Beoto Design: Creating a Sanctuary to Escape from the Bustling Metropolis

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a calm and serene apartment design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Beoto Design.

Beoto Design was appointed to design and deliver the interior design of a duplex apartment located within the iconic Battersea Power Station. The brief was to provide a sanctuary for the residents and instil their home with calmness to provide an escape from the bustling urban world outside. Beoto Design’s interior provides luxury without the traditional formalities, whilst encouraging relaxation, and provides flexibility for entertaining, and working without the need for prescribed, sub-divided rooms. Biophilic design and the careful selection of warm, earthy materials and fabrics were key to softening the raw aesthetic, in harmony with the existing historic facade.

What was the client's brief?

With the once brownfield site now a thriving mixed-use urban quarter drawing millions of people from around the world to visit, the client’s brief was to create a sanctuary for the residents and provide an escape from the bustling metropolis outside.

There was a strong desire from the client also to resolve the stark acoustics and humanise the scale of the apartment, to support a feeling of warmth, intimacy and cosiness. Whilst the vast double height space is impressive, since it links the two levels via the mezzanine, it was imperative that noise was dampened throughout to minimise interference.

These requirements and challenges called for an interior that instils the space with calmness; provides luxury without the traditional formalities, whilst encouraging relaxation; and enables flexibility for entertaining and working without the need for prescribed, sub-divided rooms.

The base-build had many inspiring features to draw from, most notably the incredible exposed brickwork and magnificent 21ft tall, industrial window. These were complimented by oak chevron floors, brassware and dark metalwork. However, there were several areas where MEP concealment strongly imposed itself on the space. This was deemed unsightly by the client; but provided an opportunity to incorporate much needed additional storage throughout.

What inspired the design of the project?

Located within the iconic Grade II* Listed Battersea Power Station, the design celebrates the building’s rich history in synergy with a modern, dynamic and adaptable urban lifestyle.

Although the interior design is not a like-for-like replica of 1920’s Art Deco, it does recognise this aspect of the power station’s heritage throughout. For example, the headboard takes inspiration from the scalloped chimneys, divided by four vertical brass trims. The existing balustrade on the upper level provides a datum that wraps around the joinery, subtly tying the space together. The artwork and loose accessories all make a contemporary reference to Art Deco or the building.

Biophilic design and the careful selection of warm, earthy materials and fabrics were key to softening the raw aesthetic, whilst being in harmony with the existing historic facade of the building. Soft furnishings and the introduction of the enormous curtains to the full height of the window achieved significant sound dampening. The curtain stack was carefully considered so that it did not conceal any of the existing façade steelwork or listed brickwork, and appears subtle despite the grand scale.

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

The client and Beoto Design agreed and ensured that no existing features should be removed and put into landfill – which is sadly far too common a practice when base-build residential developments are fitted-out by their end users. Instead, we fully incorporated the entire base build into the new interior design, lifting it to a level of sophistication and luxury far beyond its initial presentation.

Dealing with the existing geometry was complex and required Beoto Design to carefully 3D scan and model in detail the entire unit, creating a one-to-one digital twin of the space. This allowed all of the joinery and furniture to be digitally tested and visualised prior to manufacture, to ensure it fitted both physically and aesthetically, achieving a high level of tolerance in manufacture and fitting, and eliminating any unnecessary returns or wasted materials.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We care deeply about the story and identity of a place, its history and heritage. Diving into research and thoroughly understanding the context in which we are working is one of the first tasks we undertake on any project. Being able to work on a unique apartment in such an iconic building was truly a joy. We thoroughly enjoyed looking into the rich history of the Power Station as a whole and learnt many interesting facts that make the development so unique. This in turn fed into our design process for the project.

Within the apartment, there were many historical quirks that delighted the client and made the place feel unique and special to its setting: from the original numerical markings on the brick work, to some of the existing electrical drawings from the 1950s.

When we first saw the completed space, we were struck by the low winter sun dancing around the space, casting a variety of shadows on the various finishes, most notably the scalloped headboard design.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

At Beoto Design, we are committed to making conscious design decisions that harmonise both sustainability and quality from the outset. We entered the duplex apartment into the SBID Awards to demonstrate this uncompromised fusion, which utilises an existing base build and elevates it to suit the needs of a client without having to remove anything to landfill.

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

Being named a Finalist for the 2024 SBID Awards was a great honour for Beoto Design and felt like recognition and a celebration of our alternative approach to delivering a high-quality project infused with our sustainable ethos.

This recognition would not have been possible without a fantastic project team, with highly skilled craftsmen and women, consultants and suppliers as equally as responsible for its success. The project was a truly collaborative endeavour between the client, designers, suppliers and installers. We love working in this way and were grateful that this approach was also recognised by the judging panel.

The nomination has given us the confidence to continue developing this approach, further scrutinising our material choices and furniture-sourcing to ensure that the design and installation can have minimal impacts on the environment, whilst achieving an elevated level of quality.

Questions answered by Jake Warrington, Founder and Director at Beoto Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxurious and sophisticated apartment design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Isabel Gómez Studio.

Located in the heart of the European district in Brussels, this 200m2 apartment won over the owner with its location and spacious volumes. The redesign of this space was a real challenge as it was thoroughly studied down to the smallest details. Upon entering, we are greeted by an exceptional custom-made metal coating from Italy. Horizontally oriented, it features a bronze colour palette. It's surprising because it conceals numerous storage spaces and provides access to the spa.

What was the client's brief?

The client had just purchased the flat and initially reached out to us for some decorative updates. However, once we presented the hidden potential of the space, they became very excited about the possibilities. We also took the time to question them about how they live and entertain, which allowed us to come up with an unexpected yet stunning proposal they simply could not refuse. This led them to give us complete "carte blanche" to fully transform the flat.

What inspired the design of the project?

The inspiration for the design came from both the architecture of the building and the open layout of the apartment, as well as the clients' personal interests. The clients are passionate about sports and wellness, and they enjoy playing games when hosting friends. We also paid special attention to the 180-degree terrace, which became a significant feature of the project. To create a luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere, we chose Natural Stone Patagonia Quartzite and Bronze metallic finishes, which brought a timeless elegance and warmth to the space.

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

This project was not only very demanding design-wise, but it also involved a high level of technical complexity. The integration of a new air conditioning system, the automation of all electrical fittings, new heating, and the spa required careful coordination. Assembling such a large team of specialists and ensuring they worked together seamlessly was also quite challenging. The project required countless on-site visits. However, the most important aspect for me was ensuring that the final result would meet our client's expectations, which kept the team and I fully focused throughout the process.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of the project was the level of bespoke design involved. So many elements were custom created specifically for this space, including the stairs, all the carpentry, the doors, the wallpapers, the carpets, and even the switches, which were designed using the typography the client told us was her favourite. It was incredibly rewarding to see all these pieces come to life and to witness how satisfied our clients were with the final result.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards because it provides an excellent platform to showcase our work to a broader audience, particularly within the interior design community. We are passionate about our projects, and being part of such a prestigious award recognises the level of craftsmanship and thoughtful design that goes into each of our projects.

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

Being selected as an Award Finalist has been a tremendous honour for both myself and my team. It strengthens our commitment to excellence and affirms the dedication and creativity we pour into every project. We shared the exciting news with our audience, especially our clients, who were thrilled by the recognition.

Questions answered by Isabel Gómez Tinoco, Founder and Creative Director at Isabel Gómez Studio.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a warm and colourful family home design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Louise Misell Interiors.

Louise Misell Interiors was asked to prepare this unusual family home for the family to relocate to, with the clients wanting to add warmth, a cohesive colour palette, and bespoke and unique touches throughout. The team reconfigured layouts to make sense of the home, and decorated, added bespoke carpentry, window dressings, furniture and lighting, and a one of a kind chandelier which was designed in house. The studio also completely renovated the main bedroom ensuite and converted a garage into a home gym.

What was the client's brief?

The client's brief was to add warmth and interest to the home, with touches of the unexpected and pieces which would make the home unique. They were seeking a cohesive colour palette, with a range of wood finishes to be used throughout the home and have a particular fondness for living edge wood. Our studio touched every area of the home, including a complete renovation of the main bedroom's ensuite, creating a playroom, and turning a garage into a home gym. We also designed many bespoke and unique pieces of carpentry, and a showstopping one of a kind chandelier for the double height hallway space.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design of the home was led by the client's taste for something a little quirky and unique, and inspired by the shapes and forms already present in the home. The previous owners ran a carpentry business and had used wood in interesting applications, which our clients loved and wanted to expand upon. Our approach was to use what was already present as inspiration and add some rich colour to the existing natural wood palette, and to streamline some of the shapes used to avoid the home becoming visually too busy. The pieces we added were functional and safe for a young family to use, but we wanted each piece to add its own style whilst blending beautifully into the home. Our clients loved blues and greens so we used varying warm tones of those two colours throughout the home but felt that the central hallway and mezzanine space should be decorated in shades of terracotta, to add contrast and to welcome the family warmly into their home.

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

Our clients were relocating from California and were bringing nothing with them, so we needed to decorate, furnish and add window dressings and lighting before they arrived. This was just after lockdown restrictions had been lifted, so it was a challenge to make sure that all pieces arrived and were in place within a tight timeline of four months. This was when furniture lead times had risen dramatically and could be over a yearlong - there were a lot of phone calls to our suppliers! Once the family had moved in, we continued to work on the home, so the challenges didn't end there. After we converted the garage into a luxury home gym, we discovered a leak coming from the existing ensuite above, which threatened to damage the whole space below. Luckily, we managed to act fast and avoid disaster, but it did mean the decision to renovate the ensuite was brought forward, and we completed that part of this project early last year.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of the project for us was the installation of the bespoke chandelier. This was designed in house, and we asked Mullan Lighting to make it for us. They are located in Ireland and have never seen the house, so we had to make sure the measurements were correct! It was shipped in smaller pieces, but when assembled weighed over 50 kg, so we engaged a structural engineer to make sure its weight could be supported. We had to install it in stages as the ceiling height required scaffolding to reach, but as the chandelier was being installed, we removed levels of scaffolding to make way for the chandelier itself. The whole thing took some planning, but the piece is stunning, and we are very proud of everyone who helped to make it happen.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID awards are known for having entries of a very high standard and are very well respected in our industry, and their commitment to promoting the work of talented interior designers globally is admirable. We felt it would be an honour to enter the awards and were absolutely delighted to become finalists and to see our project alongside some very impressive work.

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

Becoming an SBID award finalist has meant so much to our studio - to be recognised by an industry body with a reputation for excellence has boosted our visibility and reassured potential clients that they will be working with a studio of a certain calibre.

Questions answered by Louise Misell, Owner of Louise Misell Interiors.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an earthy and timeless villa design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Diachok Architects.

Vacay Villa for a large family is a project by the Diachok Architects team. The ground floor is given over to common areas that flow smoothly into each other, merging with the courtyard. There are cosy "pockets" for each functional area. Natural stones were used to decorate the space, and the smooth shapes of the columns, decorated with liquid metal, give them monolithicity and elegance. Earthy shades and natural ornaments in the textures of fabrics create a luxurious and harmonious style. Bronzed glass hides the technological elements of the space while maintaining the elegance of the design.

What was the client's brief?

The primary objective of the 9000 sq.ft house project was to design the ground floor in the format of an open space comprising common areas. All units had to be accessible from the courtyard with a view to the north. The street side would provide privacy and protection from the direct sun. The house should contain numerous common areas to accommodate various scenarios and groups of people with varying interests. The design must be functional, with space for every member of the family and their guests to find their own area and something to occupy themselves with. At the same time, all zones should remain one space, without the formation of additional closed rooms. The house should be designed to be filled with technological functions, but this should not be conspicuous. Above all, the goal was harmony - between materials, light, and form - to craft an atmosphere that feels timeless, intimate, and effortlessly refined.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design draws inspiration from the serenity of nature and the refined aesthetics of modern minimalism. Earthy tones, organic textures, and sculptural forms reflect a harmonious balance between raw elegance and contemporary sophistication. The bespoke wine display and circular dining arrangement take cues from intimate gatherings, reinforcing the idea of connection and timeless luxury.

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

One of the biggest challenges was achieving the perfect balance between minimalism and warmth. The client desired a space that felt refined yet inviting, and ensuring that the neutral palette didn’t become too stark was a key focus. We meticulously layered textures- soft suede, natural stone, and brushed metals - to create depth without overwhelming the simplicity of the design. Another hurdle was integrating the bespoke wine display seamlessly into the space without making it feel too dominant. Precision lighting and custom millwork helped us turn it into an elegant feature rather than just a functional element.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The true highlight of this project was witnessing the seamless fusion of form and function come to life. Seeing the sculptural dining space take shape - where every element, from the custom stone table to the floating pendant light, felt perfectly in sync - was incredibly rewarding. The bespoke wine display became more than just a storage feature; it transformed into an artful focal point, subtly illuminated to enhance its presence without overpowering the room.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards because we believe this project embodies the essence of thoughtful, refined interior design. The awards celebrate innovation, craftsmanship, and excellence in design, all of which were at the core of this project. Beyond the design itself, this project represents our commitment to creating interiors that evoke emotion and enhance daily living. Being recognised on such a prestigious platform would be an incredible honour, allowing us to share our vision with a global audience of design enthusiasts and industry leaders.

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

Being an SBID Award Finalist is a tremendous honour and a testament to our team’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of design. It validates our commitment to crafting spaces that are not just visually striking but also deeply functional and emotionally resonant. This recognition has strengthened our presence within the global design community, opening new doors for collaborations and inspiring us to continue innovating. Most importantly, it’s a celebration of the passion, creativity, and meticulous craftsmanship that went into this project. It fuels our drive to keep delivering exceptional, timeless interiors that elevate the way people experience their spaces.

Questions answered by Vlad & Karina Diachok, Founders of Diachok Architects.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a bold and modern home design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Renata Drumond Interior Design.

Renata Drumond Interior Design was entrusted with "Project Open Skies", a venture that navigates the duality of a modern architectural masterpiece set within the idyllic Cambridgeshire countryside. Designed for cosmopolitan clients, this project harmonises bold colours and audacious design with the tranquility of its rural setting. Emphasising cutting-edge technology and a vibrant aesthetic, "Project Open Skies" encapsulates the essence of modern luxury against a serene backdrop, embodying the clients' dynamic lifestyle and preference for innovative, standout interiors. This residence is a testament to the successful integration of contemporary living within the timeless beauty of the countryside.

What was the client's brief?

The clients wanted a home that reflected their bold, cosmopolitan lifestyle—something visually striking with bold shapes and vibrant colours. They valued cutting-edge technology and open, flexible spaces where comfort and creativity could coexist seamlessly.

What inspired the design of the project?

The clients themselves were our key inspiration. Their love for modernity, unique design choices, and desire for connection to the surrounding environment guided the design. Large windows, bold materials, and custom details reflected this blend of innovation and personal taste.

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

Integrating advanced technology while maintaining warmth and comfort was a challenge. We also worked closely with artisans to ensure custom elements, like bespoke resin panels and plaster finishes, were executed exactly as envisioned.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing the clients feel “at home” was the most rewarding part. The glass-domed entrance, which floods the interiors with natural light, stood out as a key highlight, along with custom details that made the design uniquely theirs.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards showcase projects that tell meaningful design stories. Project Open Skies is deeply personal, and we felt it deserved to be shared with a wider audience for its thoughtful balance of bold design and practical living.

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

It’s been an incredible milestone, providing industry recognition and opening new opportunities. Most importantly, it reaffirmed the importance of designing homes that reflect the clients’ individual needs and personalities.

Questions answered by Renata Drumond, Founder and Lead Designer at Renata Drumond Interior Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern family home design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Chains Interior.

The owners of this residence prefer to maintain a balance between family closeness and individual privacy. The floorplan thus devises two traffic flows to simultaneously fulfil this request. Natural sunlight from the windows, indirect light within the interior, and various light fixtures, serve as tangible sources of light. There is artwork placed in various corners in the residence. Thematically associated with light, the artwork represents the spiritual essence of light.

What was the client's brief?

The clients are a couple with four children, a very devout Christian family. They hope that their new home can create a space and atmosphere that is both intimate and private.

What inspired the design of the project?

We took a passage from the Bible: "And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you." as the development of this project, with the light in the wilderness as the main axis of inspiration. The space uses primitive, simple, and unrefined materials as the background environment, and then uses a light atmosphere that is a mixture of reality and illusion to create a home space where "you are in the city, but your heart is in the wilderness."

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

In order to convey the concept of "light in the wilderness", how to choose materials and forms that can present a "wild" style became the first topic of this case. The second topic is how to bring out the theme of light. We divide the image of light into two levels. One is the physical light, which is formed by the sunlight outside the window, the indirect lighting in the room and various lighting fixtures; the other is the virtual light. We place artworks with the theme of light in the space to bring out the spiritual image of light. In particular, in the selection of artworks, we searched for the theme of "light" suitable for this case from all over the world and placed them in the space. In addition to becoming the visual focus, they also convey the spiritual symbolic meaning of light.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The indoor configuration of public and private dual traffic lines is the highlight of this case. The different window conditions corresponding to the two traffic lines cleverly create two different atmospheres of daytime light and nighttime light, thereby bringing out the fluidity and temporality of light.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Award is one of the few interior design competitions that has categories for different cost budgets and design goals. This makes the judging criteria of the competition more clear. In addition, there is also a "project of the week" activity selected internally by the association, which provides another new perspective and allows many works to have the opportunity to be reported.

Chains Interior on 7 November 2018, 14 April 2021, 10 November 2021 and 15 November 2023 won SBID's "Project of the week" four times, and this year two more design works were selected for "Project of the week" at the same time. It also recognises and encourages our continuous efforts in the field of interior design.

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

First of all, this award has always been a very indicative and international certification, so we want to let more people see our work by participating in this competition. Secondly, we reached the finals in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024, which gave the team great encouragement and made us look forward to continuing to pursue innovation.

Questions answered by Lien Wu Chen, Design Director of Chains Interior.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a sophisticated entertaining space by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Amy Hunt Interiors.

Amy Hunt Interior Design was commissioned to create a Mayfair-inspired bar and entertaining space in an underutilized annexe. Amy Hunt Interiors expertly coordinated the entire project, delivering design concepts, mood boards, lighting and electrical plans, bespoke joinery design and installation, and sourcing and supplying all FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) for this Oxted, Surrey Annexe refurb.

What was the client's brief?

The client wanted to transform their tired and uninspiring annexe into a sophisticated entertaining space, drawing inspiration from the exclusive bars of Mayfair. The goal was to create a luxurious yet inviting home bar where they could host many a gathering, dance under the disco ball, but also to enjoy it as a family. They wanted a design that balanced modern elegance with subtle traditional undertones while incorporating smart storage solutions.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design was heavily influenced by the client’s fond memories of nights out in Mayfair. We aimed to capture the refined glamour of high-end London bars through rich, moody colours, luxe materials, and atmospheric lighting. The copper-topped bar, upholstered finishes, and hidden bar integration within the storage unit all contributed to the sophisticated, club-like ambiance. The lighting design played a crucial role, allowing the space to shift from a cosy lounge to a vibrant party setting.

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

One of the biggest challenges was designing and constructing the statement storage and bar unit. Not only did it need to house the client’s existing items, but it also had to integrate a secret central door leading to the garage—without compromising aesthetics or functionality. Additionally, working within a tight 8-week deadline to coordinate joinery, lighting, and upholstery installations required meticulous planning and execution. Despite these challenges, we delivered the project ahead of schedule.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The moment the lighting was installed, and the disco ball was illuminated, the space truly came to life. Seeing the client’s reaction to the final transformation was incredibly rewarding. The success of the bespoke bar unit, with its copper top and upholstered details, was another highlight—it became the perfect focal point for the room.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

This project was a bold and creative transformation and it’s not often you get asked to design a party room! The level of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and ability to capture the essence of a Mayfair bar in a countryside home made it a standout design we are really proud of. Entering the SBID Awards allowed us to showcase our expertise and celebrate the innovation and problem-solving that went into the project.

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

Being an SBID Award Finalist is a fantastic recognition of our dedication to delivering unique, high-quality interiors. It has elevated our profile within the industry and reinforced our passion for creating spaces that are both functional and beautiful. The acknowledgment has also been incredibly meaningful to Amy Hunt Interior Design but also meaningful to my clients too, further inspiring us to push creative boundaries in future projects.

Questions answered by Amy Hunt, Director of Amy Hunt Interiors.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern Scandinavian styled house design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Pia Design.

Pia Design were commissioned to design and specify the interior architecture and full interior fit out and furnishings for Pond Place, a 5 bedroom family home in St Albans designed in a clean, minimal Scandinavian style. The striking features of the property are the use of Dinesen flooring throughout, minimal, floating staircase by Smet, and bespoke, custom built in joinery by End Grain and bathrooms in microcement and recycled glass tiles. The colours of the design are inspired by the striking garden landscaping by Rosemary Coldstream.

What was the client's brief?

The brief for Pond Place was to create a tranquil yet functional environment that reflected the client’s love for nature while accommodating their lifestyle needs and kept clutter to a minimum. We aimed to design a space that fosters connection and well-being, integrating natural elements with luxurious details. Our focus was on creating a sense of calm and serenity, blending modern Scandinavian design with the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design was inspired by the surrounding environment—particularly the pond and natural greenery. We worked closely with Rosemary Coldstream, the landscape designer, to ensure our designs worked cohesively together. We wanted to seamlessly integrate the indoors with the outdoors, drawing from organic forms, soft textures, and earthy tones. The concept was to evoke a sense of calm and relaxation, using nature as a guiding principle to design a sophisticated, timeless space.

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

One of the toughest hurdles was the short design period as we were brought onto the project team late in the process - therefore, we had only 4 weeks to pull together the design visuals for the whole house, in order to make the tender deadline. Further down the line there were some significant delays with the project once the building works started - in total, from the date we started the concept designs, to the date the project was completed and installed, it took around 6 years!

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of the project was the final reveal to the client, who was thrilled with how the space transformed into a seamless extension of the natural surroundings. Our client had known their house as a building site for nearly 5 years, and wasn’t there for the final install, so it was such a rewarding experience to be there when the client saw their finished home for the first time, and to see the harmony between the interior and the landscape come to life. The project itself was a true testament to collaboration and vision - especially with it being such a long time in the making!

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards to celebrate the success of Pond Place and share it with the wider design community. It’s an opportunity to showcase our passion for blending design with nature, and it’s an honour to be recognised by the SBID among so many talented designers from around the globe. The awards also provide us with a platform to connect with like-minded professionals, continue pushing creative boundaries and to showcase sustainable interior design.

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

Being named an Award Finalist has been a huge honour and a moment of pride for our team. It reinforces the hard work and dedication that went into Pond Place, and the recognition has been invaluable in helping us grow as a business and reaffirming our commitment to creating exceptional, sustainable design experiences.

Questions answered by Pia Pelkonen, Founder of Pia Design.

Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?

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.

What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year?

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.

What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why?

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.

What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design?

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.

What do you wish you knew before working in the field?

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.

If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be?

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.

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

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.

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Blind Veterans UK is a military charity helping generations of vision impaired veterans overcome sight loss. Their home in Ovingdean Brighton was no longer fully meeting their needs so they purchased the former home of the RAF Benevolent Fund in Rustington with plans for refurbishment, seeing it as the perfect coastal location for their new centre for wellbeing.

In 2021, the charity approached HomeSmiths to work with them on the refurbishment. Having permanently lost the sight in her left eye in 2012, it felt like the perfect project for Creative Director, Jacqui.

The brief for the new Rustington Centre was to work with the architect to remodel the current building in a way which would provide veterans with a wellbeing space for support and rehabilitation. It would for a while offer permanent accommodation and a level of nursing care for some veterans moving from the Brighton centre, but the longer-term goal was to provide hotel style accommodation for members visiting for short stays.

The scope of the project included reception and café, lounge, dining room, activities room, sports bar/cinema, library, hair salon, therapy room, gym, quiet lounge as well as 36 bedrooms.

The design needed to be supportive of sensory and cognitive decline with a particular focus on how the built environment can support people living with sight loss. Tonal contrast was used throughout; furniture finishes against floor and wall, switches and controls, structural pillars, doors against architrave and handrails against walls. Additional touches were incorporated within the bedrooms with contrast leading edges on curtains, bed runners, contrast handles on the furniture as well as internal lighting for wardrobes.

Enabling veterans to be able to access all areas of the building was key. There are two lifts between ground and first floor. By changing the texture of the flooring from cut pile to ribbed carpet, veterans using mobility canes can detect the change of finish and know where the lift is. Further thought was given to flooring choice here where a similarly toned flooring was chosen so as not to appear as a step or hole to anybody using the space. The flooring finish in the lift is of similar tone so as not to suggest a change in level and be supportive of any visitors living with a degree of cognitive decline. Signage was clear, using large and tactile font. A back lit coffee cup sign works as a piece of art in the café as well as a wayfinding aid. An essential oil diffuser sits in the therapy suite providing a sensory cue as to which part of the building the veteran is in.

The charity hosts activities and events throughout the year so flexible communal spaces was key. The main lounge and dining area features a mixture of free-standing furniture. Additional black out window treatments were specified in the far corner windows so that the space could be used for film nights and similar. The bifold doors in the lounge adjacent activities room open to create a big space with additional seating for larger events.

The design needed to be relevant and relatable to existing blind veterans, honouring the past but also looking forward to the future. Material from the Blind Veterans UK archives was used to create art to honour the past and celebrate notable veterans. Box framed uniforms representing the three services feature in one of the bedroom wings. The contemporary metal sculpture commissioned for reception shows service men and women and a talking point as you enter the Centre. With an overarching theme of wellbeing, it was important to celebrate the achievements of veterans, past and present. Past veterans are recognised for their wellbeing achievements as well as honouring the achievement of the founder of the charity, Sir Arthur Pearson. The outstanding sporting achievements of blind veterans are featured in the Sports Bar where the canvases double up as acoustic panels as a noise mitigation measure. Appropriate for the coastal location of the centre, the café art features sailing achievements of certain veterans.

The design consultation with the veterans was very much part of the process. At the beginning of the design process, Jacqui, together with the architects and landscapers met with a group of veterans to discuss the design. Using high contrast large format plans as well as a Lego model floor plan, the design team were able to present their ideas in the most accessible way. At the detailed design stage, large format samples of fabrics and flooring were used providing the presentation with texture. Sample chairs were supplied by Shackletons for the presentation so that veterans could experience the comfort and support of the proposed seating. Each board was talked through on a 121 basis, with Jacqui guiding the hand of the veteran around the floor plan, with the samples to hand to aid orientation and provide context.

The Rustington Centre is a home for blind veterans as well as lovely environment for those who work there. The refurbishment has provided Blind Veterans UK with a new light filled centre for wellbeing which serves the needs of the charity now and into the future as they continue to help rebuild the lives of veterans after sight loss.

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