best homes don't shout—they just quietly work.
Probably that only a small part of the job is actually designing. The rest is listening, communicating, solving problems and coordinating a talented team of people. Some of the best ideas don't happen behind a computer, they happen on site.
Stay curious. Don't just look at beautiful photographs online. Ask yourself why a space really works. Visit buildings, travel, spend time on construction sites and ask lots of questions.
And don't design for Instagram. Design for Sunday mornings, family dinners and rainy evenings. Those are the moments people actually remember.
I think we're moving away from designing homes around trends and back towards designing them around people. Clients are asking better questions about longevity, craftsmanship and how their homes will work in ten or twenty years' time. Personally, I think that's a really positive direction for the industry.
Starting Studio 31 was a huge leap of faith, so achieving SBID Accreditation feels like another important milestone. It's fantastic to receive recognition from such a respected organisation, but more importantly it gives clients confidence that they're working with a practice committed to high professional standards.
Awards and accreditation are wonderful, but the real reward is handing over a home and knowing it will genuinely improve how someone lives for years to come.
About Studio 31 Interior Design
Studio 31 Interior Design is a Dublin-based interior design studio specialising in bespoke residential and commercial interiors throughout Ireland. We create timeless, functional spaces tailored to each client's lifestyle, business and aspirations. Our comprehensive service includes interior architecture, space planning, lighting design, bespoke joinery, material specification, furniture sourcing and complete project management from concept through to completion. Every project is approached with creativity, meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to exceptional quality. Our work has been featured in leading Irish publications, reflecting our passion for creating beautifully considered interiors that stand the test of time.
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Feray Takmak, Founder & Creative Director of Studio Feray, has given her insights into the industry.
Interior design was never simply a career choice for me it was a calling. Although I originally studied Geophysics Engineering, I realised very early on that my true passion lay in creating spaces that positively influence how people live. I was fascinated by the emotional connection between people and their surroundings, and I wanted to combine creativity with problem-solving.
What I enjoy most is the transformation journey. Watching a project evolve from an initial conversation and a blank floor plan into a beautifully crafted home is incredibly rewarding.
I also love sourcing unique pieces from around the world. Every project becomes an opportunity to discover exceptional artisans, materials, antiques, and contemporary craftsmanship that bring individuality to each interior.
The greatest satisfaction comes when clients walk into their completed home and say, "This feels exactly like us."
This past year has been particularly meaningful for Studio Feray. One of the highlights was seeing our work featured on the cover of Maison France Magazine, celebrating our approach to timeless luxury interiors.
Luxury residential projects will always be my favourite because they allow for deeply personal design.
I enjoy working with clients who value quality, craftsmanship, and longevity. Designing a home is about much more than selecting beautiful furniture; it's about understanding how a family lives, entertains, relaxes, and creates memories.
The most successful interiors tell a story, and I enjoy discovering that story through the design process.
Managing expectations while balancing creativity, budgets, timelines, and technical requirements can be challenging.
Design is only one part of the profession. Successful interior designers also need strong project management, communication, negotiation, and leadership skills. Coordinating architects, contractors, specialist suppliers, and craftsmen requires constant attention to detail.
The challenge is significant, but it is also what makes the profession so rewarding.
I wish I had understood earlier that trust should always be supported by clear processes and written agreements.
Over the years, I've learned that while the interior design industry is built on collaboration, not everyone involved in a project will share the same level of professionalism or integrity. Whether it's contractors, suppliers, or third parties, it's important to protect both your clients and your business by documenting everything, setting clear expectations, and never relying solely on verbal agreements.
Never stop learning.
Visit showrooms, travel whenever possible, study architecture, understand construction, and most importantly, develop your own design voice rather than following trends.
Technology and AI have become valuable tools, but they can never replace curiosity, experience, observation, or genuine creativity. The best designers remain students throughout their careers.
I believe the industry will continue moving towards highly personalised, sustainable, and thoughtfully curated interiors.
Artificial intelligence will continue to transform the design process by improving visualisation, concept development, and workflow efficiency. However, the human element understanding clients' lifestyles, emotions, and aspirations will always remain at the heart of exceptional interior design.
For me, SBID accreditation represents professionalism, credibility, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards within our industry.
It also reassures clients that they are working with a qualified professional who values quality, integrity, and responsible design practice.
About Studio Feray
Based in the heart of London's prestigious Walton Street, home to the capital's most renowned design houses, luxury boutiques, and artisan showrooms, Studio Feray has over 20 years of experience creating exceptional high-end residential interiors. Inspired by the craftsmanship and design heritage of one of London's most influential design destinations, the studio delivers bespoke interiors that combine timeless elegance, refined materials, and meticulous attention to detail. From concept and procurement to project coordination and final styling, Studio Feray creates sophisticated, personalised homes that balance understated luxury, functionality, and enduring quality for clients in London and internationally.
Bruna Spahiu, Founder & Design Director of Baucroft Design, has given her insights into the industry.
I am the founder of Baucroft, a London based interior architecture studio. My education in architecture, together with years of practice, has drawn my focus towards the interior world, the point at which a building becomes a lived experience. The studio bridges the technical and the aesthetic: we guide residential projects from planning and building regulations through interior design to construction under one roof, ensuring the design intent is protected from concept to completion. Baucroft's interiors are defined by quiet aesthetics, natural materials, considered proportions and restraint over trend. Our expertise lies predominantly in residential refurbishments and new interiors across London and the Home Counties, alongside international projects across Europe, with ambitions to extend our work to the Middle East and beyond.
My route into interiors was through architecture. However, what drew me from the beginning was the point where the technical and the sensory meet, where a detail on a drawing becomes something you touch every day. I was never satisfied designing a building and handing the inside over like an empty shell; the shell and the interior are one continuous idea, and separating them always felt like an unfinished sentence. Interior design, for me, is where a project becomes personal and intentional. It is the layer of a building that people actually live with, the light, the materials, the proportions of a room at eye level, and I wanted to be responsible for that layer, not just the structure holding it up.
Material selection, without question. There is a particular pleasure in composing a palette of oak against honed stone, linen and unlacquered brass, and knowing how those surfaces will age together over a decade, not just how they photograph on day one. Because Baucroft carries projects through to construction, I also genuinely enjoy the delivery stage. Watching a schedule of materials become a physical room, and being on site to make the small judgement calls that protect the design intent, is deeply satisfying. And I enjoy the client relationship itself: earning the trust that allows you to say less is enough, and then delivering a space that proves it.
Completing a house refurbishment in Buckinghamshire, has been the defining moment of our year. We held the project from the first planning drawings through to the final handover, reconfiguring the ground floor around natural light, and carrying one restrained palette, through every room so the house reads as a single, calm idea. What made it memorable was not the finished photography but the handover itself. The client paused in the open plan kitchen, ran a hand along the joinery, and said the house finally felt like theirs. That response is the entire point of the profession. And this quarter brought a second milestone: joining the SBID community through accreditation, an independent benchmark of the standard we hold ourselves to and the start of a new chapter for Baucroft.
Full residential refurbishments where we hold the project from planning through to completion. When the studio is responsible for the architecture, the interior and the delivery, nothing is lost in translation, the junction detail drawn in month one survives to handover, and the material palette is protected from a hundred small substitutions. I am especially drawn to projects with a quiet brief, clients who want restraint, longevity and a home that feels resolved rather than decorated. London's housing stock suits this beautifully. There is real satisfaction in taking a tired Edwardian or interwar house and giving it a calm, contemporary interior that still respects the building's bones. On the other hand we want to explore further into hospitality, having project briefs like luxurious hotels in Spain, is a very exciting step stone into the high- end world of interiors.
Protecting design intent through the realities of construction. A scheme can be impeccable on paper and still be undone by a substituted material, a compressed programme or a detail value-engineered away, which is partly why we carry our projects through to delivery ourselves. The regulatory landscape is another constant challenge: planning timelines, building regulations and, increasingly, sustainability requirements all have to be woven into the design process early rather than bolted on. And there is the quieter challenge of managing expectations in an image saturated market. Clients arrive with folders of references; part of the job is translating that inspiration into something coherent, buildable and genuinely theirs, which sometimes means gently editing out as much as we add.
That the profession is as much about communication as it is about design. Early on, I assumed the quality of the work would speak for itself; in practice, a project succeeds because of how clearly you explain decisions to clients, contractors, planners and suppliers at every stage. I also underestimated how much of running a studio sits outside design: fee proposals, programmes, cash flow, insurances, pre-qualification platforms. None of it is taught in enough depth, and all of it determines whether good design ever reaches the site. Lastly, I wish I had known how long the quiet, unglamorous years last, and that they are not a detour from the career, they are the foundation of it.
Learn how buildings are actually put together. Spend time on site, understand construction sequencing, read the manufacturer's literature, ask the joiner why a detail will not work. Taste can be developed and software can be learned, but the designers who earn lasting trust are the ones whose ideas survive contact with a building site. Technical fluency is also what gives you creative freedom; you can only bend the rules confidently once you understand them. And a smaller, related tip: develop a point of view and hold it. A clear, consistent design language, applied with discipline, will serve you far better than chasing every passing trend.
I expect the movement towards longevity to strengthen. Clients are increasingly asking how a space will feel in ten years, which favours natural materials, repairable finishes and restrained, well-made interiors over disposable styling or seasonal trends. Sustainability will continue shifting from a marketing line to a technical requirement, embedded in planning and building regulations, and designers who understand that framework will be at a real advantage. I also think the boundary between design and delivery will keep blurring: clients want fewer hand-offs and a single accountable team, which plays to integrated studios. And while AI and digital tools will streamline the production side of practice, I believe they will make the genuinely human elements of judgement, taste and trust more valuable, not less.
It means accountability. Accreditation is a public commitment to a standard of competence, professional conduct and continuing development, and I find that clarifying rather than constraining. For clients, it offers reassurance in an unregulated profession: an independent confirmation that the studio they are trusting with their home meets a recognised benchmark. For me personally, it connects Baucroft to a wider professional community, which matters when you lead a studio; the exchange of knowledge, standards and peer support is something a small practice cannot generate alone. Above all, it reflects how I want the profession itself to be seen, not as decoration, but as a discipline with real technical and ethical weight.
About Baucroft Design
Baucroft is a design studio specialising in refined, quietly luxurious interiors. Led by architectural thinking and delivered by an experienced in house team, the studio takes projects seamlessly from first concept to final styling. Every scheme is shaped around how its owners live, expressed through a restrained palette of natural materials: warm timber, honed stone, soft linen and considered light. From full-house transformations to bespoke hospitality interiors, retail spaces, Baucroft brings precision, craftsmanship and calm to every detail. The result is interiors that feel effortless, timeless and unmistakably personal, designed once and made to last.
Nini Andrade Silva, Founder & Creative Director at Atelier Nini Andrade Silva, has given her insights into the industry.
Nini Andrade Silva is a Portuguese interior designer and Founder & Creative Director of Atelier Nini Andrade Silva, an interior architecture and design studio working across luxury hospitality, private residences, cultural spaces, bespoke furniture and collectable design.
Born in Funchal, Madeira Island, Nini graduated in Design from IADE in Lisbon and developed her international perspective through academic and professional experiences in New York, London, Paris, South Africa and Denmark. Over the course of her career, she has collaborated with leading international hospitality groups and brands including Marriott, Hilton, Belmond, Accor, Highgate, IHG, Barceló and Meliá, creating interiors where operational excellence, cultural identity and emotional experience come together.
Her work has been featured in international publications including The New York Times, Financial Times, Architectural Digest, Wallpaper and Condé Nast Traveller. She has received institutional recognition from Portugal and Colombia, and continues to contribute to the global design conversation through conferences, exhibitions, judging panels and thought-leadership initiatives.
I wanted to work in interior design because I have always felt that space has the power to transform people. I grew up in Madeira, where the horizon was the Atlantic, an endless line that taught me, from a very early age, that there is always something beyond what is immediately visible. That relationship with landscape, memory and emotion became the foundation of my way of designing.
One of my strongest childhood memories is of the garotos do calhau, the boys who spent their days on the beach rocks and dived into the sea to catch coins thrown from cruise ships. There was courage, instinct and beauty in that gesture: the body, the rock and the ocean in direct dialogue. That image stayed with me and perhaps explains my attraction to organic forms, to spaces that feel shaped by nature, never perfect, but always true.
What I enjoy most is transforming an initial idea into a complete experience. In interior architecture, a project begins with listening: to the client, to the site, to the brand, to the culture and to the people who will inhabit the space. From that point, we build a concept that can guide every decision, from spatial planning and materials to bespoke furniture, lighting, FF&E and final styling.
I also love the tension between creativity and precision. A beautiful interior is never only about aesthetics; it must function, endure and respond to real needs. This is especially important in luxury hospitality design, where a hotel, resort, restaurant or spa must create emotion while also meeting operational standards, maintenance requirements, guest comfort and brand expectations.
One of the most meaningful highlights was joining the AHEAD Europe 2025 judging panel. Hospitality design has always been a central part of my work, so being invited to evaluate projects within such an important international platform was both an honour and a responsibility. It was a beautiful opportunity to reflect on the future of hotels, guest experience, interior architecture and the emotional dimension of hospitality.
Another very special moment was the creative direction of Made in Portugal naturally at Paris Design Week 2025. Representing Portuguese design, craftsmanship and industry on an international stage is something very close to my heart. Portugal has a profound creative identity, and I believe our materials, makers and designers have a voice that deserves to be seen globally.
I am especially drawn to hospitality projects because they are complete worlds. A hotel is not just a sequence of beautiful interiors; it is a living experience made of arrival, service, intimacy, comfort, discovery, memory and emotion. Designing for hospitality means thinking about the guest journey from the first impression to the smallest detail inside a room, suite, restaurant, lobby or spa.
I also enjoy projects with a strong identity — boutique hotels, resorts, heritage buildings, cultural spaces and private residences where the client wants something truly bespoke. These projects allow us to create narratives rooted in place, using materials, art, craftsmanship, custom furniture and sensory details to build spaces that feel unique rather than standardised.
One of the greatest challenges is protecting the essence of the concept from the first idea to the final installation. Interior design involves many layers: architecture, budgets, deadlines, suppliers, procurement, technical drawings, FF&E, contractors, regulations and client expectations. The designer must keep the emotional vision alive while making sure every practical decision supports the final result.
In hospitality interiors, the challenge is even more complex because beauty has to work very hard. A hotel space must be memorable but also durable, efficient, safe, comfortable and aligned with the operator’s standards. The most demanding part is balancing poetry and performance, creating interiors with soul that can also function perfectly every day.
I wish I had understood earlier that design is not a straight line. When we are young, we often believe that creativity is about having immediate answers. With time, I learned that the best ideas need listening, research, patience and sometimes silence. A project becomes stronger when we allow the place, the client and the material to speak before imposing a style.
I also learned that interior design is deeply collaborative. A successful project depends on designers, architects, engineers, artisans, suppliers, project managers, hotel operators and clients working together. The role of the designer is not only to imagine, but to guide complexity, to make sure that the concept, the technical process and the final atmosphere remain coherent.
Do not begin with style. Begin with meaning. Style can be seductive, but it is often temporary. Meaning is what gives a project depth. Before choosing colours, furniture or finishes, ask what the space should express, who it is for, where it belongs and what emotion it should leave behind.
I would also tell young designers to learn the technical side of the profession with the same passion they give to creativity. Understand materials, construction, FF&E, budgets, procurement, lighting, ergonomics and how people actually use space. The most powerful designers are those who can dream with freedom but deliver with rigour.
I believe the industry is moving towards a more human and experiential form of design. Clients are becoming more conscious of the emotional quality of spaces. In hospitality, in particular, luxury is no longer defined only by expensive materials or visual impact. It is increasingly defined by authenticity, comfort, wellbeing, cultural identity and the ability to create a memorable guest experience.
Technology and artificial intelligence will continue to influence how we research, visualise and manage projects, but they will not replace sensitivity. The future of interior design will belong to studios that can combine innovation with craftsmanship, sustainability with beauty, and efficiency with emotion. The challenge will be to use new tools without losing the human soul of design.
Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer is important because it recognises interior design as a serious professional discipline, not only as an aesthetic practice. Behind every successful project there is technical knowledge, ethical responsibility, experience, coordination and a commitment to quality. Accreditation reinforces that design must be beautiful, but also competent, reliable and professionally delivered.
For me, SBID represents a connection to international standards and to a wider community of professionals who value excellence in interior design. As Founder and Creative Director of Atelier Nini Andrade Silva, it is meaningful to be part of a platform that defends the credibility of our profession and recognises the balance between creativity, rigour, experience and trust.
About Atelier Nini Andrade Silva
Atelier Nini Andrade Silva is an internationally recognised interior architecture and design practice delivering luxury hospitality, residential, commercial, and cultural projects worldwide. Led by acclaimed designer Nini Andrade Silva, the studio is renowned for creating distinctive spaces that blend contemporary design excellence with local identity, cultural authenticity, and operational functionality. With extensive experience collaborating with leading international hospitality brands and developers, the Atelier specialises in luxury hotels, resorts, branded residences, heritage transformations, and bespoke interiors. Its multidisciplinary approach combines creativity, technical expertise, and a strong sense of place to create memorable and commercially successful environments.
Helen Bygraves and Jenny Weiss, Founder Directors at Hill House Interiors, have given their insights into the industry.
Hill House Interiors was founded by Helen Bygraves and Jenny Weiss in 1997, growing from a boutique studio into one of Britain’s most established interior design practices. Today, the studio is known for couture residential interiors for private clients in the UK and internationally, with projects spanning London townhouses, country estates, private residences, villas, penthouses and yachts.
Helen and Jenny came to interiors through different but complementary creative paths. Helen’s background as a professionally trained dancer informed an instinctive understanding of proportion, movement, theatre and composition, while Jenny’s lifelong love of art, textiles and film, alongside a background in property development, evolved into a passion for creating layered, welcoming homes. Together, their shared belief that thoughtfully designed surroundings can meaningfully enhance the way people live has shaped Hill House Interiors’ client-led, refined and deeply personal approach to design.
For both of us, interiors began with a very instinctive understanding of how powerfully a space can influence the way people feel and function within it. A home is never simply a collection of rooms; it is the setting for daily life, and when it is carefully considered, it can bring comfort, ease and a strong sense of identity.
Our individual journeys into design were different, but equally grounded in creativity. Helen’s early career in dance nurtured an appreciation for rhythm, spatial awareness and storytelling, while Jenny’s route evolved through creative exploration and hands-on experience within refurbishment and design of personal properties. What ultimately drew us both to interior design was the opportunity to bring together creative thinking with a more intuitive understanding of people, shaping environments that feel authentic, considered and genuinely supportive of the way our clients live.
Building relationships with clients is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. Interior design is inherently personal; clients are inviting you into their homes and, in many ways, their lives. We value the process of getting to know a client on a more intuitive level, taking time to understand not only their aesthetic preferences, but what truly makes them tick, how they live, entertain, unwind and spend time with those closest to them.
We also thrive on the creative challenge of ensuring every project feels completely unique. Hill House Interiors has never been about imposing a recognisable style. Each scheme is shaped by a combination of the client, the architecture, the setting and how the space needs to perform. The satisfaction lies in carefully orchestrating proportion, light, texture, materials and detail to create interiors that feel cohesive, characterful and quietly assured, however considered the process behind them may be.
This past year has been particularly meaningful for us. Being awarded the SBID Icon Award was an extraordinary honour, not least because it is recognition from our peers within the industry. That level of acknowledgement carries a particular significance, as it reflects both longevity and contribution to the profession over time.
Alongside this, receiving two major international accolades has further positioned Hill House Interiors on a global stage. These achievements have expanded our presence beyond the UK and reinforced the relevance of our work within a broader, international context, which is both humbling and incredibly rewarding.
Our favourite projects are those which allow us to shape the foundations of a home from the outset, considering spatial planning, flow, lighting and atmosphere before layering in the decorative elements. That holistic approach allows for a more cohesive and resolved end result.
We are particularly drawn to private residential projects that are deeply personal to the client, whether that is a London townhouse, a country estate, an overseas villa or a yacht. The most rewarding briefs are those centred around lifestyle rather than aesthetics alone, where the aim is to create a home that truly reflects how someone lives and what matters to them.
One of the greatest challenges lies in balancing creativity with the level of precision required to deliver a project successfully. A refined interior is never solely about the final aesthetic; it relies on structure, technical understanding, project management, coordination and an exceptional level of detail. Behind every composed and considered space is an extensive and highly organised process.
There is also a significant level of trust involved. Clients are allowing you into a very personal aspect of their lives, and that requires discretion, consistency and sensitivity. The designer’s role is to anticipate, resolve and guide, often quietly behind the scenes. Ultimately, one of the most rewarding moments is seeing a client’s reaction at the completion of a project, particularly when the result surpasses their expectations. That emotional response is what makes the entire process worthwhile.
If we were speaking to our younger selves, we would say to stay curious and trust your instincts. Research is invaluable, and a willingness to keep learning will always strengthen your work.
We also came into building a business without formal business training, and in hindsight, we would strongly recommend seeking guidance early on, whether through a business coach or industry body. There will inevitably be challenging periods, so resilience, careful planning and a clear long-term vision are essential.
The SBID, in particular, has been a constant source of support, providing guidance, structure and reassurance as we have grown. Having that level of professional backing has been invaluable throughout our journey.
Understand your market and remain confidently within your lane, as that clarity will shape not only your design direction but also the clients you attract. For us, focusing on the luxury residential sector has defined both our creative approach and the way we position the business. Alongside this, presenting your work well is essential, so investing in professional photography from the outset will ensure it is perceived in the right way. Equally important is building a strong foundation around you by joining professional bodies such as SBID and engaging with networking groups and industry organisations. These connections provide invaluable support, visibility and opportunity, reinforcing both your credibility and your longterm growth within the industry.
Clients today expect more from their homes than ever before. A home is no longer purely a place to live; it needs to function as a sanctuary, a wellness space, and often a working environment. That shift has changed the way spaces are designed, with a greater emphasis on adaptability, comfort and emotional wellbeing.
Having experienced multiple shifts within the industry over the years, we have learned the importance of remaining agile and open to change. The ability to adapt, respond to new ways of living and interpret evolving styles is key to staying relevant.
The rise of AI is also influencing expectations, with clients arriving with highly visualised ideas of their ‘ideal’ home. A crucial part of our role is to interpret those ideas, assess what is both practical and achievable, and translate them into a design that works in reality, both functionally and aesthetically.
SBID accreditation means a great deal to us. It represents credibility, professionalism and a recognised standard within the industry. It provides reassurance to clients, while also reinforcing the integrity of the work we deliver.
Beyond that, it offers a sense of support and community. Having that professional backing, guidance and recognition has been invaluable throughout our career, and it continues to play an important role in how we position ourselves and our projects within the industry.
About Hill House Interiors
Hill House Interiors is the fruit of a 25-year friendship between its founding partners, Jenny Weiss and Helen Bygraves. Their creative collaboration is built on a shared belief that beautiful surroundings can transform people’s lives. Their client-centred approach has garnered a multitude of awards while their business has grown over the years into one of Britain’s leading interior design practices, with a 30-strong team of designers and architects. Hill House Interiors operates out of a creative studio and lifestyle showroom in the UK, and a luxurious newly opened office near the DIFC in Dubai. With a global reach, Hill House Interiors works on high-end residential projects in locations as diverse as London, Dubai, New York, Lake Como, Antibes, the Bahamas, Ibiza and L.A. Projects can range from exclusive penthouse apartments to palatial homes, lakeside villa retreats or beautifully engineered yachts.
Frank Iaria, Kitchen and Interior Designer at Mint Kitchen Group, has given his insights into the industry.
My career in the industry began as an apprentice cabinet maker, which gave me a strong hands-on understanding of joinery, construction and detailing from the very beginning. After sustaining a back injury, I moved away from the physical side of cabinet making and into the design field. What started as a necessary career shift quickly became a genuine passion, and I found that I enjoyed the creativity, problem-solving and client interaction of design even more.
I went on to become a Certified Kitchen Designer and built my career around creating highly functional, detailed and beautifully resolved kitchen spaces. After working with major retailers and developing a strong reputation within the industry, I decided to go out on my own and open my own showroom. From there, it was a natural progression to expand into other areas of the home, as many of my clients were renovating multiple spaces at once. This led me to further study bathroom design, allowing me to provide a more complete design service across kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, wardrobes and whole-home joinery.
Entering industry awards became an important turning point in my career. In the first year alone, we achieved 10 awards, which gave me the confidence and motivation to continue pushing the design side of the business further. Year after year, we continued entering awards and collecting recognition, which helped strengthen our reputation and increase demand for our style of work.
As the business continued to grow, I formed a group with industry colleagues to create better buying power, greater exposure and stronger collective advertising. This became Mint Kitchen Group. Since then, we have continued to build on our success and are proud to have become one of the most awarded kitchen design groups in Victoria. Today, I operate two design studios with a team of six designers, and much of our work comes through referrals from existing and past clients.
I am very proud of the work we produce and the care we put into every project. For us, great design is not only about how a space looks, but how well it functions, how carefully it is detailed and how successfully it is executed. That commitment to detail, craftsmanship and the client experience continues to drive the way we work today.
I was drawn to interior design because it combines creativity with problem-solving in a very practical and meaningful way. My early background in cabinet making gave me a strong understanding of how things are constructed, but moving into design opened up a much broader opportunity to shape spaces from the very beginning. I enjoyed being able to think not only about how something was made, but how it would function, how it would feel, and how it would improve the way people live.
For me, the profession is about much more than selecting finishes or creating a stylish space. It is about listening carefully, understanding a client’s lifestyle, and then translating that into a design that is both beautiful and practical. That combination of creativity, functionality, detail and human connection is what first attracted me to the industry and continues to motivate me.
I really enjoy the process of taking a client’s brief and turning it into a resolved design that feels both beautiful and effortless. There is something very rewarding about working through the details — the layout, proportions, materials, storage, lighting, finishes and joinery — and seeing all those elements come together into one cohesive space.
I also enjoy the relationship-building side of the profession. Every client is different, and every project has its own story. Being trusted to help shape such personal spaces in someone’s home is a privilege. The best part is seeing the finished result and knowing that the design has genuinely improved the way the client uses and enjoys their home.
One of my most memorable career highlights from the past year has been the transformation of our South Melbourne Design Studio. We converted what was once a commercial office space into an apartment-style showcase, designed to feel like a real home rather than a traditional showroom. This allowed us to demonstrate the type of work we do across all areas of the home, from kitchens, bathrooms and laundries through to wardrobes, living spaces, custom furniture and detailed joinery solutions.
The studio was designed to help clients experience our work in a more personal and immersive way. Rather than viewing individual displays in isolation, they can walk through connected spaces and see how materials, finishes, storage, lighting and joinery details work together in a complete interior environment. It has become a valuable space for presenting design ideas, inspiring clients and showing the level of detail, craftsmanship and functionality that sits behind every project we deliver.
My favourite projects are those where we are able to create a complete design solution rather than looking at one room in isolation. Whole-home renovations, kitchens connected to living spaces, and projects with custom joinery throughout are particularly rewarding because they allow us to create consistency, flow and a strong design language across the home.
I also enjoy projects that require careful planning and detailed problem-solving. Kitchens, bathrooms and laundries can be some of the most technically demanding spaces in a home, but that is what makes them interesting. When a space works beautifully from both a design and functional perspective, the result feels seamless — and that is always the goal.
One of the most challenging aspects is balancing creativity with practicality. A successful design needs to look beautiful, but it also needs to be functional, buildable, durable and suited to the client’s budget and lifestyle. There are often many layers to consider, from design intent and client expectations through to manufacturing requirements, site conditions, lead times and installation details.
Communication is also critical. Interior design involves many people — clients, designers, suppliers, trades, manufacturers and installers — and every decision needs to be clearly documented and understood. The smallest detail can have a big impact, so maintaining clarity throughout the process is one of the ongoing challenges, but it is also what leads to the best outcomes.
I wish I had understood earlier just how much of interior design is about communication, documentation and decision-making. Many people see the creative side of the profession, but behind every successful project is a huge amount of planning, coordination and attention to detail. Good design is not just about the idea — it is about how clearly that idea is communicated and executed.
I have also learned that every project will evolve. Site conditions, budgets, client preferences and technical requirements can all shift along the way. Being flexible, calm and solutions-focused is essential. The ability to adapt while still protecting the overall design intent is one of the most valuable skills a designer can develop.
My advice would be to learn how things are actually made. Understanding construction, manufacturing, installation and detailing will make you a much stronger designer. A concept may look beautiful on paper, but it needs to work in the real world. The more you understand materials, hardware, joinery construction, clearances and site limitations, the better your designs will become.
I would also encourage aspiring designers to listen carefully. Clients may not always know how to explain exactly what they want, but they will usually give you clues through the way they talk about their lifestyle, frustrations and routines. A great designer knows how to interpret those details and turn them into a space that feels considered, personal and practical.
I think the industry will continue moving toward more personalised, lifestyle-driven design. Clients are becoming more considered about how their homes function, not just how they look. They want spaces that support the way they live, work, entertain and relax, with a greater focus on quality, longevity and intelligent storage solutions.
I also see technology, documentation and communication becoming even more important. Clients expect a clearer understanding of their design before it is built, while design and production teams need accurate information to reduce errors and improve efficiency. The future of interior design will still rely heavily on creativity, but it will also depend on strong systems, clear processes and better integration between design, documentation and delivery.
Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer represents professional recognition and a commitment to maintaining high standards within the industry. It is an acknowledgment of experience, design capability and professionalism, but also of the responsibility designers have to deliver considered, ethical and well-resolved outcomes for their clients.
For me, SBID accreditation is also about being connected to a broader international design community. It reinforces the importance of continual learning, professionalism and striving for excellence in every project. It is a privilege to be recognised within an organisation that values design integrity, innovation and the ongoing development of the interior design profession.
About Mint Kitchens by Designwize
Mint Kitchen Group is a Melbourne-based kitchen and interiors company specialising in the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke joinery. We create custom kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, wardrobes and interior spaces that are tailored to each client’s lifestyle, home and design vision. With a strong focus on quality craftsmanship, practical functionality and personalised service, our team manages each project from concept through to completion. By combining thoughtful design with locally made joinery and attention to detail, Mint Kitchen Group delivers beautifully resolved spaces that are made to be lived in and built to last.
Cansel Seymen, Founder & Creative Director at CS Design Studio, has given her insights into the industry.
My journey into design began with a sensory obsession. As a young girl, I fell in love with a vintage Ikat fabric at a Turkish market, which became the first cushion in my bedroom and my first lesson in the power of textiles. This early passion for layers and natural materials eventually led me to the world of high-end luxury, where I spent years honing my craft at Harrods Interior Design, David Collins Studio, and Finchatton.
These prestigious houses trained me to settle for nothing less than exceptional quality. At CS Design Studio, I carry that standard forward, working exclusively with high-end materials and artisanal finishes. My signature style is 'Contemporary Classic'—I believe in creating rooms with an easy, timeless flow rather than spaces that feel overwhelming or trend-driven.
Living in London, I’ve learned that the city’s grey light needs warmth, but I prefer a 'less is more' approach to colour. Instead of saturating a whole room, I introduce color as a thoughtful splash—perhaps through bespoke trimmings, vibrant cushions, or a stunning piece of artwork.
For me, design is about bridging the gap between a building's historic soul and innovative luxury. I am constantly sourcing new products and building relationships with my clients to ensure their homes are not just beautiful, but are dignified, high-quality 'envelopes' for the memories they will create there.
For as long as I can remember, I have seen the world through a different lens—I don’t just see a room; I see its potential to shape the people within it. Even as a child, I was constantly experimenting with layouts and reimagining upholstery, fuelled by the belief that our surroundings are deeply intertwined with our character. I chose this profession because design is my life’s calling; it is where my love for textures, layers, and natural materials meets the discipline of architectural integrity. There is a unique joy in the instinctive process of sourcing the perfect elements to give a space its soul and ensuring every detail meets a high standard of quality. Ultimately, I wanted to build long-lasting relationships with my clients, turning their homes into 'living canvases' that offer a timeless, contemporary-classic flow.
What I enjoy the most is the tactile journey of sourcing and the artistry of putting a scheme together. There is a profound magic in layering textures, colours, and high-quality materials to see a vision come to life. However, the most rewarding part of the process is the collaboration with my clients. I truly value their involvement and feedback, as it ensures the design is deeply personal to them. When a client’s insight meets my professional eye, everything sits beautifully in the room. This synergy allows me to create spaces that aren't just aesthetically pleasing, but are a perfect, contemporary-classic reflection of the people who call them home.
The most memorable highlight of the past year has been the rapid success of CS Design Studio and the incredible trust our clients have placed in us. While the first year for any new company can be a challenge, we were thrilled to complete two luxury apartments in Mayfair that both sold before they even reached the market. For me, this was a defining moment; it was the ultimate validation that our aesthetic and commitment to quality truly resonate with the high-end London market. Seeing our vision translate into such immediate commercial success has been incredibly rewarding. It confirms that we deeply understand what our clients are looking for: a perfect balance of historic soul and modern, effortless luxury.
My favourite projects are those that bridge the gap between a building's historic soul and the demands of modern living. Whether restoring a listed London townhouse or designing a sophisticated new development, I find it incredibly rewarding to honour architectural integrity while introducing a fresh, intuitive flow. Having led high-profile projects in both the city and the English countryside, I also love marrying rural heritage with a more current, refined sensibility.
However, the best results stem from a client relationship built on complete trust. When a bond is established through transparency—where a client eventually says, "you decide"—it unlocks our highest creativity, allowing us to deliver a home that truly surpasses expectations.
The most challenging aspect of interior design is the delicate dance between vision and reality. It begins with translating a design intent into technical drawings, which then face the practical scrutiny of contractors, site limitations, and strictly allocated budgets. Bridging the gap between a high-end concept and a tangible result within financial constraints is a significant hurdle that requires constant problem-solving.
Despite these pressures, we pride ourselves on protecting the integrity of our original vision. We view site constraints not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to refine the design. By working closely with contractors and maintaining a clear focus on the "Contemporary Classic" aesthetic, we ensure that any necessary adjustments are minimal. Our goal is always to deliver the best possible outcome where the final space looks exactly as intended, proving that luxury and high quality can be achieved even within the complexities of a challenging budget or build.
If I could go back, I wish I had spent more time formally studying fine art. While my technical training and experience in renowned studios have been invaluable, I’ve come to realize that art is the ultimate soul of an interior. Understanding the true power of a piece—how its scale, colour, and texture can completely shift the energy of a room—is a field of study that never ends.
In my work today, I see art not just as a finishing touch, but as a vital layer that defines a home’s character. I am constantly learning and exploring the art world now but having that deeper academic foundation early on would have been a beautiful advantage. It has certainly influenced why I now prioritise building such 'artful' and textured layers into every contemporary-classic scheme I create.
My one tip for aspiring designers would be to stay bold and relentlessly curious. This industry moves quickly, so you must keep sourcing, keep meeting new people, and never stop learning. Growth only happens through action. Most importantly, build a thick skin; resilience is just as important as creativity.
Never let criticism of your work discourages you. Instead, view every project as a stepping stone. In this field, you grow with every space you complete, and your next project will always be better than your last because of the lessons you learned. Treat every challenge as an opportunity to refine your 'eye' and your process. If you remain persistent and keep pushing your own boundaries, you’ll find that your unique style eventually speaks for itself. Don't be afraid to make mistakes—they are often the best teachers on the path to becoming a master of your craft.
The industry is entering a transformative era of "conscious luxury." While the current economic climate presents challenges, it is also driving a shift toward a more thoughtful, sustainable future. We are seeing a powerful focus on ethical materials and reuse—a "green" approach where a project’s value is defined by its environmental footprint as much as its aesthetic.
At CS Design Studio, we’re excited by how AI can support this shift. It helps clients explore materials and visualise layouts quickly and accurately, while also streamlining administration, ordering, and project coordination. By improving precision, these tools can also help reduce waste.
I believe the year ahead will be defined by this balance of innovation and responsibility—using technology to create timeless spaces that respect both our clients’ time and the wider environment.
Being accredited by the SBID is a true honour and a significant milestone for CS Design Studio. To be recognized by such a prestigious society—one known for its exceptionally high professional standards—provides a sense of validation that is deeply rewarding. It signifies that our commitment to quality, integrity, and aesthetic meets the rigorous benchmarks of the global design community.
Beyond the prestige, I am most excited about the sense of belonging to a network of like-minded professionals. I am looking forward to engaging with the SBID through their events and CPD programs to continue my growth as a designer. Being part of this recognized society ensures that we stay at the forefront of industry innovation and excellence. It is more than just a title; it is an inspiration to keep pushing the boundaries of luxury design while upholding the professional values the SBID represents.
About CS Design Studio
At CS Design Studio, a home is more than a refined address; it is a living canvas where modern life thrives. Founded by Cansel, whose distinguished background includes David Collins Studio, Finchatton, and Harrods, the studio brings an instinctive eye for detail to every bespoke residence. Our signature style captures the unique spirit of London living, elegantly blending historic soul with contemporary comfort. Informed by European artisanal excellence and a global perspective, we bridge the gap between tradition and tomorrow. We honor architectural integrity while embracing modern innovation, creating timeless, dignified spaces that redefine the boundaries of luxury for today’s lifestyle.
Caroline Roles, Design Principal at Spectrum Workplace, has given her insights into the industry.
I’ve wanted to be a designer for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was always creating—whether that was making things by hand or painting—and I naturally became interested in interiors through helping my dad decorate our homes. That early exposure made me aware of how a space can change how people feel and live. Over time, that creative instinct combined with my enjoyment of problem-solving, led me to pursue interior design as a career.
What I enjoy most is the balance between creativity and functionality. I love the conceptual stage—developing ideas, materials, and palettes—but equally, I enjoy resolving the practical challenges that come with delivering a project. Ultimately, the most rewarding part is transforming a space so it not only looks good but works better for the people using it. I enjoy the process of understanding a client’s needs and translating that into a thoughtful, functional design.
Over the past year, leading the design team at Spectrum Workplace has been a real highlight. Seeing projects come together collaboratively and watching the team grow and develop has been incredibly rewarding. I tend to take a supportive and empathetic approach to leadership, so creating an environment where individuals feel understood, valued, and able to contribute has been particularly important to me. Delivering workplace environments that genuinely improve how people work and interact stands out as a key achievement— The Southern Co-operative Ltd project is a perfect example of this—but equally, seeing the confidence and capability of the team grow along the way has made it especially memorable.
I particularly enjoy workplace projects because they have such a direct impact on people’s daily lives, with real opportunities to influence wellbeing, productivity, and culture through design. An excellent showcase of this is our workplace transformation project for Gen II Fund Services, LLC. That said, having worked across residential, hospitality, education, and public sectors, I value the variety each one brings, as every sector presents different challenges and keeps the work fresh.
Balancing creativity with constraints is always a challenge—whether that’s budget, time, or technical limitations. Managing client expectations while maintaining design integrity can also be complex. As a Design Principal, another challenge is ensuring consistency and quality across multiple projects while supporting and leading a team.
I think understanding just how much of the role involves coordination, communication, and problem-solving—not just design—would have been useful early on. Interior design is as much about managing people, processes, and details as it is about creativity.
Stay curious and keep creating. Develop your creativity outside of work as well as within it. But also build strong organisational and communication skills as being able to turn ideas into reality is what sets a good designer apart.
I think the interior design industry will continue to focus strongly on wellbeing, flexibility, and sustainability, particularly within workplace design. Spaces need to work harder than ever, supporting different ways of working while also creating meaningful experiences that draw people in. Offices are increasingly being designed as destinations for collaboration and focus work, with hybrid working, and hospitality-led experiences shaping the brief.
Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer and Design Practice is a great achievement, and represents a commitment to professionalism, quality, and continuous development. It’s an important benchmark that demonstrates credibility within the industry and reassurance for clients that they’re working with a qualified and experienced designer.
About Spectrum Workplace
Spectrum acts as a strategic partner, guiding your organisation through the full workplace journey from initial brief to successful occupation. We work closely with leadership and staff to define how your workplace should support your business, building a clear, aligned brief from the outset. Our integrated approach combines strategy, design and delivery, supported by ongoing cost validation, governance and technical coordination to reduce risk and maintain control. Throughout the process, we engage your team and manage all aspects of delivery, ensuring the workplace is not only delivered efficiently, but fully adopted and performing from day one.
Jan Metcalfe-Barnett, Founder & Interior Designer at Fusion Interior Design, has given her insights into the industry.
Jan’s path into interior design was shaped by a passion for creativity and well-crafted spaces rather than a conventional route. After early roles in childcare and banking, a move to Ireland saw her working in a furniture and antiques showroom, where she developed a strong appreciation for craftsmanship and curated interiors.
Returning to London in the early 1990s, Jan gained hands-on experience within a leading interior design practice while completing formal training, building a solid foundation in high-end residential design.
She went on to join Roomservice Furnishing as a design manager, creating showhomes for major UK housebuilders and refining her ability to design aspirational yet practical interiors.
In 1999, Jan founded Fusion Interior Design. With over 25 years’ experience, she has since transformed hundreds of homes, creating spaces that are thoughtful, functional, and tailored to how her clients live.
For me, it was never just about how a space looks — it was about how it feels to live in. Early on, I realised that thoughtful design has the power to completely change how someone experiences their home day to day. I was drawn to the idea that good design isn’t just aesthetic, it’s practical, emotional, and deeply personal. That’s what has kept me in the profession for over 25 years.
Without question, it’s the problem-solving. Most clients come to us not because they want something “pretty,” but because something in their home isn’t working. I enjoy unpicking that — understanding how they live, where the frustrations are, and then creating a layout and design that resolves it. Seeing that moment where a client says, “That’s exactly what we needed” — that’s the most rewarding part.
Being selected as a finalist in the Epsom & Ewell Business Awards was a real highlight. We’ve always positioned ourselves as a grounded, client-focused studio rather than chasing recognition, so to be acknowledged in that way felt meaningful.
We particularly enjoy working on renovations and extensions at the planning stage — before anything is built. That’s where we can add the most value. Often, architectural drawings don’t fully consider how a space will function day-to-day, so we step in to refine layouts, improve flow, and help clients properly visualise their space through 2D plans and 3D visuals.
That early stage is where costly mistakes can be avoided, and where the biggest transformation really begins.
One of the biggest challenges is helping clients navigate the sheer number of decisions involved in a project. It can feel overwhelming for them, particularly during renovations. Our role often becomes as much about providing clarity and confidence as it is about design.
Managing expectations around time, budget, and the realities of building work is also key — good communication is everything.
How much of the role is about people, not just design. You’re guiding clients through significant investments in their homes, often during stressful periods. Emotional intelligence, communication, and the ability to simplify complex decisions are just as important as creativity.
Learn how to design for real life, not just for visuals. A beautiful space that doesn’t function properly will never truly succeed. Focus on space planning, flow, and how people actually live — that’s where good design starts.
I think we’ll continue to see a shift away from purely aesthetic-led design towards more practical, lifestyle-driven interiors. Clients are becoming more informed and want spaces that genuinely work for them — not just something that looks good in a photograph.
There’s also a growing appreciation for planning properly before building, particularly with rising costs. That early design stage is becoming more valued, which is something we strongly advocate.
Alongside this, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important consideration. Clients are more conscious of being planet-friendly — looking to reuse what they already have where possible, recycle responsibly, and invest in environmentally considered products rather than replacing everything unnecessarily. It’s less about fast design and more about thoughtful, long-term decisions that are better for both the home and the environment.
Accreditation with the Society of British and International Interior Design represents credibility and professionalism within an industry that isn’t always regulated. It reassures clients that they are working with a qualified, experienced designer who works to recognised standards.
For us, it aligns with how we’ve always approached our work — considered, professional, and focused on delivering real value to our clients.
About Fusion Interior Design
Fusion Interior Design is a Surrey-based studio specialising in thoughtfully planned homes that balance practicality with refined design. With over 25 years’ experience, we support homeowners through every stage of the design process — from single-room schemes and layout planning to full-scale renovations. Our expertise lies in intelligent space planning, resolving layout challenges before work begins. Through clear 2D plans and realistic 3D visuals, we give clients the confidence to move forward without uncertainty. Whether you need focused guidance for one space or a complete design service, we create interiors that feel cohesive, functional and enduring — designed for real life, not just appearance.
Maria Benaki, Founder & Interior Designer at Studio Benaki, has given her insights into the industry.
Born and raised in Greece, I moved to the UK to further my studies before building a career in civil engineering. My professional journey began in the energy industry, where I spent over a decade working as a civil engineer on offshore development projects — a career that sharpened my analytical thinking, technical rigour and project management skills.
Driven by a lifelong passion for design, architecture and the arts, I went on to retrain at the prestigious KLC School of Design, a turning point that united my creative sensibility with my engineering background in a way that felt entirely natural.
Shortly after completing my diploma, I founded Studio Benaki — a London based interior design studio with a vision to create deeply personal, expressive and highly functional spaces for residential and commercial clients across London and in Greece.
The decision to change careers and work in the interior design industry grew naturally within me. Very early in my civil engineering career, I felt a strong urge to combine my creativity with my technical background, analytical thinking and site expertise. I have also always admired people who felt fulfilled through their work, and that simple observation sparked my own career change journey. Having lived away from my home country for many years, I also came to understand just how important it is for spaces to truly feel like home — and how powerful good design can be in creating that sense of belonging, wherever you are in the world.
What eventually drew me to make the transition was the understanding that residential interior design has the power to genuinely change how people feel in their everyday lives — bringing a little of their heart, their history and their personality into spaces that are both functional and timeless. That conviction led me to retrain at London's KLC School of Design and ultimately found Studio Benaki in 2025.
There are many aspects of interior design that I find rewarding. But if I had to choose, it would be the spatial planning phase. The stage where functionality is at its most critical and where my civil engineering instincts truly come alive. I find myself imagining people moving through the spaces, living in them, using them at different times of day. How does a family flow through a kitchen in the morning? How does a room need to work differently in the evening? Getting that spatial logic right is the foundation on which every timeless, functional interior is built, and it is one of the things my engineering background equips me particularly well for. There is something deeply satisfying about solving a complex spatial challenge beautifully and seeing it transform how a client lives in their home every day.
Without question, it has been founding Studio Benaki and delivering my first projects under the studio name. Building a London interior design practice from the ground up — developing the philosophy, the process and the identity — has been both challenging and deeply fulfilling. Seeing the studio take shape, working with wonderful clients and receiving such a warm response from the design community has been incredibly encouraging.
This first year has reinforced my belief that great interior design always comes back to the same principles: listening carefully, designing with purpose and delivering spaces that genuinely improve how people feel every day. It has been the most rewarding chapter of my career so far — and very much just the beginning.
I am drawn to challenging briefs. Homes that are dated, spatially inefficient or underperforming, where careful spatial planning can genuinely transform how a space flows and functions. There is something deeply satisfying about taking a residential interior that is not working and reimagining it entirely, creating something timeless and functional from what was once frustrating or overlooked.
It is also wonderful when clients ask me to incorporate sentimental pieces, heirlooms and art into their interiors. You know instantly that the spaces will be deeply personal and expressive — rooted in real lives and real stories. That connection between design and personal narrative is at the heart of the Studio Benaki approach, and it is what elevates a beautiful interior into a truly meaningful home.
I also have a deep love for historical buildings. There is something unique about discovering the history of an old building, understanding the lives that once occupied the space and reimagining it for the present and the years to come. That dialogue between past and present — honouring what came before while creating something that feels entirely alive today — is one of the most rewarding aspects of residential interior design.
One of the most consistent challenges is balancing creative ambition with real-world constraints — budget, timeline, structural limitations and the practical realities of a live building. Clients often arrive with inspiring references and a clear vision, and part of my role at Studio Benaki is to honour that vision while navigating what is genuinely achievable. That combination of creative problem-solving and technical precision is where my engineering background proves invaluable.
Managing expectations with honesty and clarity is something I take very seriously. A good interior designer does not simply say yes to everything — they find the best possible solution within the constraints and communicate that process transparently, ensuring the result is always timeless, functional and deeply personal to the client. Building that trust, from the very first consultation through to the final touches of a completed home, is the foundation on which every successful interior design project is built.
The first thing that comes to mind is that building a successful interior design practice takes time, patience and trust — and that is something worth embracing rather than rushing. A studio built on genuine relationships, careful work and clients who love their homes will always outlast one built on volume and speed. That is the foundation Studio Benaki is built on.
I also wish I had understood earlier how much of interior design is about project management, communication and relationships — not just creative vision. The ability to coordinate trades, manage timelines, handle procurement and keep a client calm and confident throughout a complex process is equally critical to delivering timeless, functional interiors. My civil engineering background helped me enormously here, but I think many designers entering the profession underestimate the operational side of the work. Great interior design is as much about the process as it is about the result.
Learn to listen before you design. The most beautifully executed residential interior will fall flat if it does not truly reflect the person living in it. Before reaching for the moodboard, invest real time in understanding your client — how they move through their home, what they find stressful, what brings them joy, and what home means to them emotionally.
Design rooted in that depth of understanding will always feel more personal, more considered and more lasting than design led by trends or aesthetics alone. That human connection is what transforms a beautiful space into a truly meaningful one — and it is the quality I would encourage every aspiring interior designer to cultivate from the very beginning.
Clients are becoming increasingly discerning — not just about aesthetics, but about the full experience of working with an interior designer. They want clarity, transparency and a process that feels calm and collaborative. Studios that invest in genuine relationships, structured processes and honest communication will be the ones that thrive.
Technology and artificial intelligence are also reshaping how designers work, and I think it is important to embrace the tools that genuinely enhance the design process — from spatial planning software to visualisation tools that help clients see their future home more clearly. That said, I firmly believe the most meaningful aspect of residential interior design will always remain deeply human. No algorithm can replicate the understanding that comes from sitting with a client, learning their story and translating that into a bespoke interior that feels truly personal.
It means a great deal, particularly at this stage of building Studio Benaki as a London interior design studio. SBID accreditation represents a commitment to professional standards, ethical practice and continuous development — values that are absolutely central to how I work across every residential and commercial interior design project.
For clients making a significant investment in their home, it offers genuine reassurance that they are working with a qualified interior designer who is accountable, professional and part of a respected industry community. For me personally, it is also a mark of belonging to a profession I care deeply about. Interior design has the power to profoundly change how people feel in their everyday lives and being part of an organisation that champions and upholds those standards is something I am genuinely proud of.
About Studio Benaki
Studio Benaki is a London-based interior design studio specialising in residential projects in London and Greece. With a focus on contemporary design, the studio crafts deeply personal, expressive and highly functional homes. From full renovations to thoughtful one-room transformations, each project is approached with warmth, care and a deep respect for both the architecture and the people who inhabit it. What makes Studio Benaki distinct is the way it bridges heritage, craftsmanship and clarity of execution. Drawing on Maria’s background in civil engineering and a rich cultural perspective shaped by life in both Greece and the UK, founder Maria Benaki brings a rare combination of creative intuition and practical expertise into her projects.
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