This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a characterful cottage design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Isobel Star Interior Design.
Isobel Star Interior Design was commissioned to reimagine a historic holiday cottage in Helmsley, to balance character with modern comfort. The design sensitively embraced the cottage’s charm and thoughtfully updated it and maximised functionality. A mix of vintage finds, natural materials, and a warm, timeless palette creates a welcoming, layered, lived-in feel. The bold yellow front door ensures the cottage stands out in holiday listings, while evoking the charm of long English summer days.
Category: Residential Budget Up To £50,000
Design Practice: Isobel Star Interior Design
Project Title: Helmsley Railway Crossing Cottage
Project Location: North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Design Practice Location: York, United Kingdom
The clients wanted to create a holiday home that felt warm and personal while keeping the charm of the Victorian railway cottage. Their aim was to offer guests something more thoughtful and unique than a standard holiday let, comfortable, welcoming, and full of character. It also had to be practical and easy for the clients to maintain.
The cottage itself was the main source of inspiration. I worked with its original features, existing elements such as the bathroom sanitaryware, and the building’s quirks rather than against them choosing colours, textures, and details that embraced the cottage’s history and its countryside setting. I wanted the interior to have the storybook quality of an English country cottage.
Working within a tight budget was the biggest challenge. We had to make careful choices about where to invest and where to be resourceful. Combining bespoke joinery, window dressings, and quality finishes with vintage finds and high street pieces gave us the right balance.
Seeing the cottage come together as a space that feels both calm and inviting was a real highlight. The tradespeople and delivery teams loved being there as the project took shape, often commenting on how charming and welcoming the cottage felt. The clients are delighted with the finished result, and it has been hugely rewarding to see it so warmly received. Guests have shared wonderful feedback about the interiors, and the cottage is now fully booked well into 2026, with many already planning return visits.
The SBID Awards are highly respected in the industry, and it felt like the right platform to share a project that shows what can be achieved even on a tight budget and to celebrate the collaborative effort with my clients.
It has been a huge boost. As a young studio, it is encouraging to have this recognition so early on. It has helped raise the profile of my work and given me confidence to continue creating projects that are thoughtful and honour the setting and soul of a building.
Questions answered by Isobel Star, Interior Designer & Founder of Isobel Star Design Studio.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a seamless and cohesive residential design, click here to read it.
Lucy Jones, Design Director at Studio Sempura worked closely with her clients, Farcroft Homes to design the Interior Architecture of four architecturally stunning semi-detached houses located only a stones throw away from Southbourne beach in Dorset.
This project, Ora Mare was not only an award winner for the United Kingdom Property Awards 2025-2026 but also an SBID Awards Finalist 2025 in the Show Flats and Developments Category.
Lucy worked on this project from the early planning stages to ensure the interior layouts offered the functional, impactful spaces that were suited to both modern family living and holiday retreats.
At Studio Sempura, Lucy pushes the boundaries for 'safe' Interior Architectural design by adding character and identity through the use of carefully selected colours and materials. Creating designs that are unique and impactful addresses one of the design challenges for developments which is to not only to stand out in the market, but appeal to the majority at the same time.
The kitchens and bathrooms are key selling points to any development so Lucy focuses on making sure these spaces are thoroughly thought through and designed to have a ‘wow’ factor. Applying clever, cost effective design solutions to create unique, impactful spaces. Lucy also designed stand out master bedrooms with bespoke joinery and en-suites. Whilst across the four houses, offering two colour schemes for the key rooms such as the kitchen and master bedroom allowed more choice for potential buyers.
The interior style of Ora Mare reflects the seaside location; with soft neutrals, blue accents, natural textures and bronze brassware for a timeless, contemporary aesthetic and an opulent, luxury look and feel.
Studio Sempura's company ethos is to be as environmentally conscious and sustainable as possible. Development projects are very budget driven, so this can be a challenge, but Lucy strives to achieve this in any way possible. Working closely with her clients, local business and suppliers to making sure the quality of every finish and product is as good as it can be to ensure longevity.
Some environmentally conscious design decisions for Ora Mare include the use of tiles made in the UK, as well as replacing tiles with wall panelling or even just paint where possible to still create a cleanable surface that’s a part of a more circular material. Other finishes such as the carpet were specified with at least 50% wool and the multi-drop pendant in the staircases is made from recycled glass. When styling and dressing the houses, Lucy uses a mixture of charity shop and second hand market finds, to smaller items coming from her own home. She avoids buying cheap furniture and props for single use. Everything is either stocked and used again or found another home.
About Studio Sempura
Studio Sempura is a leading environmentally conscious Interior Architecture and Design practice based on the Dorset Coast, owned and directed by Lucy Jones. Lucy trained as an Interior Architectural Designer and therefore offers knowledge and expertise of all elements of a project from planning and spacial plans to interior styling. Studio Sempura can offer a full turn-key service. Whether your project is residential or commercial, new build or renovation, we can help you create a space that has purpose, meaning, longevity and style. We also put a huge emphasis on sustainability and carefully consider everything we design and specify.
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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a seamless and cohesive residential design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Róisín Lafferty.
Róisín Lafferty was commissioned to reimagine two neighbouring semi-detached properties as one highly functional, long-term family home. The brief required a complete spatial rethink while retaining two entrances, staircases, and mechanical systems. The goal was to create a seamless, cohesive interior that could eventually be divided into two independent homes for the client’s children. The point where the properties meet became the design’s central focus.
Category: Residential House Over £1M
Design Practice: Róisín Lafferty
Project Title: 2:1 Residence
Project Location: Dublin, Ireland
Design Practice Location: Dublin, Ireland
The clients wanted to merge two neighbouring semi-detached houses into one forever family home - but with the ability to divide them again in the future for the next generation. The challenge was to create a seamless, unified interior while retaining two staircases, entrances, and independent systems. At the heart of the brief was flexibility: a home that could evolve over time without compromising function or flow. The brief also celebrated connection to the larger garden, ensuring key views and interactions with the landscape from multiple rooms, while eliminating wasted corridors so that every space had purpose.
The design centred on the point where the two houses meet. Instead of disguising the joint, we made it the conceptual heart of the home, incorporating a sculptural sunken lounge at the original boundary line. This recessed lounge – finished with an inset marble floor and mirrored ceiling to reflect the garden indoors – became the hub that unites both houses. From here, a terrace extends the geometry into the garden, further strengthening the indoor / outdoor connection.
Throughout the house, the concept was about balance and discovery: twin music rooms linked by cobalt shelving that wraps around a central chimney breast, concealed oversized pivot doors that read as seamless wall panels, and a monumental steel-clad sliding screen that can transform the spatial flow. The playfulness of the layout encourages exploration, with endless routes and subtle surprises, while still maintaining proportion and calm.
One of the biggest challenges was the technical complexity of merging two houses into one while keeping them fully independent behind the scenes. Every system, from underfloor heating to lighting, data wiring, and ventilation; had to be designed to work both together and separately. Structurally, new connections had to be created without introducing visual obstructions. Balancing that level of engineering with the desire for a seamless, calm aesthetic required meticulous planning, smart routing for services, and constant collaboration across trades. It meant rethinking how we normally approach design and construction, but it allowed the project to function beautifully now while remaining future proof for generations to come.
The highlight was seeing the two houses truly come together as one; not just structurally, but emotionally. Spaces like the twin music rooms, unified by cobalt shelving and a shared chimney breast, embody that balance between individuality and cohesion. And the sunken lounge at the centre, with its sculptural form and connection to the garden, felt like the moment the vision became reality. For the team, it was incredibly rewarding to watch the design evolve from concept into a home that feels both elegant and deeply liveable.
Because this project embodies what great design can do: solve highly technical challenges while creating a home that feels calm, generous, and deeply personal. It’s deceptively complex, and we wanted to celebrate that on an international stage.
It’s hugely affirming for our team and our clients. It shows that innovation, adaptability, and forward-thinking design resonate far beyond Ireland. For us, it reinforces the importance of pushing boundaries while always keeping the needs of the family at the centre.
Questions answered by Róisín Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director at Róisín Lafferty.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a refined penthouse design, click here to read it.
Dr Esther Milardi, Design Director of Di Oro Interiors, has given her insights into the industry.
I moved from Italy to the UK in my twenties to study Comparative Literature and explore the relationship between identity and forms of visual and written expression. During this time, I became fascinated by how emotions powerfully shape daily experience, memory, and our sense of self.
This sensitivity to emotional depth and storytelling naturally guided me towards interior design and visual art, fields I had long been drawn to. In 2016, I founded Di Oro Interiors, bringing together a passion for creating emotionally resonant spaces with an intuitive understanding of how interiors and art can reflect, support, and inspire individual identity.
Interior design felt like a natural meeting point between my academic background and the elements that have always guided me, namely emotion, storytelling, and beauty shaped with purpose. I see interior design as a powerful form of communication, much like other artistic forms of self-expression, where spaces shape our experiences, identity, and sense of belonging. This understanding is what drew me to the profession, as well as a desire to move beyond the narrow perception of interior design as purely decorative or trend driven.
At the heart of my work lies in fact a genuine passion for helping clients realise that the spaces they live and work in should be more than a clever combination of furniture. They should at heart reflect the depth of who they are. It is my firm belief that it is only when environments are informed by personal memories, values, and individual rhythms, that they become places that nurture creativity, offer peace, and support everyday life.
What I enjoy most is the deeply human side of design, the conversations, the listening, and the gradual uncovering of what truly matters to a client. I love the moment when a project moves beyond surface preferences and into emotion: memories, daily routines, and dreams. That is where design becomes meaningful.
I am particularly drawn to the early conceptual phase, when ideas are still fluid and the narrative of a space begins to take shape. Translating intangible feelings into colour, texture, light, and form is both challenging and profoundly rewarding.
One of the most memorable highlights of the past year was designing a medical and aesthetic clinic across three floors. The project was especially rewarding when inspectors were so impressed by the overall design and functionality that they elevated the clinic to the level of a day hospital. This recognition was incredibly affirming for our team and deeply meaningful for our client.
What made the experience even more special was the trust the client placed in us, shaped by her response to a previous space we had designed for her. She had described that earlier project as feeling like “walking into Narnia,” a place where she felt happiest and fully recharged at the end of her working day. Knowing that our work could consistently create environments that meet strict professional standards while also offering emotional comfort and renewal made this achievement particularly memorable.
I am most drawn to residential projects and intimate commercial spaces where a strong emotional narrative can unfold. Homes, in particular, hold layers of personal history, making them incredibly rich creative territory. I love working with clients who are open to introspection and collaboration, those who see design as a journey rather than a checklist.
Ultimately, my favourite projects are those where trust is present and where the design process becomes a shared exploration of identity. These are the projects that result in spaces that feel timeless, meaningful, and deeply lived-in.
One of the greatest challenges I encounter is managing expectations in a world increasingly influenced by fast trends and curated imagery. Helping clients move beyond Pinterest-style references and towards a more personal and lasting vision involves patiently encouraging reflection rather than instant decisions.
I would have reminded my younger self that building a practice takes time. Developing a distinct voice, attracting aligned clients, and refining a philosophy is a gradual process. Trusting that journey and staying true to one’s values is far more important than rushing towards quick success.
My advice would be to develop your sensitivity before your style. Trends change, but your ability to observe, listen, and understand people will remain your greatest strength. Interior design is ultimately about people, not products.
Take time to explore who you are, what moves you, and what stories you want to tell through space. Build a strong foundation by learning the technical aspects of the profession, but never lose sight of emotion and meaning. Be curious about art, literature, travel, and life, all of these feed good design.
Most importantly, be patient with yourself. Confidence and clarity come with experience. Trust your instincts, remain open to learning, and allow your voice to evolve naturally. When your work is rooted in authenticity rather than imitation, it will resonate far more deeply with clients.
I believe the industry is moving towards a more thoughtful, human-centred approach. Clients are increasingly seeking spaces that support wellbeing, emotional balance, and a sense of identity, rather than purely aesthetic statements. I sense a growing desire for interiors that feel meaningful.
As far as sustainability is concerned, I hope that it will continue to evolve beyond materials and processes, extending into longevity and emotional durability: spaces that are loved and lived in for years, rather than frequently replaced.
Ultimately, I am convinced that the future of interior design feels quieter and more intentional.
Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer represents both professional recognition and personal alignment with values I hold deeply. It acknowledges a responsibility to integrity and expertise, and a commitment to designing with care, depth, and purpose.
About Di Oro Interiors
Renowned for its multi-award-winning designs, Di Oro Interiors specialises in creating timeless interiors for residential and commercial clients. Founded in 2016, our interior design studio has built an invaluable reputation over the years for creating high-end luxurious interiors and for providing the highest level of design services. Our mission is to inspire joy and fulfilment, ensuring our clients feel a sense of excitement every time they walk into their space. With extensive experience and meticulous attention to detail, Di Oro Interiors is the ideal partner for discerning clients seeking expert guidance in bringing their visions to life.
Victoria Newall, Founder and Interior Designer at Drawn Interior Design, has given her insights into the industry.
I’m the founder of Drawn Interior Design, an award-winning boutique studio based in South East London. My background spans over 25 years of design across private homes, film, and global luxury brands including Chanel, Hermès, BBC and Film4.
This cross-disciplinary experience brings a strong sense of narrative, nuance and identity — qualities that shape everything I do. I create refined, characterful interiors for discerning homeowners, and work with high-end developers to craft spaces that resonate with buyers and express a clear, compelling vision.
With deep roots in brand-led design and an instinctive understanding of how people feel in space, my focus is on creating environments that connect — emotionally, visually and commercially.
I always loved art and design, but wanted to apply it in a way that was tangible and useful. Interior design felt like the meeting point between creativity and real life, shaping how people live, move and feel every day.
Studying interior design at university gave structure to that instinct, combining aesthetics with function, problem-solving and human experience. That balance continues to motivate my work.
I enjoy the aspects of design that genuinely improve everyday life; creating spaces that work better, feel more considered, and support how people actually live. When design is thoughtful, it adds value not just visually, but in the way a home is experienced over time.
The most rewarding projects are those where the result feels intuitive and purposeful, enhancing both comfort and long-term value without needing to shout.
The past year has been particularly rewarding as Drawn Interior Design has continued to refine its approach to creating thoughtful, considered interiors. It’s been especially satisfying to see our work genuinely enhance how people live in and experience their homes, tailoring each space to the individual needs and personalities of our clients.
I enjoy projects where there’s an opportunity to create a home that feels thoughtful, functional, and genuinely tailored to the people who live in it. I’m drawn to spaces where design can quietly improve daily life; whether that’s through better flow, more intuitive layouts, or subtle interventions that enhance comfort and enjoyment.
I enjoy the challenge of understanding a client’s needs, translating them into a space that feels both practical and personal, and seeing the difference that considered design can make in their everyday experience.
One of the most challenging aspects of interior design is working creatively within the practical parameters of a project ; budgets, timelines, and existing conditions. Every project presents its own set of constraints, and it’s the designer’s role to find solutions that are both functional and beautiful.
Translating complex decisions into something that feels simple and intuitive for the client is part of the challenge, but it’s also what makes the work rewarding: problem-solving within these boundaries often leads to spaces that truly enhance how people live
Looking back, what I wish I’d known earlier isn’t about design itself, but the broader realities of running a business. After 20+ years of working in design, the challenges I faced were more about managing projects, clients, and operations as a businesswoman than about the creative work itself.
Develop a point of view and trust it, but remember that design is ultimately about the people who inhabit the space. Balancing creativity with function and lived experience is what defines thoughtful, successful design.
In the year ahead, I think we’ll see a continued focus on design that genuinely supports the way people live, while also considering its wider impact. Clients are looking for homes that are beautiful, functional, and sustainable, where every decision feels considered and purposeful. The industry is moving towards thoughtful, lasting design rather than short-lived trends, which is exciting for both designers and homeowners alike.
Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer is meaningful because it recognises both experience and professionalism. It demonstrates adherence to high standards and ethical practice, giving clients confidence that their project is guided by true expertise; something that’s increasingly important in an industry where professionalism can vary widely.
About Drawn Interior Design
Drawn Interior Design specialises in refined, distinctive interiors for private homes and new developments. Led by Victoria Newall, with over 25 years’ experience, we create cohesive, practical schemes that enhance function, character and value. For developers, we deliver market-aligned interiors that stand out, supporting faster sales and a stronger brand identity. For homeowners, we shape designs that reflect taste and support daily life. Every project is grounded in thoughtful direction, professional execution and clear communication. We bring efficiency, creativity and a considered approach to each stage, ensuring spaces feel purposeful, refined and individually attuned.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a refined penthouse design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, La Bottega Interiors.
La Bottega Interiors was commissioned to design the Delano Penthouse, set at the pinnacle of the newly opened Delano Dubai. Conceived as a private sanctuary rather than traditional hotel accommodation, the 850-square-metre residence blends the warmth of a refined home with the elevated service of a five-star resort. The design balances bold identity with operational functionality, using intuitive spatial planning to separate guest and service zones. Rich materiality—including Calacatta Borghini marble, custom timber marquetry, and sculpted oak joinery—creates a tactile, immersive experience. Expansive terraces, an infinity pool, and bespoke amenities complete this elevated expression of experiential luxury living.
Category: Hotel Bedroom & Suites Design
Design Practice: La Bottega Interiors
Project Title: The Delano Penthouse
Project Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Design Practice Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The client’s brief was to create an ultra-luxury penthouse that feels at once like a private residence and an effortless resort retreat. It needed to reflect the Delano brand’s spirit of convivial sophistication and discretion, while providing generous spaces for entertaining, seamless indoor-outdoor living with panoramic terraces and a rooftop pool, five calm ensuite bedrooms, and high-performance service areas. The design was to balance understated glamour with timeless materials, bespoke detailing, and curated FF&E from leading international brands.
The design embraces a neutral, light-toned palette of whites, creams, and soft natural shades that defines the Delano identity. Originating in Miami, the brand established a distinctive language of serenity and effortless sophistication, where texture and light are complemented by carefully chosen accent marbles and colors. In the Dubai Sky Villa, this palette is reinterpreted with feature marbles, tactile woods, and subtle metallics, enriching the brand’s signature clarity with a contextual warmth suited to its Gulf setting. The intricacy of Dubai’s cultural tapestry also inspired the flooring, expressed through a bespoke timber design that adds depth, artistry, and a sense of place.
The toughest hurdle was adapting the space, which was originally conceived as a restaurant, into a residential penthouse. The ceiling heights were unusually high for a residence, and the arrival sequence was through a long corridor, both of which could have felt awkward. We turned these challenges into opportunities: the tall ceilings became a dramatic backdrop for layered interiors, and the long arrival corridor was transformed into a feature experience with an enfilade of columns and integrated lighting, creating a striking, ceremonial entry that sets the tone for the penthouse.
The team’s highlight was transforming the Penthouse into a seamless blend of residential comfort and an entertainment suite. Key moments included creating the feature arrival corridor with its enfilade of columns and integrated lighting, designing bespoke timber flooring inspired by Dubai’s intricate cultural tapestry, and layering the interiors with feature marbles, tactile woods, and subtle metallics to reinterpret the Delano palette for a Gulf context. Seeing the space come together as a cohesive, luxurious, and livable home that still embodies the brand’s signature sophistication was truly the most rewarding achievement.
We entered the SBID Awards because they are one of the most prestigious design awards globally, recognized for celebrating excellence in creativity, innovation, and functionality. Being based in London, the heart of international design, the SBID Awards provide a platform that goes far beyond regional recognition — it allows our work to be seen on a global stage. For us, this project embodies a unique design rooted in cultural authenticity yet expressed with modern refinement. Entering SBID not only highlights the project’s values of craftsmanship, detail, and hospitality, but also gives us the opportunity to position our practice within an international community of leading designers.
Being an SBID Award Finalist has been an incredible honor and a milestone for our practice. It validates the hard work, creativity, and collaboration that went into this project, while giving us international recognition on one of the most prestigious design platforms. For our business, it has strengthened our visibility globally, positioned us among leading design firms, and reinforced the trust our clients place in us. Most importantly, it motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and delivering designs that are both meaningful and timeless.
Questions answered by Sahar Al Yaseer & Cristina Gallenca, Partners at La Bottega Interiors.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a vibrant residential design, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a vibrant apartment design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Pia Design.
Pia Design was commissioned to add personality and fun to a blank canvas apartment, a recently converted former post-office sorting building. The client was keen to think sustainably and not rip out any fixtures or fittings unnecessarily, and to mix and match new and vintage pieces. Through thoughtful design choices and a commitment to the client's vision, the Garden House project radiates colour and personality, turning a white box apartment into a vibrant and welcoming home.
Category: Residential Apartment Under £1M
Design Practice: Pia Design
Project Title: Garden House
Project Location: London, United Kingdom
Design Practice Location: Iver, United Kingdom
Our client wanted to transform a blank-slate, newly converted apartment in Islington into a vibrant home that truly reflects their personality. The brief called for warm, joyful colours - particularly pink and yellow - and challenged us to weave those playful tones throughout the space to create a cohesive, spirited sanctuary in the heart of London.
The project was inspired by the client’s passion for colour - especially bold, cheerful hues - and our desire to craft a lively, creative atmosphere. We embraced floral wallpapers and expressive prints to wrap each room in joyful energy. Custom details - like a scallop-edged wall to wall headboard in boucle with pink velvet piping, vibrant bespoke vanity units and a playful trolley island with a scallop edge trim and brass castor wheels - brought personality and flair to the home. These pieces, combined with vintage finds and thoughtful layering, transformed the newly built ‘white box’ into a warm, lived-in haven.
I am pleased to say this was quite a smooth-sailing project! However, one of the challenges was around the architecture of the space - with the many tall / narrow windows, there was not a lot of wall space, so the layout was tricky to resolve - particularly where to place the TV so that it didn’t produce glare. We resolved this with custom pink velvet curtains that could be drawn behind the TV when the light was too bright.
Our favourite moments were around the bespoke elements - the scallop-edged, upholstered headboard against the vibrant pink Woodchip and Magnolia wallpaper, and the impact of the bespoke kitchen island trolley on castors, the pink scallop trim contrasting against the monochrome of the existing kitchen. It was a joy to see so much colour injected into what was such a blank canvas apartment to begin with.
We decided to enter the SBID Awards to showcase the transformative power of bold, joyful residential design - and to celebrate how contemporary, sustainable interiors can be both fresh and expressive. Garden House exemplifies our believe in spaces that are authentic, personal and enduring, that come together through respect for the existing architecture and fittings, and how creative ingenuity can breathe new life into the old - and save landfill waste in the process.
This is our third-year running being named a finalist so we are very proud to be shortlisted again! Being named a finalist affirms our commitment to creating interiors with personality and purpose. It’s a wonderful validation of our design philosophy and for our team, it’s both an honour and a boost of confidence, reinforcing our direction and inspiring us to continue to create sustainable design projects.
Questions answered by Pia Pelkonen, Creative Director at Pia Design.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a sophisticated penthouse design, click here to read it.
Brooke Collins, Founder of Brooke Harmony Design, has given her insights into the industry.
I have always been passionate about interior design. I decided to study it at Southampton Solent University, where I built a strong foundation in both the creative and technical aspects of design. After graduating, I couldn't wait to get started in the industry. I spent my first three years at a design studio in Chelsea, working under some amazing designers and gaining invaluable experience across a range of residential and commercial projects. In 2020, I took a leap and became self-employed, which allowed me to work with multiple studios and build direct client and supplier relationships. Through my freelance work, I built the foundation for my own studio, Brooke Harmony Design, which became a full limited business in 2024. Now, with Brooke Harmony Design, I have the privilege of helping private and commercial clients across London and the New Forest enhance their surroundings through design.
Since I can remember, I have always enjoyed being creative and interacting with people, and interior design offered the perfect blend of the two! As I learned more about interior design and architecture, I also began to see how different environments can affect the people in them. I wanted my career to give me the chance to create amazing, unique spaces that would make people happy.
Without a doubt, it’s the people-focused nature of what we do. No two projects are ever the same, which keeps things interesting. Every client, brief, and space brings a new perspective, pushing us to think differently and refine our approach each time. Every day presents a new challenge and gives us a chance to be better designers. I love how the team and I are constantly evolving, not just with our skill set but also by incorporating new materials and suppliers, like those focusing on sustainability.
The past year has been a huge milestone for Brooke Harmony Design, marking our first year as a limited company, along with a complete re-brand. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the studio grow, work on some amazing projects, and build strong relationships with wonderful clients along the way. We also became SBID accredited, which is a moment I’m especially proud of. It feels like a meaningful recognition of the quality, professionalism, and values we bring to our work.
I genuinely love the mix of projects we work on, as both residential and commercial design bring something different to the table. With residential projects, there is nothing better than seeing a family enjoying their new home and knowing that the space you created has improved their everyday life and wellbeing. On the other hand, commercial projects are often more fast-paced and dynamic. They bring a different energy into the studio that allows us to push the design boundaries a bit more, which is always fun.
Definitely the implementation of a design, especially if you are working within a larger project framework, coordinating between different suppliers, architects, contractors, and joiners etc. It is critical to make sure that everyone involved is moving in the same direction whilst also managing timelines, budgets, and expectations. Clear communication and organisation are essential. I think sometimes clients can be surprised by just how involved a design studio is throughout the project. We can start pre-planning permission and work with the client all the way through to placing the final cushion on site.
How important mindset is in this industry. Challenges are unavoidable, but staying calm and composed under stress leads to better decisions and stronger design solutions. No matter the problem, there is always a solution, so it’s important to keep a clear head. You must be able to have clear, concise communication and be open to feedback and learning from others.
Trust in yourself. No matter how good a designer you are, problems will always arise. Don’t dwell on the issues. Just remember that, however difficult a situation is, it will pass. Design is all about dealing with the highs and the lows. Be flexible and open-minded. Unexpected constraints often spark the most creative solutions, so approach problems as opportunities. Respect the expertise of others, and learn from them. Don’t fear criticism, use it to grow.
I think we are seeing a shift towards more thoughtful, people-led design. Clients tend to be more focused on wellbeing, sustainability, and adaptability. Flexibility is key; multifunctional rooms, adaptable layouts, and design that evolves with changing needs are becoming essential, in both homes and commercial settings. I’m a huge fan of saunas and steam rooms, so I’m hoping they are a big trend for next year, too!
It represents professionalism, credibility, and a commitment to best practice. It reassures clients that we know what we are doing and motivates us to continue growing and delivering high-quality design.
About Brooke Harmony Design
We are a passionate and dedicated interior architecture and design studio committed to creating incredible, meaningful spaces that truly work for our clients. Our approach blends creativity, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of how people live and interact with their environments. We listen closely to each client’s needs, translating their ideas into thoughtful design solutions that balance striking design with functionality, and comfort. From concept to final styling (and everything in between!) we focus on delivering interiors time and time again that feel personal, inspiring, and timeless.
Alice Louisa Hawkins, Head of Creative at Woldon, has given her insights into the industry.
I began my career in design as soon as I finished University, ready to work with beautiful furnishings and exciting clients. Working in some of the most influential British design studios gave me an education in the real world of running large-scale luxury projects. I wanted my experience to be multifaceted, creating a career which felt comprehensive in both knowledge and creativity. I have worked in luxury sales, procurement, business development and FF&E design. I’ve always had a thirst for knowledge and enjoy growing businesses both behind the scenes and within the industry, working with some of the most inspiring clients and breathtaking projects.
Growing up in a house full of antiques and spending weekends and holidays sourcing incredible furnishings gave me such appreciation for timeless items, which tell a story throughout a home. Creating homes for my clients which feel both tranquil & characterful, taking their vision and bringing it to life will forever be my driving force to work in this industry.
Working with my clients, creating the brief for each project through insightful conversation, really sets the tone for creativity to thrive. One of my favourite parts of any project is the sourcing and working with some of the most incredible craftsmen across the world, whose dedication to creating timeless pieces is such a joy to specify.
I am currently working on a wonderful project, a 10,000sqft new build family home, where we are also delivering the architecture. Designs for both elements have run in parallel and this year I was instructed to deliver the full landscape design, which has brought such fulfilment to create all three designs together, delivering my first turnkey project.
I love classical design, within both interiors and architecture. This could be working with period properties and designing new build homes which feel like they’ve had a previous life. Working with classical principles feels like a natural process for me and one I am very much drawn to. I find the beauty in natural materials and balancing a predominantly neutral palette with texture, shape and form. I enjoy working closely with my clients, which lends my skill sets towards private client residential projects, where there is more emotion and connection for the end client.
The area where I find the most challenges would be during the procurement stage, where there are many variables to handle. This is the moment where third parties are heavily involved and we closely monitor all of our suppliers, manufacturing and quality control. By implementing stringent procedures, we can undertake the procurement and delivery process carefully & efficiently.
Great design takes time. It’s important to work with clients who appreciate and understand this sentiment. It can be a tricky working relationship if you have a client who doesn’t want to pay your fee or understand the programme. Always have conviction in your proposal, as long as it aligns with the client's brief and explain the deliverables carefully so everyone remains on the same page & enjoys the process.
Really hone your personable & presentation skills. Design projects take a long time and it’s crucial that you and your client have a strong relationship. Most often, clients will choose you if they feel they can trust you & be inspired by you.
I see the industry moving away from trends and leaning more towards the everlasting timeless designs which endure.
Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer gives me confidence, being alongside an incredible group of contemporaries.
About Woldon Architects & Interiors
Woldon is a British Architectural & Interior Design company, delivering award winning projects world-wide. We turn inspired thinking into extraordinary design, existing to enrich lives and landscapes through thought-provoking, timeless design conceived with humanity at its heart.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a sophisticated penthouse design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, United Architects Kyiv.
This is a multi-level masterpiece completed by United Architects, blends minimalist design with contemporary classicism. State-of-the-art automation and ambient-responsive lighting coalesce into a flawless living experience where innovation transcends functionality to become art. This four-level sanctuary harmonizes minimalist elegance with contemporary classicism, enhanced by bespoke furnishings and exquisite materials like luxurious hardwood walnut, marble, and illuminated onyx. This sophisticated space achieves seamless transitions and a cohesive architectural language, embodying cutting-edge technology and refined aesthetics for an unparalleled living experience.
Category: Residential Apartment Over £1M
Design Practice: United Architects Kyiv
Project Title: United Architects Penthouse
Project Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Design Practice Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
The client sought an exceptionally high-end, technologically advanced, and fully custom-designed multi-level penthouse that combined refined aesthetics, natural ecological materials, and rich textures with cutting-edge functionality. Every element — from integrated furniture to fit-out materials — had to represent the latest innovations available at the time. Their standards were extremely demanding, and they brought a professional design vision and a pursuit of perfection to the collaboration.
The design was inspired by a minimalist aesthetic infused with contemporary classicism and functionalism. The concept emphasises natural materials, textures, and integrated furniture solutions to create a cohesive architectural language that flows seamlessly across four levels and connects indoor spaces with an open rooftop terrace.
One of the toughest challenges was the integration and installation of large-format materials such as glass, tile, stone, and mirrors as seamless cladding across expansive surfaces. A particularly complex feature was the installation of a 4.5 x 6 m tempered-glass mirror on the ceiling, requiring precise engineering and execution. Another major challenge was eliminating visible seams at material junctions while ensuring flawless organic transitions.
The highlight was the successful realisation of a fully custom-designed penthouse that harmoniously fuses natural materials, cutting-edge smart technologies, and refined aesthetics. Achieving this level of seamless integration — from bio-adaptive lighting and full absolute automation to bespoke furniture and panoramic terraces — was a significant accomplishment for the United Architects team.
This is not our first entry to the SBID Awards, as we regularly submit our most outstanding projects to this competition. We regard the SBID Awards as one of the most credible and prestigious platforms in the field of interior design. Being recognised here is an honour and a confirmation of our commitment to achieving the highest standards of design excellence.
Being selected as an SBID Award Finalist for our Penthouse Project is an exceptional honour for our team at United Architects. Recognition on such a prestigious international platform validates our years of professional dedication and passion for excellence. For our studio, it not only reinforces our reputation as a high-end design practice but also inspires us to continue pushing creative and technological boundaries in our future projects.
Questions answered by Iryna Hrynyk and Oleksii Shadyria, Lead Designers at United Architects.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a luxury residential design, click here to read it.
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