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 Jestico + Whiles. Jestico + Whiles is an architecture and interior design practice with a proud heritage, driven by curiosity and focused on how design can transform people’s lives.
Our studio of specialist interior designers, architects and FF&E specialists, drawn from all backgrounds and from across the world, is led by James Dilley, Jennifer de Vere Hopkins and Joanna Grotowska-Hall, who have been working closely together for a long time. We are inspired by each other’s differing approach to design – and life in general – and united in a passion for design that ‘goes beyond’.
Every member of our team contributes to the creative direction of our work, and we encourage contributions at every level, informed by the open spirit of the studio and its staff.
We don’t have a recognisable design style, because our approach is always in response to the specific context of each project. While the outcomes may be disparate and diverse, our common process means there are recognisable red threads running through them all. This has helped us to attract a wide range of projects and clients, and to respond to each with freshness and authenticity.
Collaboration is not only enjoyable, but it produces the best results and challenges us to learn in real time. We are open and encouraging to every member of the team, both internal and external, to make meaningful contributions based on their experiences and background. Internally, we have practice-wide design reviews to unlock the widest range of perspectives.
We understand that in this fast-moving environment we must never stop learning, and we enjoy that process. While the main influence on our work is our own work, we are constantly visiting buildings of all types, across the world. While our background is in hospitality, we are increasingly seeing our expertise and approach being sought for work on buildings of all types, including mixed-use projects – an exciting evolution.
We think it’s essential to balance the analogue and digital worlds. Sophisticated digitally produced imagery is now an expected part of the presentation process. However, a watercolour, a pencil sketch or a handmade model remain intimate and personal ways of communicating our ideas.
We are excited by the opportunities of AI, which has a place both in sparking inspiration and expressing ideas. However, we know it will never replace human input in design which is grounded in empathy.
As early pioneers of environmentally conscious design, sustainability is intrinsic to everything we do – creating great design while caring for each other and the world around us is a core value of ours. We operate an ISO14001 environmental management system to monitor our environmental impact, and have published a Carbon Reduction Plan since 2022, reviewed annually to reduce our carbon emissions. Our B Corp certification, achieved in 2024, underlines our continued commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
Our in-house sustainability team, plusZero, comprises architects and interior designers from various sectors within the practice, including three Passivhaus Designers. Our projects include those with LEED, BREEAM, NABERS, WELL and other recognised sustainability certifications.
We are driven by a commitment to beautiful design that emphasises wellbeing, sense of place and emotional and physical connection. We endeavour to prioritise material selection with high recycled content, low VOCs, and FSC-certified timber, working with the highest quality furniture suppliers and manufacturers to specify locally sourced and quality crafted products.
The world of design is too vast to comprehend, and it is rare that anyone might see their future path with any clarity. Embrace your own journey of uncertainty and accept that there is not, most likely, a firm destination – and this is only positive. Use your early years to immerse yourself in a range of opportunities. That means, above all, to get as much exposure as possible to inspiring people as possible; seek out your mentors and keep in touch with them, as frequent sense checks are invaluable. It will be the unexpected, disruptive, challenging or curio project, or person, that may be uncomfortable but will push you into a new orbit. Don’t dismiss a prospect without careful consideration.
About Jestico + Whiles
Jestico + Whiles is an architecture and interior design practice with a proud heritage, driven by curiosity and focused on how design can transform people’s lives. We have a global reputation for excellence, working around the world from Zanzibar to Luzern. Delivering projects at every scale, from a four-seat café to a 2,500-cabin cruise ship, we work with clients ranging from independents to global operators. Working across sectors and typologies, we’re increasingly applying our experience in hospitality design to the fields of retail, workplace and residential, as well as innovative blended-use schemes. We actively pursue unusual projects, from a Victorian textile factory and a Swiss Belle Epoque palace to the grade-I listed country house of Sir John Soane. We are proud to have won five international design awards in 2024 alone, including Hotel Designs’ Brit List Awards, and the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards.
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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a tranquil office design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Davide Macullo Architects.
Atmosphere is today the key for the success of a company. Being able to offer an environment built with reasons and beauty through emotions that sing to the soul of the company means touching the intimate perception of the users and delivering a clear positive message. EFG is studying, along with the architect, a new world of representing itself through a unique and seducing design that conveys spaces and care for every single detail. This enhances and reinforces the sensitive approach of EFG worldwide.
Category: Office Design Under 2,000 SqM
Design Practice: Davide Macullo Architects
Project Title: EFG Bank
Project Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Design Practice Location: Lugano, Switzerland
EFG’s brief called for the creation of spaces capable of achieving a subtle balance between solemnity and informality, conveying professionalism without sacrificing human warmth. The project needed to reflect the bank’s values - rooted in a philosophical and psychological vision - going beyond individualities to connect with a shared human sensitivity, made of emotions, meanings, and even pleasure. EFG is an enlightened client: they gave us the freedom to draw a design line guided by passion, joy, and reason. A line that, once defined, began (and will continue over time) to release new meanings, capable of breaking with the past to shape a new era. The concept is based on the exploration of perception: creating living, breathing spaces, able to transmit comfort, beauty, and tranquillity. At the heart of this approach are circular geometries, symbols of inclusivity and stability, designed to make every individual feel like the protagonist, at the centre of their own world, free from prejudice. Curved walls amplify the spatial experience, expanding perception in a fluid way and infusing the environment with a sense of welcome and pleasure. This formal language draws on lessons from spatial psychology, early existentialism, and the anthropological aspects that shape our instinctive reactions. The interiors for EFG stem from an inexhaustible curiosity, an unconditional love for life, and a deep passion for interpreting emotional states, thus transforming spaces into places to be lived in, not merely passed through.
Today, atmosphere is an essential component of a company’s success. Offering an environment designed with care, beauty, and intention - capable of evoking emotion and reflecting the soul of the organisation - means reaching the most intimate perceptions of users, communicating a clear message of well-being, both internal and external. In every EFG location around the world, the spirit of local traditions is respected and reinterpreted, reinforcing a common vision based on shared sensitivity and the enhancement of context. A thought expressed during the inauguration of the new EFG Academy spaces in Lugano best summarises this approach: elevating space to place, transforming a necessity into an opportunity.
For us, designing a space means creating a place. The difference may seem subtle, but it is substantial: a space responds to functions, a place is born from the essence of being. This approach transforms architecture into the most complete of human arts, capable of giving shape to emotions, experiences, and identities. Every place is always a transformation of something pre-existing - whether it’s a historic interior, a hillside dotted with olive trees, or a bustling metropolis. In the project for EFG Bank, this transformation came to life through a universal concept, which I like to represent with the metaphor of a journey. I imagine our society as a speeding train, frantic, driven by rules, technology, finance, economics, politics, and traditions. Yet, on that train, we find the calm to play a game of cards: that’s where our inspiration is born. Play is the fundamental element of our profession. The cards represent who we are: our background, our sensitivity, our role, our motivation. They are our inner rules, which allow us to express creativity in a world that tends toward conformity. The only rules we accept are those of the game itself - not constraints, but tools to be used freely in order to achieve the true purpose of architecture: making people feel at ease in the places we create. In this project, it is precisely from this balance between freedom and discipline, between emotion and function, that the design took shape: a silent yet powerful language, capable of welcoming and inspiring.
The connection between architecture and context is the common thread that guides every one of our projects. However, when we are asked to design spaces for the same client in different locations, the main challenge becomes integrating each intervention into the local context without ever losing sight of the client’s essence and identity. The familiarity of the structures, combined with the surprise of innovative and refined solutions, responds to the need to recover references from the past and reinterpret them in a dynamic interplay between interior and exterior, heaviness and lightness, past, present, and future. Upon entering these spaces, one perceives a balance between the bank’s personal and international identity and a genuine appreciation of local culture and craftsmanship. The use of regional materials and the involvement of local artisans allowed us to create environments that reflect global values - but with unique regional nuances. The design choices in each location tell the story of the relationship between the city’s DNA and its future vision, going beyond the dogmas of the past to rediscover a freer, more human architecture. Despite the high level of technology involved, the approach remains deeply sensitive, capable of giving life to places, not just spaces.
Creating beauty is our craft. We do it through the senses - stimulating emotions and sensations, giving them meaning, and making them representative. Beyond intuition and personal sensitivity, it is meaning that determines the longevity of art in architecture. In the case of EFG Bank, the spaces we designed are born from forms and teachings of the past, tied to the context in which we operate, but reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. They are living compositions - immersive experiences where the senses take centre stage, creating a unique atmosphere. The most meaningful moment for our team was precisely when we found the right balance between necessity and functionality, comfort and luxury: a turning point where the project began to tell its own story. From the classical era - full of dogmas - to the contemporary age - free from prejudice and trends; from heaviness to lightness, from physical reality to virtual reality, from needs to opportunities: at the heart of our philosophy lies the desire to translate a group’s core values into tangible, lived moments. We never forget that every project is, ultimately, a portrait of those who commissioned it.
We believe that the SBID Awards represent an excellent opportunity to expand our international visibility, especially given the prestige and specialization of this recognition in the field of interior design. We chose to submit this project because, while it is an interior design intervention, it fully reflects our design philosophy: attention to detail, conceptual consistency, and a deep dialogue with the context. Projects like this often receive less attention compared to other areas of architecture, but they deserve to be acknowledged for the quality and depth of work they represent.
Being finalists for this award represents not only a source of pride for us, but also a moment of reflection. We have completed over 800 projects in fifty countries, driven by a deep dedication and the joy we find in what we do. This recognition takes on even greater meaning because, through our work, we can pass on that same joy to future generations - offering them inspiration, courage, and motivation.
In our practice, every detail is thoughtfully conceived and carefully executed, with the aim of creating environments that instil a sense of safety and familiarity. The contextual approach we adopt strives for an organic integration - never imposed - one that considers not only the natural surroundings, but also the cultural and social dimensions: an ecology that is not only environmental, but deeply human.
Another key element in the design process is time: whether in its stillness or in its flow, time is intrinsically connected to the proportion and scale of every space. This focus on time and perception translates into a meaningful physical and psychological impact - especially in environments where important decisions are made. It fosters calm, security, and encourages synergistic collaboration between users and professionals.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a contemporary boutique design, click here to read it.
Natalia Ratajczak, Founder & Creative Director of WHY NOT Design, has given her insights into the industry.
After graduating from KLC School of Design, I dived into the London design scene working on high-end residential and commercial spaces — the kind where everything looks effortless, but only after hundreds of caffeine-fuelled hours behind the scenes. Eventually, I realised I wanted to create something less “polite” and more alive. So, I launched WHY NOT Design — a studio built on the belief that safe is boring and bold means yours. We design marketing suites, show flats and workplaces that don’t just look good — they perform.
Because I’ve never been able to walk into a room without mentally redesigning it. Design has always been my language — a mix of problem-solving, storytelling, and a bit of rebellion. I wanted a career where I could blend creativity with impact; not just pick cushions, but build experiences that make people feel something. Interior design lets me turn ideas into atmosphere — and that’s addictive.
The magic moment when a concept sketch becomes a space people actually inhabit. I love the process — the mess, the material samples, the midnight ideas that suddenly make everything click. Every project is a balancing act between imagination and reality, and I secretly enjoy the chaos. Also, that client smile when they walk in and say, “This feels like us.” Can’t beat that.
Without a doubt — launching WHY NOT Design. Watching the brand grow from a scribble in my notebook to a real studio with real clients has been wild. Getting SBID Accredited in our first year was the cherry on top — a reminder that being bold doesn’t mean being reckless. You can colour outside the lines and still do it properly.
Marketing suites, show flats and workplaces — anything that blends creativity with commercial purpose. I love designing spaces that sell a story. They have to grab attention, make an impression, and whisper, “You belong here.” Those projects let me push creativity while still driving results, which is basically the WHY NOT sweet spot.
Keeping the vision intact while reality throws curveballs — budgets, deadlines, deliveries, the occasional “we lost your tiles.” Design is 20% creative genius and 80% controlled chaos. The challenge (and the fun) is staying calm while the storm swirls — and still producing something beautiful. It’s equal parts artist, therapist, and crisis manager.
That interior design is a full-contact sport. You’ll need stamina, patience, and a sense of humour. It’s not just fabrics and floorplans — it’s negotiations, logistics, psychology, and a lot of problem-solving. I wish someone had told me that resilience is as valuable as creativity. Oh, and comfortable shoes. Always comfortable shoes.
Don’t water yourself down. The world doesn’t need another copy of what’s already been done. Find your thing — your signature — and lean into it. Not everyone will get it, and that’s fine. The right clients will. Consistency and confidence build a brand faster than any trend ever could.
We’re entering the era of meaningful design. Clients are craving authenticity — spaces with purpose, not perfection. Sustainability is finally more than a buzzword, and storytelling is front and centre. Technology will keep shaping how we visualise and communicate ideas, but personality will be the real differentiator. The future belongs to designers who dare to be different — and mean it.
It’s proof that being bold and being professional aren’t opposites. SBID accreditation gives credibility to creativity — it says, “Yes, we’ve got the vision and the structure.” For me, it’s both recognition and motivation. It keeps me grounded while I keep pushing boundaries. In short — it means we can rebel responsibly.
About WHY NOT Design
WHY NOT Design is a London-based interior design studio creating bold, story-driven spaces that stand out and sell. We specialise in marketing suites, show flats, workplaces, and residential interiors across London and Essex, delivering designs that connect emotionally and commercially. With over nine years of industry experience, we combine creativity with strategic thinking to craft interiors that are original, functional, and memorable. From concept and space planning to 3D visuals, technical packs, and installation, we handle every stage of the process — because we believe safe is boring, and bold means yours. Rebellious by design, unapologetically original.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a neutral and warm office design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Paola Leon Design.
PLD have delivered a detailed and considered refurbishment, revitalising the co-working spaces to Capital Tower, Waterloo. Building elements have been carefully selected, repurposing and recycling where possible to minimise renewal. Existing and new are combined to create a cohesive look and feel. All spaces are unified with neutral warm hues, feature lighting, natural eco-friendly materials and accents of colour. Dynamic and flexible workspaces encourage movement and interaction. Amenities, social spaces, group, solo or quiet work settings all combine to deliver a space that is inviting and delightful to clients, colleagues and collaborators, encouraging personal inventiveness and creativity.
Design Practice: Paola Leon Design
Project Title: Capital Tower
Project Location: London, United Kingdom
Design Practice Location: London, United Kingdom
The client brief was to create a sustainable, dynamic and flexible workspace that encouraged movement and interaction. The space needed to be inviting and delightful to clients, colleagues and collaborators, memorable, practical and future proof.
A recent visit to Japan provided the opportunity to re-experience elegant traditional design and sleek modern interiors. Minimalism, functionality and natural materials seemed the perfect combination to create a welcoming and sophisticated space.
We combined this with feature lighting, a bright warm palette, tactile materials and familiar furnishing to complete the design.
To meet sustainability targets we aimed to retain as much of the existing fit-out as we could. This involved assessing the existing elements, reviewing their condition and working to incorporate them into the design where possible.
This was time consuming, however, extremely rewarding as we were able to retain an intricate bespoke metal ceiling to the office spaces and revealed previously covered slot windows along the façade.
The highlight was the attention to detail we were able to go to on the joinery items. The construction and materiality really bring a high-quality feel to the space. A highlight was the timber coffered ceiling. This is a real statement piece, and when combined with the feature pendant lighting it gives a memorable first impression.
As an organisation SBID represents interior designers at the highest level, championing quality and professionalism both in the UK and internationally.
With these credentials entering the awards allows us to showcase our best work and presents an opportunity (if shortlisted) to measure how we compare to others in our industry.
Being a finalist means a huge amount to the business, the associated media, social and PR platforms of SBID brings great exposure to our studio.
Being able to associate ourselves with the values, reputation and international recognition of SBID allows us to demonstrate the quality of our design work not just for this year but years to come.
Questions answered by Paola Leon, Founder & Lead Designer at Paola Leon Design.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring an intricate and creative residential design, click here to read it.
When x+why first got the keys to the Arding & Hobbs building in central Clapham, it was clear this was going to be a project like no other. Originally constructed in 1910 as a drapery and fabric store, this Grade II listed building has been a beloved local landmark for over a century.
Interaction were honoured to collaborate with x+why to transform this building into x+why’s newest coworking site and private members’ club, after it had sat vacant for five years. We worked alongside x+why’s talented design team in a detail and build role, helping to bring the flex space operator’s vision to life. Our shared mission with x+why was clear: create a high-end, intricately-detailed workspace and private members’ club that would honour the building’s heritage while fostering a new, vibrant community in Clapham.
"Interaction have been brilliant to work with on this landmark project. From the start, they took the time to understand the building’s history and our design intent, and they’ve done an exceptional job bringing that vision to life. Their attention to detail and craftsmanship are second to none, and they’ve been a real joy to collaborate with throughout." - Phil Nevin, CCO, x+why.
The finished space offers a blend of historic charm and modern functionality. On one side, a coworking area provides dedicated desks, 30 serviced offices, phone booths and podcast room, all designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes looking for flexible office space in one of London’s busiest neighbourhoods. Reflecting the demand for high-quality, characterful workspaces, the flex space was already 50% let before opening, surpassing projections and demonstrating the viability of investing in well-designed, heritage-led flexible spaces.
On the other, Clapham’s first private members’ club, The Arding Rooms, feels glamourous and luxurious. The space offers a restaurant, bar, bookable lounges and meeting rooms, as well as an events space including an auditorium and anteroom. Designed for a day-to-night transition, the club is bright and welcoming during the day, ready to transform into a moody, indulgent social space in the evenings – perfect for evening drinks.
This entire project is a celebration of detail, quality and heritage. We worked to enhance and compliment the building’s historic features, including its vast domed roof light, intricate mouldings, exposed brickwork and the iconic cupola – soon to be repurposed as a rooftop bar with views over Clapham and Wandsworth.
The design inspiration was ‘Faded Glamour’ – a layered elegance that hints at a grand past while feeling relaxed and unpolished. Think patinas, velvets, tarnished metals and aged finishes. Every detail has been chosen to make the space feel as if it’s been part of Clapham for a century – conjuring all the atmosphere of a vintage cigar lounge, only without the smoky haze.
Design choices were inspired by the subtle colours from the dome, with soft yellows, deep purples, blues and greens echoed in upholstery and finishes. A star motif from the dome now runs subtly through the building, appearing in drawer pulls, vintage mirrors and the bespoke banquette seating.
References to the building’s history as a drapery are woven throughout, including a poetry quote above the bar – ‘until the fabric speaks & the textile is the text’, embossed in gold-leaf. The bespoke aged oak herringbone flooring, chosen for its durability, ties seamlessly with the historic surroundings, each plank having been tumbled with stones to create a timeworn finish.
Artisan details bring a further layer of richness: a handmade mirror in the bar was crafted using traditional silver nitrate techniques, while gold-leafed handwritten signs from Bath-based Newbigin Signs guides visitors through the space. Lighting was integral to the design, creating a space that feels moody and welcoming simultaneously, with period-inspired feature lighting sourced from Jim Lawrence and Felix Lighting adding warmth and character throughout.
"Working precisely to x+why’s innovative design, the aim was to preserve the building’s rich heritage. It’s rare to work on a site with so much character, and we’ve taken great care to preserve those special architectural features while introducing a premium design that will inspire the community for years to come. It’s truly a unique workspace!" - Martha Gray, Creative Lead, Interaction.
In celebration of the building’s history, the meeting rooms are named after haberdashery terms. Styling pieces sourced from local markets and vintage stores echo the soft colours and star motif of the domed roof light, with the motif also appearing in bespoke joinery crafted by Berdalout. A traditionally-made, handcrafted mirror adorns the bar. Even the toilets carry a sense of indulgence, designed to capture the feel of glamorous days gone by.
About Interaction
Powered by principles. We’ve been designing and building some of the UK’s best workplaces since 1992. Throughout the years Interaction has worked to create workspaces which bring out the best in people and their business. We advocate for the types of workspace that are people-centric, sustainable and flexible; spaces designed to build communities and facilitate collaboration. With a design studio in Bath and a central London base, our creative crew work on a range of commercial projects, from bespoke office fit-outs to multi-million pound building refurbishments.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a dynamic and collaborative design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Woodalls Design.
WeTransfer HQ in Amsterdam is a collaboration hub of inspiration and togetherness, marrying functionality with technology while capturing the brand’s values of championing ideas and connecting the world with creativity. For a young, dynamic workforce, the new central location in the heart of Amsterdam was integral, with the neighbourhood instilling an atmosphere of vitality before even stepping foot into the office. Here, the remote-first team comes together, forges meaningful connections, and cultivates a sense of community and purpose. We curated a multi-functional space that catered to their workforce’s needs while championing their values of supporting artists and the creative world.
Design Practice: Woodalls Design
Project Title: WeTransfer Amsterdam
Project Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
As part of the strategic relocation to central Amsterdam, WeTransfer appointed Woodalls to create a workplace that would act as a collaborative hub. The multi-functional space needed to meet the diverse requirements of different departments and clients to unite them with a primary goal of fostering a cohesive culture. It would become a space that would reflect and enhance WeTransfer’s brand, values, and commitment to supporting the creative community through its WePresent platform.
As a proud B Corp, the new workplace also needed to align to WeTransfer’s sustainability standards and its commitment to balancing people, planet, and profit; sustainable design practices were deployed with the space designed to achieve the ‘in use’ BREEAM certification.
Overall, the new environment aims to engage employees and clients, promoting culture, collaboration and social interaction and while reflecting the brand's sense of purpose beyond file transfer.
WeTransfer HQ is a focal hub of inspiration and togetherness, marrying functionality, brand purpose and seamless technology; capturing WeTransfer’s values of championing ideas and connecting the world with creativity.
The design pays homage to its central location and aims to foster vitality and create a vibrant and communal environment for its dynamic workforce. Using vivid colors, vintage furniture, recycled pieces, ambient lighting, and personalised elements, the space exudes warmth and purpose.
One of the main objectives in the design was to emphasise the brand's larger purpose, which extends beyond file transfer. WeTransfer's mission includes supporting the creative community through its WePresent platform, with the company donating up to 30% of its advertising space to support artists and social causes. A notable design feature in the new workplace is the custom "gallery," a flexible exhibition space highlighting the brand’s commitment to creativity.
The workplace also incorporates innovative design elements that align with its identity as a tech company with a creative core. A central display screen at the entrance showcases brand advertisements and art installations, providing an engaging and dynamic welcome for visitors. The seamless integration of branding and art throughout the office creates an immersive experience for all, capturing the essence of the WeTransfer brand.
The layout, being composed of five Amsterdam townhouses with identical floor plans, presented a unique challenge for the team to navigate.
We took time to meticulously plan the floor layout and circulation of the space to ensure we could make the floorplate work for the diverse teams and their needs. We positioned a central, multi-functional café space, equipped with tiered seating, as a focal point for communal activities and events to emphasise the sense of community within the workspace and bring the spaces together.
The adaptable cafe space serves as a communal area for workshops, artist exhibitions, presentations, staff lunches, and socialising; reflecting the company’s culture. Brand graphics are incorporated into the design through glass manifestations, flooring, signage, and way-finding elements.
In addition to this, we conducted multiple engagement sessions to identify nuances and preferences of each team to offer flexible and multi-functional spaces across the floorplate to accommodate various working styles, from collaborative huddle spaces for creative teams to quiet areas for tech-focused employees.
We complimented the flow of the space and created cohesion across the floor plate by incorporating WeTransfer's brand graphics throughout the design elements and seamlessly integrating technology. Despite this obstacle, we successfully worked around a challenging floorplate to foster a vibrant, cohesive and collaborative environment that meets the diverse functional needs of WeTransfer's team and reflects its values and culture.
A highlight of the project was being able to reinforce the brand’s sense of creative purpose, which is to support emerging artists through its WePresent platform. Realising this vision through the bespoke "gallery" space enabled us to reflect WeTransfer’s continued commitment to this cause in a physical way. Adaptable gallery walls allow the brand to interchange artwork seamlessly and bring the space to life.
Additionally, our commitment to sustainable design has resulted in a workspace that not only echoes WeTransfer's values but also aligns with the company’s sustainability standards. Being a proud B Corp company, WeTransfer takes responsibility for balancing people, the planet, and profit. Woodalls ensured that the office aligned with their sustainability standards to achieve the “In-Use” BREEAM certification, which assesses the environmental performance of the building.
Our team implemented design practices to ensure BREEAM compliance including reusing 60% of the furniture to promote circularity and minimising waste and using locally sourced materials and fixtures like bespoke acoustic panels and light fixtures sourced from local Amsterdam manufacturers such as DeVorm and Refelt, as well as locally sourced vibrant tiles. These all help to minimise emissions as well as contribute to the local economy, fostering an atmosphere of responsibility and balance.
We chose to enter the SBID Awards to highlight the exceptional work we had done for the WeTransfer office project. Our goal was to acknowledge our team's dedication and to present this outstanding project to our industry peers. The SBID Awards are highly esteemed and recognised in the industry, making it a prestigious platform for showcasing and celebrating our achievements. We are incredibly proud to have been appointed to create such a dynamic, cutting-edge and functional workspace for a leading-edge and well-rounded company like WeTransfer. We wanted to celebrate our talented team and project success with our colleagues, clients and peers and use the SBID awards as an opportunity to network with the wider industry. This project is one to be truly celebrated and SBID provides a leading platform to do this.
As a finalist in the SBID International Design Awards, it has been an incredibly meaningful and rewarding achievement for us at Woodalls Design. This recognition serves as a validation of our dedication to exceptional design and innovation in the industry. Being a finalist not only cements our reputation in the design community but also highlights our commitment to design and delivery excellence, producing outstanding and creative projects for our partners globally, such as the Kantar and WeTransfer projects, both of which were nominated for the SBID International Design Awards.
This acknowledgment reaffirms our position as global leaders in workplace design. We are proud of the hard work and ingenuity that went into the projects that earned us this recognition and are truly honoured to be recognised among our peers.
Questions answered by Irene Acevedo, Associate Designer at Woodalls Design.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a calm and serene apartment design by Beoto Design, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a sophisticated and functional office design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Antrepo by Ozge Caglayan Studio.
Located in the heart of central London, the JS office project artfully blends contemporary design with the city’s rich historical character. At the core of the approach is the careful selection of high-quality wood, a material that embodies both tradition and innovation. This choice is not merely a nod to the past; it serves as the foundation for the entire space, linking the city’s heritage with a modern aesthetic. Through this focus on wood, the design team has created an office environment that not only reflects the client’s vision but also pays tribute to London’s enduring spirit.
Design Practice: Antrepo by Ozge Caglayan Studio
Project Title: JS Office Project
The client’s vision for their London office was to move away from the typical corporate setting and create a workspace that felt both personal and refined. They wanted an environment that reflected their company ethos while seamlessly blending sophistication, comfort, and functionality. A key request was the integration of high-quality, original materials such as wood, aged brass, marble, and leather to establish a sense of timeless elegance. Additionally, the design needed to prioritise usability, ergonomics, and efficiency while maintaining a unique and welcoming atmosphere.
Our design approach carefully balanced these aspirations by incorporating bespoke elements tailored to the client’s preferences. Through meticulous material selection and an emphasis on craftsmanship, we created a space that not only met but exceeded the client’s expectations, resulting in a workplace that fosters productivity, collaboration, and creativity.
The design was primarily inspired by London’s architectural heritage and the desire to create a workspace that embodies both tradition and modernity. Our vision was to craft an office that reflects the city's rich history while seamlessly integrating contemporary aesthetics and functionality. The fusion of timber, aged brass, and leather played a crucial role in establishing a cohesive and sophisticated atmosphere, ensuring a warm and inviting ambiance throughout the space.
A significant design inspiration was the idea of continuity—creating seamless transitions between different areas of the office to maintain a harmonious flow. We achieved this through the thoughtful integration of wooden panels that extended across walls and ceilings, connecting spaces in a visually and structurally cohesive way. Additionally, bespoke handcrafted elements, such as intricately carved brass details and a custom wood-topped coffee table, paid homage to traditional craftsmanship while reinforcing the uniqueness of the design.
Functionality was another key driver of the project. The use of curved corners encouraged movement and interaction between different functions, while the incorporation of a central wood cabinet served as both a visual anchor and a practical storage solution, optimising space without compromising aesthetics. The result was a space that not only met the client’s practical needs but also provided a sanctuary of productivity and inspiration.
One of the most challenging aspects of the project was ensuring the seamless alignment and continuity of the wooden panels that connected different areas, including the meeting room, lobby, and CEO office. Maintaining precise visual consistency across these elements required exceptional attention to detail and coordination between design and construction teams. The challenge was further amplified by the integration of storage solutions within the central wood cabinet, which needed to serve multiple functions without disrupting the overall aesthetic.
Additionally, working within the constraints of space meant that every design decision had to be both efficient and purposeful. We tackled this by integrating storage solutions into a single multifunctional furniture piece—the central wood cabinet—allowing us to maximize usability without sacrificing visual harmony.
Another significant hurdle was balancing sustainability goals with the high-end material selections required for the project. We addressed this by prioritising environmentally friendly materials and implementing energy-efficient strategies. For instance, we carefully selected wood for its sustainable properties and long-term environmental benefits, ensuring that the project aligned with responsible design principles. The use of Smart Building Technologies and energy-efficient lighting further reinforced our commitment to minimising environmental impact.
One of the proudest achievements of the project was the successful execution of the intricate brass detailing, particularly the custom-carved brass logos that greeted visitors in the reception area. These bespoke elements not only added a distinctive touch but also reinforced the company’s identity, enhancing the overall brand experience. The integration of brass details throughout the office demonstrated our team’s dedication to precision and craftsmanship.
Another highlight was the multifunctional central wood cabinet, which played a pivotal role in shaping the layout and functionality of the office. By seamlessly integrating storage solutions and spatial divisions within a single design element, we created a visually striking and highly practical feature that set this project apart. The elegant transition of wooden panels across walls and ceilings further emphasized the sense of continuity and cohesion that defined the space.
Beyond the design itself, one of the most rewarding moments for our team was receiving positive feedback from the client. Their recognition of our ability to transform their vision into a reality reinforced the success of the project and highlighted the impact of thoughtful, detail-oriented design. Seeing the office become a space that truly resonated with its users was a testament to our team's dedication and creativity.
I entered the SBID Awards to showcase my work on a prestigious international platform that celebrates excellence in design. The competition provides an opportunity to gain industry recognition, connect with leading professionals, and receive valuable feedback. Winning or being shortlisted would be an incredible honour, helping to elevate my brand and inspire future projects.
Being an SBID Award Finalist with not just one, but two projects has been an incredible honor and a defining moment for my business. Having my work recognised on an international stage, one project in the UK category and the other in the Europe category in Zurich, has reinforced my commitment to excellence in design. This recognition has elevated my credibility, expanded my network, and opened doors to exciting new opportunities. It has also been a great source of motivation, inspiring me to continue pushing creative boundaries and delivering outstanding projects.
Questions answered by Ozge Caglayan, Founder of Antrepo by Ozge Caglayan Studio.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a rustic and coastal holiday cottage design by LWE Interiors, click here to read it.
Sandra Korka, Founder of Square Design Interiors, has given her insights into the industry.
I studied architecture at the University of Greenwich and upon my return to Greece I worked at a few architectural practices and interiors companies while at the same time taught interior design at a local higher education institution delivering UK university courses.
Having gained valuable knowledge of the market and experience working in studio and on site, I decided to embark on my own creative journey and founded Square Design Interiors, working with passion and dedication, structuring and following a personal approach. Over the two decades of running the studio and focusing on delivering bespoke design and build projects from concept to creation at the highest standards, we have established collaborations with excellent manufacturers, suppliers, technicians and technology experts internationally, ensuring quality control and impeccable results.
Collaborating with an international clientele, we create environments that are complete spaces designed effectively for the interaction of people within them and the creation of life-long experiences and wonderful memories. The Square Design Interiors main studio is in Thessalonoiki, Greece, with operating studios in Athens and London, too.
Coming from an architectural background, the creation of interiors, where the main interaction of people take place in terms of lifestyle in residential projects or brand development in commercial projects, fascinated me. It feels like creating an overall story, a unique environment created based on particular needs and requirements, a sanctuary for personal or family decompression or the unfolding of a brand story. And this comes as a very inspiring complete scheme where you get initially introduced into the life of people or their business and you must translate and transform this introduction into an emerging series of fully functional spaces that communicate distinct aesthetics.
The versatility of the projects I get introduced to. Every project, every space and its parameters, every client, every place is so uniquely different that make my job so intriguingly expressive. The fact that I take on projects internationally, as well as the fact that I collaborate with international clients all over Greece, provides an exquisite variety of options to learn new things and apply my expertise on an ever-evolving landscape. I have the chance to interact with inspiring people, get accustomed to their life, their habits and their cultures and consequently I must stay constantly initiative taking to explore all aspects of a project and be creative.
Actually, there are two memorable career highlights from the past year. One of the most recent projects I designed and built, the Garage Transformation into a Micro-Residence, received a Gold Award at the Greek Interiors 2024. And a few months later, the same project received a Big See Architecture Award 2025, the South-East Europe Awards. I feel extremely honoured for both awards. I am very proud of the work produced by my building collaborators on this project and on every project. I constantly push them (and myself) to stay motivated and step a little bit further each time, to produce an impeccable result with the highest attention to details. And of course, I am very thankful to my client, who has been a recurring client and consequently, a good friend, for introducing to me this idea at first, that evolved in such a wonderfully creatively rewarding experience.
I absolutely enjoy all projects I work on, as all of them are different and this is a remarkably high motive to research, explore, design, create and build so many different environments for so many unique people. However, I do enjoy most the projects that I coordinate with all aspects from the very beginning to the very end. That is, produce an overall bespoke design on a particular brief and build the creative outcome ready to be used by the owners. The whole creative process brings in so many experiences and highlights in its own way, new paths to my professional and personal journey.
The set of challenges of working in interior design can assess both technical and people skills. You must balance creativity and functionality, as you come to create spaces that are visually appealing while remaining functional and liveable. This balance often requires innovative solutions to merge artistic vision with everyday usability.
Furthermore, managing client expectations is very important and a whole new challenge, as clients may have an initial vague vision, but it is up to the designer to comprehend this vision and translate it into a coherent design plan that involves active listening, clear communication, and sometimes negotiation.
In this equation one must add the budget constraints, as well as the time management and the project coordination aspects that are especially important so that the original creative solution is applied seamlessly. And of course, you must be educated on current technical elements that enhance and most of the times, complex the design, yet provide a whole new level of facilitation to the users of your designed space.
I wish I knew how to run a business. In no way do you know everything right after your studies. Yet, you have a good foundation on which you continuously work on, shaping and structuring your creative aspects, while working with so many kinds of people. However, at the same time, you are running a business and this is a world you just dive into. And, among other things, you are expected to find ways to balance your creativity within a rigid, impersonal and unknown environment.
To embrace a mindset of continuous learning. The design world is ever-evolving, so never stop exploring contemporary trends, techniques, and technologies. Staying curious not only helps you develop your unique style but also keeps you adaptable in a dynamic industry. In this way, I believe that a designer sets the foundations to produce uniquely created environments that correspond effectively to the needs and requirements of their clients or the end user of these environments.
The interior design industry is evolving rapidly, influenced by sustainability, technology, and changing lifestyle needs. In the year ahead, I believe we will see even more sustainable and eco-friendly design, emphasising further on biophilic design and using natural materials. Also, in terms of technology, planning and visualisation will be easier thanks to AI powered interior design tools in conjunction with smart-designed furniture, AR and VR.
The transitional style is getting more popular, mixing old and modern style to create a distinctive touch and bled vintage aesthetics with modern design elements. Layered textures, bold patterns and unique art pieces are on the frontline, while moving away from neutral tones, rich, moody hues like deep blues, terracotta and forest greens are here to stay.
In addition to the above, I believe there will be greater appreciation for handcrafted and locally made furniture and décor, as well as a rise in cultural and traditional influences, incorporating global design elements into modern homes, thus, supporting small designers and craftsmen.
Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer means embodying a commitment to excellence, innovation, and ethical practice in every project. It signifies that I have met rigorous industry standards and continually strive to elevate the quality of my work. It is a mark of trust that reassures clients and peers alike that my design approach is grounded in proven expertise and a commitment to ambitious standards.
Also, the accreditation reflects my dedication to ongoing education, staying abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and sustainable practices in interior design. At the same time, I retain a commitment to ethical design practices. I am happy that being part of the SBID community connects me with a network of like-minded professionals, fostering collaboration and shared insights that drive the industry forward. My accreditation is a celebration of creative problem-solving and the ability to transform spaces in ways that are both beautiful and functional.
For me, this accreditation is more than just a title. It is a constant reminder of the responsibility I carry as a designer to inspire, innovate, and create environments that enhance everyday life.
About Square Design Interiors
We work on our projects with great passion and dedication, structuring and following a personal approach. The process of our work balances a highly creative perspective with driven project coordination. The finished environments we create are complete spaces designed effectively for the interaction of people within them and the creation of life-long experiences and wonderful memories. We work closely with our clients and form strong ties, as most of our clients have become repeat customers and eventually good friends. Our studio is located in Thessaloniki, Greece and we work globally.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a contemporary and sustainable office design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, MAWD.
March and White Design (MAWD) were commissioned to help refurbish No.1 Knightsbridge, an office building that brings together six floors of multi-tenanted space with sustainable functionality at its core.
SBID Awards Category: Office Design Over 2,000 SqM
Practice: MAWD
Project: No.1 Knightsbridge
Location: London, United Kingdom
The client's brief for the No.1 Knightsbridge emphasised the importance of an exceptional arrival experience, encouraging social interaction, and providing functional spaces for both formal and informal gatherings. Furthermore, sustainability and well-being were key considerations, with a focus on achieving WELL certification through conscious design and material selection.
The design of No.1 Knightsbridge was inspired through MAWD’s knowledge and research into the surrounding area and the audience we envisioned as tenants and guests for project. The central inspiration was the prestigious Knightsbridge location itself, where the convergence of Knightsbridge, Mayfair, and Belgravia creates an unparalleled address. The opulence of this locale, characterised by London's finest hotels, members' clubs, and upscale retail, set the tone for the project's luxurious aesthetic. The design was also influenced by the evolving trends in workspace design, particularly the merging of living and working spaces. The concept of experiential spaces that foster social interaction and flexibility was inspired by the dynamic nature of modern work.
When designing No.1 Knightsbridge, the biggest hurdle was to create a workspace where luxury and forward-thinking design converge. This was achieved through blending our experience of interiors at the highest level with the research and thought we have been undertaking as a company to incorporate conscious design principles into all of our projects.
A standout highlight for our team throughout the project was the creation of the vibrant atrium space with an F&B element. This central hub epitomised our design philosophy, seamlessly blending luxury, innovation, and functionality. The suspended greenery installation and the integration of green elements not only added a touch of biophilia but also contributed to the project's commitment to well-being. Witnessing this space come to life and become a focal point for social interaction and community-building was a gratifying achievement for our team, reflecting our dedication to creating transformative and harmonious environments.
Our submission of the No.1 Knightsbridge project for the SBID Awards is driven by its exceptional qualities that epitomise our design philosophy. No.1 Knightsbridge occupies a prestigious London address, it blends the sophistication of the area with the warmth of hospitality, ensuring privacy, focus and impeccable quality. No.1 Knightsbridge is a testament to our commitment to conscious design. It weaves form and function harmoniously, creating an impressive, transformative space that lingers in memory. This project's essence captures the heart of our expertise and vision. For us as designers the SBID Awards symbolises the sharing of designer’s abilities to set new standards and make a lasting impact on the industry. It's an invitation to join an elite community of design visionaries, amplifying our voice and influence on a global platform.
Being an SBID Award Finalist helps showcase our commitment to high quality design and innovation, leading to enhanced visibility and recognition within the design community. It's a validation of our expertise and a testament to the quality of our work, paving the way for exciting new opportunities and collaborations.
Questions answered by James White, Co-Founder of MAWD.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a luxurious and modern penthouse design by SHH, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a colour coordinated office design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Katja Kessler Kreation.
A former 17-storey high-rise signature office building which was abandoned for years and only populated by an army of pigeons is currently subjected to a complete makeover. The first task Katja Kessler Kreation is assigned with by the client: creating a unique interior design handwriting for various functionalities within the building (such as the entrance lobby, the spacious day bar, the boarding homes, the coworking settings and the panorama conference floor). Second task: These highly elaborated fancy floors should effortlessly blend into the building’s all-over-design (created by Katja Kessler creation, too) which is targeting a more classy design.
SBID Awards Category: CGI & Visualisation
Practice: Katja Kessler Kreation
Project: Goldbeck
Location: Bielefeld, Germany
A former 17-storey high-rise signature office building in the heart of Germany which was abandoned for years and only populated by an army of pigeons is currently subjected to a complete makeover. The client wants the interior to serve a vast variety of different functionalities and purposes including a day bar, boarding rooms, co-working settings, offices and conference floors. He asked us to give every single area an individual touch that would provide a high recognition value within the building while blending into the all-over design.
We were primarily inspired by the monotonous grey and cold concrete shell of the building. Therefore to set a contrast, we decided to give each floor a distinctive feature by attributing individual vivid colour-codes.
The history of the building - a former Telecom headquarter from the seventies – had a big impact on our design philosophy of this project, too. An old phone booth was reinvented, its windows replaced by screens, and now serves as a guide post for visitors entering the building. The pages of an old telephone book were digitally obtained, replicated, and printed as a wallpaper and now cover the walls of the entrance area. All these are examples of how attention to small details can have a significant impact on the over-all appearance. Redefining old and meaningful components to incorporate them into the building has been a major key to the all-over interior concept of this project.
The sheer size of the project, the number of people involved, and the range of functionalities and purposes – all these aspects accumulated into one big challenge: Not to lose track of the core ideas and principles of this project – to create an inviting modern interior which doesn’t need a manual to be understood but provides an iPad moment, because it is self-explaining.
Amidst the messy construction site full of dirt, dust and junk piles we staged a fully equipped pop-up hotel room made up only of four drywalls and a door. Passing through this door was like glimpsing into the future: Sunlight was flooding through cosy velvet curtains, a bed with fluffed pillows dared you to take a spontaneous nap, and a toothbrush on the stylish looking vanity awaited your late-night routine. This was a moment of wow, accompanied by a breath-taking view over the city skyline.
I've been following the SBID Awards for a long time and have repeatedly been inspired and impressed by the submitted projects. This year, I thought now or never and submitted my own application.
So many people congratulated us for the nomination via social media. It feels like participating in a kind of interior Oscar. That alone has been a great compliment for me and the rest of my team.
Questions answered by Katja Kessler, Founder of Katja Kessler Kreation.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a feminine and serene office design by Shalini Misra, click here to read it.
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