Tinker Imagineers: Creating an Interactive and Nostalgic Public Space

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an interactive and nostalgic public space design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Tinker Imagineers.

In the Media Museum visitors experience more than 50 interactive exhibits on media culture and media literacy. Tinker imagineers was responsible for the integrated spatial, graphical, and media design. A unique Media Reactor installation of 300 metres of LED screens connects the themed zones in the museum, and represents the infinite stream of media that comes our way every day. Upon entering the experience, visitors create their own profile. The use of facial recognition in combination with their smartphone, creates a personalised media journey. Visitors get to play interactives, explore iconic media objects, and rediscover nostalgic footage from their youth.

What was the client's brief? 

Develop the spatial and media design for a national museum focusing on media usage and media literacy in the 21st century. The brief was laid out in a master plan created by the project director, Pieter van der Heijden (Xpex).

What inspired the design of the project?

Everyone talks about cyberspace these days, but no one has ever been there. The ambition that Tinker set forth was to create a place where you can physically walk through cyberspace and observe how we, as a society, define media, and more importantly, how media defines us in the present day.

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

Integrating historical media content with live content proved to be a significant challenge. On one hand, we were dealing with a vast media archive, one of the largest in the world. On the other hand, we aimed to seamlessly integrate live content, as real-time interactions are a defining feature of today's online communities. Balancing both aspects was a formidable hurdle.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The collaboration with all creative and technical partners, such as Xpex, Bruns, Kiss the Frog, Elastique, and Beam Systems, stood out as a highlight. Together, we successfully crafted a state-of-the-art museum that could possibly be the most interactive museum in the world today.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Winning an award in the design industry signifies recognition for exceptional creativity and innovation. It underscores the quality and impact of one's work, enhancing reputation and credibility. Personally, winning an award is a validation of our expertise and a testament to the team's dedication.

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

We are waiting for the final ceremony where we will find out if we won that award, but already are very satisfied with this nomination. Our studio scores a lot of awards, and you would think we get used to it. But every time, it's like a surprise party we didn't see coming. It shows we're on the right track, keeps us on our toes, and sure keeps us hunting for that top-tier mojo in exhibition design.

Questions answered by Stan Boshouwers, Director of Tinker imagineers.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern and neutral family home design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Inside Studio.

Inside Studio was tasked with the brief to transform a dated space into a home that reflects the needs of the clients’ growing family. The design had to have full impact of a transformation whilst retaining the existing kitchen, flooring, sofa and gas fire. Regardless of the many elements that remained, Inside Studio wowed the clients with a complete transformation of the space, introducing classic details to point back to the original architecture of the house, whilst keeping the balance with the modern elements. Enriching the space with a colour and materials scheme that is luxurious, timeless and family friendly.

What was the client's brief? 

We were tasked with the brief to transform a dated space into one that meets the needs of how the clients’ growing family uses the space, without compromising on the aesthetics.

What inspired the design of the project?

We introduced classic details in the design to point back to the original architecture of the house, whilst keeping the balance with the modern elements that the space already had installed, such as the kitchen and fireplace. To keep the aesthetics warm and inviting, whilst suitable for a young family, we used layered with textures with a neutral base accentuated with rich warm colours.

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

The design had to have full impact of a transformation whilst retaining the existing kitchen, flooring, sofa and gas fire.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Regardless of the many elements that remained, the design wowed the clients with a complete transformation of the space. The final end result turned out just as we had designed, every detail was followed and the end result exceeded our clients’ expectations.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We are very proud of the results on this project, to win an SBID Award would be such an honour for our team who worked on this project and for our clients who trusted us with their home.

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

We are so thrilled that our project is recognised amongst so many amazing and inspiring projects - we feel so honoured!

Questions answered by Alisa Bowen, Director at Inside Studio.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a moody and opulent hotel suite design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Twenty-Two Twelve Design Inc & You Should Stay Here.

Canadian design firms, Twenty-Two Twelve Design Inc & You Should Stay Here were commissioned to design a 9 suite boutique inn in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, a quaint theatre town modelled after Stratford-upon-Avon. They preserved the historic qualities of the building and were endlessly inspired by Shakespearean drama and eccentricity. Draped in rich velvets and tangled in serpent motifs, moody and opulent describes this space best. Each suite is unique featuring completely different bold colour palettes that are tied together with common themes.

What was the client's brief? 

The clients wanted to transform the space into a destination for theatre goers in time for Stratfords festival season. They trusted ours (Twenty-Two Twelve's) and You Should Stay Here's ability to come up with our own vision.

What inspired the design of the project?

At Twenty-Two Twelve my sister and business partner Haley McDonough and I believe you need to start with three questions: what does the property want, what would the client love and how can we push the boundaries. When Autumn Hachey from You Should Stay Here asked us to collaborate on the project we knew Hotel Julie was going to be a boundary pusher. The clients Jake and Paula love vintage, bold design and were not afraid of colour. The building is a Georgian style row house built in 1890 located in the heart of Stratford which is the theatre hub of Ontario and based on Shakespeare's hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon. We wrapped the walls and ceilings in heritage paint colours and chose finishes that could have always been there like dark oak floors, classic black and white checkerboard, applied mouldings and unlacquered brass fixtures. We added rich velvets as a nod to theatre and layered in Shakespearean motifs such as serpents and ruffles. The goal was "play"ful and sophisticated".

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

The Project was turned into a TV show by Alibi Entertainment which added a layer of complexity and added pressure for deadlines. It was beautifully shot by Matt Braun and produced by Joanne Virgo so while it made it more difficult to pull off, it is amazing to be able to look back at the process.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of the project was seeing the clients faces when we walked them through the first time. We kept the design a secret along the way so they did not know what to expect. Paula was brought to tears she was so overwhelmed with joy. They said it far exceeded their expectations and that is an amazing feeling.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We have been accredited professional members of SBID for 6 years now and believe in the value and importance of setting standards in the interior design industry. We are proud to be associated with SBID, we are proud of this project and are delighted that SBID has identified it as a finalist in our category.

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

We feel being an award finalist for SBID is a prestigious accomplishment in its own right.

Questions answered by Jillian Smith-Moher, Interior Designer and Co-Founder at Twenty-Two Twelve.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a rustic and cosy residential design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Katja Kessler Kreation.

The entire building was carefully gutted to gain space. Downstairs all walls were removed creating an inviting lounge-like kitchen-living room. Recycled brushed pine flooring, old grain sacks as couch covers and brick walls stripped of plaster give the place a unique fingerprint. Old and modern elements were carefully arranged in order to link the landmark nature of the building with the amenities of a modern family home. In the first floor a master bedroom and two guest rooms each of it with own ensuite bathroom found their place.

What was the client's brief? 

The client approached us with a daring idea: to revitalise a 19th century sleazy Baltic Sea villa that for decades had been inhabited by bats only. He had discovered the ruin during a stroll along the coastline of the German island Usedom and fell in love at first sight. Not only that he wanted us to preserve the vastly deteriorated landmark nature of the building, but at the same time he envisioned a welcoming warm cosy family nest, a place to host family and guests comfortably.

What inspired the design of the project?

The proximity to the Baltic Sea, seagulls screeching, wind blowing, endless sound of the waves – that all created a strong impression of freedom and the power of untamed nature which to us felt had to be translated into an interior design that echoed all these emotions. Moreover, we discovered that from 1906 to 1916, Engelbert Humperdinck, student of music legend Richard Wagner and composer of the world-famous opera “Hensel & Gretel” lodged in the VILLA MEERESSTERN, then a guesthouse, to compose the opening music theme for Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”. Therefore, our mission was not only to renovate a spectacular old house but to worship the place and treat it with respect to its historic significance. We decided to reuse whatever we could: old wooden floorings, ancient brick walls, weathered cobblestones – all these components were carefully obtained and secured to be used again later or reinforced to its original grandeur.

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

The original interior design of the building was designed by Dracula – or was at least deeply inspired by him. On the ground floor: tiny rooms cramped by cold walls, and not a glimpse of sunlight. In the attic and basement: the same. There was no way that we would be able to remodel this into a cosy, sun-drenched, warm family beach home making some minor adjustments here and there. Instead, the whole layout had to be rethought. Where to fit the kitchen, where the living-room, and how would it all work together? It needed some crazy dramatic solutions for these problems.

While the building’s outer surface was kept untouched (more or less), for the inside we came up with a design called “the no wall policy”: the entirety of the ground floor was gutted. This created an open room that nurtured the sense of togetherness. Kitchen, living room, study, conservatory, and dining place merged into one spacious lounge-like loft that allowed light to enter from all sides through 3-meter-high windows. This opened unbelievable visual axes and revealed the full beauty of the surrounding landscape including the endless blue of the sea and the blossoming garden.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

To arrive at the sight for the first time seeing that the ground floor had been stripped of all inner walls, the outer walls freed from plaster, the old pine flooring recycled and brushed, and the sun shining into the house all the way through – that was kind of a solemn breath-taking moment.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

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.

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

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.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a timeless and elegant apartment design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Angel O'Donnell.

Angel O’Donnell was tasked with interior designing an apartment inside The OWO Residences by Raffles. Once home to Britain’s military HQ under Churchill’s premiership, this neo-baroque Grade II* listed gem boasts a fine pedigree. Even so, their client was keen to eschew shouty emblems of luxury in favour of a quietly assured scheme that would appeal to a discerning, globe-trotting buyer. So the team set to work creating a warm and welcoming home – where craftsmanship, pin-sharp detailing, expert art curation and comfort work in concert with each other.

What was the client's brief? 

It was a gem of a brief borne out of several brainstorms with The OWO’s Design Director and wider sales team. Eventually we landed on, ‘A sanctuary in the heart of London. Understated yet beautifully crafted. A home from home for citizens of the world.’ The words ‘sanctuary’ and ‘home from home’ resonated with us. There’s an intimate, sort of cosy romance to this language, which conjured images of four-poster beds, elegant glass pendants, embroidered fabrics, and large, deep-seated furniture to luxuriate in. It’s one of the freshest, most single-minded briefs we’ve ever worked on.

What inspired the design of the project?

The building’s architecture inspired many choices. It’s quite the melting pot: Scottish architects, Edwardian construction, in a baroque style belonging to 17th century Europe. So we thought it would be fun to add our own heady mix of influences – everything from an Arabesque rug to cocktail chairs upholstered in Florentine bargello fabric to a Renaissance-inspired painting by a Columbian-born artist. What better way to appeal to a global audience?

Comfort was the other big design influence. Plush-velvet sofas, Savoir Beds, classic English silhouettes – designs that are timeless and elegant while at the same time robust enough to jump on and nestle into.

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

It’s all too easy to get swept up in the mythology of a building, especially one as grand as The OWO. This is where Churchill commanded the British armed forces, T.E. Lawrence (of Arabia) compiled maps of foreign territories, and Ian Fleming dreamt up James Bond. A pedigree this fine could have easily muddled our thinking. But we kept our cool, exercised restraint, and wheedled out anything that evoked the building’s past too thirstily. This involved a lot of editing. Patterns, colourways, fabric choices, artwork, lighting, furniture, even bead mouldings for the walls – it was all scrutinised. The more we cut, tweaked, polished and developed, the more effortlessly designed and curated everything appeared. Sometimes, the things that can trip you up give you that extra drive and focus.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Getting to work with so many amazing talents was the most creatively stimulating and happy-making highlight of all. Dairo Vargas, the dizzyingly gifted artist whose brilliant colours and bravura brushwork created one of our all-time favourite paintings in the living room. Georgia Stoneman, our trusted art curator and friend, who spent months helping us to compile a serious collection of works spanning multiple decades and medias. Dan Green, Fabrili and CM Upholstery who executed our furniture and joinery designs to perfection. Then, of course, all the Great British brands like Savoir Beds, Porta Romana, George Smith and Tom Faulkner, whose creations elevated our schemes to new heights.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We’ve entered the SBID awards because we’re proud to be SBID accredited, happy to number among its global community, and supportive of its tireless quest to protect, nurture and champion talent without bias.

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

Being a finalist means the world to us because it involves so many people. Clients, suppliers, craftspeople, tradespeople, artists, gallerists, plant specialists, storage and installation experts – everyone who got us over the finish line owns a slice of this achievement. And from a PR perspective, it’s always fun to have awards news to talk about in social media and pitch presentations. It gives you licence to show off in a kind way. It’s the cherry on a very well-decorated cake.

Questions answered by Ed O’Donnell, Co-Founder & Creative Director at Angel O’Donnell.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an immersive retail design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, External Reference.

The Presentedby store in Riyadh, designed by the Barcelona-based architecture firm External Reference, blends physical and digital elements to create a uniquely immersive retail environment inspired by the desert oasis and the role of water. The store features a programmable water curtain, animated water holograms, morphological product displays interpreted as cascading water, and interactive digital projections. The space also includes a VIP lounge with screens and mirrored ceilings for an intimate customer experience. Eco-friendly 3D-printed materials balance innovation with sustainability, embodying a comprehensive design approach for this premium sneaker and streetwear consignment store.

What was the client's brief? 

The client's brief for the project was to design the new Presentedby premium sneaker and streetwear consignment store in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and to create a destination that would captivate Saudi aficionados of premium sneakers and streetwear. The aim was to design an immersive and unique store that would stand out while maintaining a connection to the established family of previous Presented By stores. The challenge was to harmonize innovation with nature, technology with water, an exhibition space with a retail necessity, ensuring that the new store in Riyadh would offer a fresh experience while resonating with the brand's existing identity.

What inspired the design of the project?

The unique identity of each Presentedby store is intricately woven into its specific urban context, resulting in a series of distinctive, innovative projects. This approach ensures that every store stands out as a singular creation, intimately linked to both the brand's identity and the geographical location it inhabits. This emphasis on contextual integration is a hallmark of PB stores, where the design for each establishment is meticulously tailored to its surroundings, be it in terms of physical attributes, cultural influences, or environmental factors. The project's design inspiration stemmed from the desert oasis and especially the role water plays in shaping such landscapes. The primary objective was to underscore water's profound importance in the region. This concept was then skilfully translated into an immersive retail space that is both distinctive and unparalleled. Under the leadership of Carmelo Zappulla, the architects at External Reference embarked on a mission to mirror both the physical and symbolic impact of water. This creative journey materialized in the conception of an array of design components, ranging from a programmable water curtain to animated refreshing water holograms, 3D-printed display walls mimicking the flow of cascading water, and even digital simulations of various water formations. These elements collectively manifest the aquatic theme and enrich the store's ambiance, fostering an engaging and sensory experience for visitors.

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

The design team faced its most formidable challenge in navigating the technical and engineering obstacles tied to the incorporation of water-based design elements. This encompassed devising solutions for a programmable water curtain, a water printer responsible for animating sculptures, and crafting 3D-printed display walls. Each facet necessitated pioneering approaches and meticulous contemplation to uphold both functionality and safety, all the while preserving the desired aesthetic. The initial step involved a comprehensive 3D scan of the space, leading to the subsequent development of a detailed 3D model encompassing all fabrication files. Subsequent production activities took place in Spain before being transported to Saudi Arabia. Impressively, the entire assembly of the store transpired within a remarkably swift 15-day period. The ultimate objective was to craft an iconic destination that not only served as a paramount marketing tool for the brand but also possessed a distinct allure compared to its counterparts. Additionally, the project aimed to generate digital content amenable to remote monitoring and management. This approach facilitated the seamless updating and rectification of all digital content from a remote location.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The task involved seamlessly blending innovation and nature, integrating technology with water, and merging the functional requirements of a retail space with the immersive ambiance of an exhibition area. The goal was to create a novel experience within the new Riyadh store, all while maintaining a strong alignment with the brand's established identity. The team's highlight of the project was likely the successful realization of the immersive water-themed design. The ability to bring the concept of water to life through various architectural and technological innovations, including the water curtain, holograms, and 3D-printed displays, would have been a significant achievement that showcased their creativity and expertise.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The decision to enter the SBID Awards was driven by our desire to gain recognition and acknowledgment for the exceptional design of the Presentedby store in Riyadh. As a team that has previously won an SBID Award with the Restaurant Alkimia in 2017 and has been named finalists with several retail projects, we understand how exhilarating it is to receive such prestigious recognition. The experience of winning an SBID Award and being recognized as a finalist in the past has shown us the transformative power of these accolades in increasing our reputation and standing within the design community.

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

Being an Award Finalist in the SBID Awards would hold immense significance for both Carmelo Zappulla's architecture firm, External Reference, and the Presentedby brand. Having previously secured an SBID Award with the Restaurant Alkimia in 2017 and having been finalists with multiple retail projects, we are aware of how thrilling it is to receive these honours. The positive impact on our reputation, the heightened visibility, and the new opportunities that arise are invaluable. Recognition as an SBID Award Finalist would not only reaffirm our commitment to innovative and exceptional design but also continue to elevate our standing in the design industry.

Questions answered by Carmelo Zappulla, CEO of External Reference.

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.

What was the client's brief? 

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.

What inspired the design of the project?

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.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the 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.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

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.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

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.

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

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.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a feminine and serene office design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Shalini Misra.

On a thriving street in London’s Mayfair, Shalini Misra has designed the interiors to a feminine, modern office space with a curated mix of materials from marble and timber with metal accents to fluted glass. Artwork is hung in the entrance, main office and board room giving a high-end residential feel. The main office is separated from the other areas with a glass fluted wall to allow light to flow throughout the space, with motorised blinds installed for privacy. Plants are placed throughout to bring in the essential presence of nature and the terrace provides a private outdoor space.

What was the client's brief? 

The client aspired for an office space that radiates a homely, feminine, modern, and serene ambiance, enriched by an abundance of green elements. With a harmonious combination of materials like timber, marble, glass, and elegant metal accents, the bespoke shelves incorporate captivating accessories, creating a striking backdrop for the client. Meticulously crafted custom furniture, rugs, and the addition of exquisite Hermes and silk wallpapers catered to individual needs, elevating each space with an extra layer of elegance and charm. Additionally, the use of burgundy and navy upholstery infuses a vibrant and colourful rhythm throughout all areas.

What inspired the design of the project?

Our design approach was guided by the client's love for nature, greenery, and abundant natural light, along with her impressive art collection. The design layout seamlessly integrates a cleverly crafted glass-fluted wall that delineates the main office space, allowing for the uninterrupted flow of natural light while ensuring privacy through the inclusion of motorized blinds. Carefully positioned plants breathe a vital sense of nature into the setting, while the terrace offers a secluded outdoor sanctuary.

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

Although we faced challenges posed by joinery-related delays, achieving timely project completion was effectively overcome through swift on-the-spot solutions, ensuring the smooth progression of the project.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

When we handed over the project to the client, she was thrilled. Over the years, every time we see her or hear from the team, they fondly recall the office's inception and express ongoing enjoyment of their work environment.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

I entered the SBID Awards to showcase my recent interior projects, gain recognition within the industry, and connect with fellow professionals. The awards provide an excellent platform to highlight my studios creative abilities and contribute to the broader design community.

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

Being a finalist in the awards has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me and my design studio. It signifies that our hard work, dedication, and innovative approach to interior design are being acknowledged and celebrated by our peers and the industry. This recognition not only boosts our team's morale and motivation but also enhances our credibility and reputation. It inspires me to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity in our projects.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a homely and soulful residential house design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Róisín Lafferty.

The Georgian style Schoolhouse, located in Galway City, is of high historical and conservation interest and architecturally protected. We were tasked to reimagine the home with Helena McElmeel architects. The client brief was to elevate and accentuate the existing building and combine it with the newly designed extension, creating a natural blend of old and new, providing the family with a series of spaces that interconnect and speak to each other, imbuing all the while, a sense of character, nostalgia and design essence.

What was the client's brief? 

The Georgian style Schoolhouse, located in Galway City, is of high historical and conservation interest and architecturally protected. We were tasked to reimagine the home with Helena McElmeel architects. The client brief was to elevate and accentuate the existing building and combine it with the newly designed extension, creating a natural blend of old and new, providing the family with a series of spaces that interconnect and speak to each other, imbuing all the while, a sense of character, nostalgia and design essence. Functionally, the interior architecture needed to be enhanced, increasing modern day comforts such as additional bathrooms, and lounges. Aesthetically the challenge was to harness the soul of the original character and design a home that felt as though it had always been there. They wanted us to create a home that felt spirited, soulful, alive and homely.

What inspired the design of the project?

My inspiration came from the abundant character and soul, that exudes from the building. We sought to embrace and harness that. Our key self-appointed task was to create an interior that sensitively encompassed the essence of the property and for the end result to feel like it had always been like that; a home that felt spirited, soulful, alive and homely. In summary, we wanted it to feel embedded in the building, not a surface level application. My other inspiration came from the Handmaids Tale, the series captivated me in terms of set design and overall atmosphere.

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

The biggest challenge was the conservation constraints as the building was listed meaning the interventions we were allowed to make had to be carefully considered and certain areas of the building had to be maintained as they were. It took numerous design iterations from both KLD and architects working closely together, convincing the planning authorities to allow us re-design the building in a way that gave our client the result they were looking for. This process took time, creative thinking, and patience from our clients. Conservation constraints also impacted the interior design in some cases, with a lot of interior elements being required to be kept or reinstated during the works.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The rear extension area with sunken conversation pit linking to the kitchen and dining was a favourite for our team to design. We wanted to distinguish this area as a different type of lounge and encourage a different function within it that looked structured but was also tactile and comfortable. The kitchen area was a key conservation zone, so by creating a structural opening in the kitchen, we could visually connect the kitchen, dining, and rear lounge. By sinking the lounge, we kept a clear visual to the garden and created a space for the family to interact and spend time together in a more informal way while inhabiting different functional areas of the home at the same time. The more contemporary feel contrasts against the existing house and natural light floods in from all aspects.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID awards as they are renowned globally in the interior’s world, with a panel of leading experts judges. To have our design projects featured beside some of the best projects around the world is a stage where we want to be seen for our designs encouraging us to continue to push the boundaries of design and create truly new and unique designs for our clients that that capture and embody them as individuals and how they live.

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

Being a finalist in the SBID awards is a very special achievement for the team at KLD. To be recognised for our designs among peers who create such beautiful design internationally and to be able to showcase our projects to new and wider audiences is an amazing opportunity.

Questions answered by Roisin Lafferty, Founder and Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a harmonious and historical manor house refurbishment design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Kia Designs.

Considering carefully period features, such as fireplaces and original moldings, while adding modern touches, like statement lighting fixtures, handpainted wallcoverings and bold artwork. A cohesive colour palette and thoughtful furniture placement to enhance the overall aesthetic.

What was the client's brief? 

The client's brief was clear. A complete transformation of a Grade II listed manor house that would transcend a standard refurbishment; to elevate the space beyond its previous refurbishment. The palette of colours chosen for this venture was to exude happiness and vibrancy, each shade meticulously selected with the principles of feng shui in mind. The intention was to seamlessly weave the clients' rich cultural heritage into the very fabric of the house's historical background. The creative journey we thus embarked on was to bridge cultural nuances and local essence. With an artistic nod to the property's Cornwall surroundings, we wanted to create an ambiance that resonated with the locale. Drawing from this inspiration, hand-painted wall coverings were crafted in China to seamlessly blend local natural imagery, such as native butterflies. This fusion of cultures formed the backbone of our design, reflecting the harmonious interplay between the homeowners' roots and their ’new homes' historical context. With over 25 rooms, precision in colour and tone was paramount. Our task involved infusing each room with a distinct look, an individual identity. Thus, unique designs ensured that no two spaces mirrored each other.

What inspired the design of the project?

At the heart of our inspiration lay the heritage of the house and its verdant surroundings. The exterior of the property, with its trees, flora, and fauna, served as a wellspring of creativity. We sought to capture this exterior allure and weave it into the interior space. With trees, plants, flowers, and creatures native to the region found within the property’s very own garden, these quickly became integral elements of our design narrative. Translating them onto the interior walls and canvases was a delight.

Seeking to harmonise the elegance of modern living with the echoes of the past, the careful selection and placement of antiques served as an ode to the heritage, grounding the space in its historical context. Meanwhile, bespoke creations, such as wall coverings, rugs, and joinery, introduced a contemporary flair that intertwined seamlessly with the classic backdrop.

Fuelled by the desire to forge a space that surpassed mere aesthetics, it was about breathing life into each room, infusing it with a unique personality that resonated with its inhabitants.

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

Taking on a project during the chaotic times of Covid-19 was a real challenge. There were several tough obstacles we had to overcome, and each one needed some creative thinking. One of the biggest issues was that the project was in a remote area of Cornwall. So, in addition to the project itself, we also had to ensure that our team remained safe throughout.

With the pandemic hanging over us, the main thing on our minds was keeping our team members out of harm's way. That meant we had to work separately, which was a big change from our norm. Safety was more important than being quick. So, we spaced out the work carefully to make sure everyone was protected. This slow and steady approach, while frustrating at times, ensured that the work was carried out in a safe and efficient manner.

With items being made in China, communication was key. We spoke via Teams on a regular basis to explain exactly what we needed. We had to be super clear because we had to be 100% certain that once an item was installed, it would not need to be altered in any way.

Of course, everything took longer because of delays, more complicated processes, and just the general slowdown caused by the pandemic. We had to be patient. We adapted along the way because we had to. But we didn't give up. We pushed through, determined to make it even though we faced unexpected challenges the whole way.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Amidst the tough challenges we faced throughout this project, towards the end our team was able to come together to put all the finishing touches to breathe life into the design. This was more than simply the final stage of a project, it was a testament to our team's resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment. Not only had our creative vision taken shape, but we had worked together through what was an unprecedented and difficult time.

And the icing on the cake? When the client flew in, saw the finished design, and expressed their delight with it.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Wanting to share a project which, for us, was a labour of love, having had such a profound effect on us and our client, we felt that the SBID Awards offered the perfect platform. As an international awards body, the SBID holds prestige, its awards signify design excellence, dedication, and innovation; traits you will find in every room of this Manor House. Ultimately, entering the SBID Awards was an opportunity for us to celebrate our hard work.

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

I'm honoured to be a finalist for SBID. This recognition is a testament to the excellence and creativity that underpin our design-led projects. But being a finalist for such an award is not just about gratification; it's about showing the design world what's possible. This recognition goes beyond one project. It highlights just how impressive and inspiring design can be. We want to highlight the extraordinary possibilities that design-led projects can offer, not only in aesthetics but in their ability to transform spaces and experiences.

We hope to connect with clients who appreciate unique and innovative design. This recognition could open doors for collaborations that match our design style. It's also about inspiring others in the design community. By entering the SBID Awards, we want to encourage fellow designers to share their great work. These awards show that designers can shine and share their visions with the world.

In short, being an SBID finalist is a big deal. It's not just an honour, it's an opportunity to showcase amazing design. We're excited to make new connections, inspire others, and keep pushing the boundaries of design.

Questions answered by Kia Stanford, Founder of Kia Designs.