Art Focus Studio will Assert Itself on the International Market Even More

What have you been working on?

We have a number of successful projects in our portfolio, both in Moldova and abroad. Basically, we deal with interior design and design in residential and commercial projects. Among the large-scale projects implemented in Moldova are Zity Mall and Oasis Mall. Both projects have been very interesting for us. For example, Oasis Mall is a luxury project. There will be stores of premium brands in the mall, i.e. the interior of the mall had to be representative and direct the visitor to a certain standard. We designed the interior in an Art Deco style and completed it with brass and bronze elements. As for the Oasis Mall project, it is still in the realization stage.

Successful projects include the Aquaterra Resort Holercani clubhouse on the banks of the Dniester River. On the site of a destroyed nine-story building, we designed the interior design of the apartments, restaurant, and swimming pool. We also did the interior design for the TREND chain of stores. As for projects abroad, our team designed a two-story residential house in St. Petersburg. Another project, no less interesting, is in Shanghai. We designed a showroom for the Italian furniture factory DV Homecollection.

For the second year in a row, our company was ranked in the top three in the category "Best Residential Interior Design of the Year" at the DAS Interiors Awards.

What lies ahead for Art Focus Studio?

We are targeting the international market. I can definitely say that Art Focus Studio will assert itself on the international market more.

OASIS Shopping Mall

The uniqueness of Oasis Shopping Mall lies in the monumental character of the project. The interior of the mall has been designed in the Art Deco style. The construction was started in 2018 and the completion date is scheduled for the end of 2021.

"Luxury of Shades"

A 170-square-meter apartment in the HIGH PARK clubhouse. The interior is designed in a modern style, close to luxury minimalism. The decor of the bedrooms is enriched by geometric textile panels, while colourful mirrors create a visual effect of infinite space. The LED lights, installed across the apartment, lead the eye from the central scene to the background, creating a wave-like effect. A pleasant haze of soft light envelops the space.

The Minimalist Atmosphere

A 165 sqm duplex penthouse for a young couple in minimalist style. The main decoration of the living room is the luxurious fibre concrete cupola, which creates an unusual light show that also delimits the space and creates a special atmosphere. The conceptual interior fulfils the basic objective of minimalism - conciseness.

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Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?

Meeting a wide variety of clients in their homes and getting to know them personally. We have worked with a diverse range of clients from ones in media and sport, through to those that are at the top of their profession. We feel privileged that they entrust us with the design of their homes and be part of their team. I also enjoy the fact that due to the range of building types and projects that we work on, from houses to gyms, contemporary to historic buildings, every day presents a new challenge and opportunity for learning. We really enjoy working with the suppliers to understand how we can get the most out of their products and push the boundaries, for example, working out how to backlight the polycarbonate walls at the most recent LUXE fitness site. We had to make mock-ups and work closely with the lighting designer to demonstrate to the client that the design would work and provide the desired effect.

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

Going to the client’s birthday party in the barn at the cotswolds retreat and seeing the bar used by a professional barman as well as the owners looking so relaxed and enjoying the space. It was a long and complex project as the design and construction work was done in lockdown so it felt such a relief to come out of the pandemic and be able to socialise again of course the project getting short listed for an SBID award was the icing on the cake!

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

I have been fortunate to work on quite a large variety of interiors projects from an airport, to a university bookstore as well as private houses in my career. Since we founded design storey the focus has been private residential and it is always humbling to be chosen to work on someone’s own inseparable space as each one is unique and personal to the individual. It is always lovely to be invited back to a house you have worked on for dinner or drinks and see people using the space or just visit a family that have settled into the building and the owner and home become fused together.

As a counterpoint to the houses we have also worked on a number of gyms – these are rewarding as the projects are accessible to a greater number of people not just a single individual. The concept for the interiors also has to be strong and appeal to a variety of people so it is a good design challenge.

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

I think one of the biggest challenges is helping clients to narrow their focus and prioritise their requirements. There are so many options out there from cover plates to kitchens that it can be quite overwhelming for clients, and there is so much visual stimulus online and the media that people can easily lose focus. Interior designers are providing a service and part of that service is talking through the brief with the client and finding out what makes them tick, you can then create a space that is bespoke to their requirements.

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

The fact that you can expect a fresh challenge everyday and every client and project is unique so be prepared to be challenged on a daily basis. Having a good design portfolio from your studies does not necessarily translate to being a good designer in practice; emotional intelligence and empathy can take you a long way and ultimately win you work or sell your ideas to the client. The world is not fair and don’t take things personally; when clients or planners don’t feel you have got the best design be prepared to work through it and justify your design better or recognise that the concept isn’t right. Its cliche but getting knocked back does make you stronger and if you are not prepared for that then working in subjective design-led profession might not be the right environment. I wish I had also understood the difference between being good at running a business vs being a good designer; my design education didn’t prepare me for understanding balance sheets, HR, marketing and selling your services which are all important part of being a design professional.

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

Projects can take quite a while to come to fruition, sometimes several years.
When a project finishes, take time to revisit it and celebrate the successes and learn from your failures. Returning to a finished project multiple times after completion can provide valuable insights as to whether the design performed as you were hoping and you can learn valuable lessons from the aspects that didn’t.

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

AI is going to become more prevalent as well as an increasing need to be sustainable in terms of the way we design buildings, the material choices we are making and the long term vision for the building. I’m a big believer in “repairing, reusing and recycling” and working with the fabric of a building. I think the consumerism we have seen in recent years is going to slow down and people are going to make more considered choices and not treat interiors as disposable. A lot can be done with recovering furniture, refinishing flooring, refreshing rather than throwing away into landfill.

What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you?

To be accepted by a prestigious organisation is always an honour and a validation of the work you have done to date. As I trained as an architect, being registered as an interior designer enables us as a practice to champion the interiors elements of a project and demonstrates to clients that we have expertise and capability in that field.

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If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?

What I enjoy above all in this profession is the challenge of coming across an unloved or misused space, and creating a scheme that exceeds my client’s expectations. Suggesting elements that were not thought possible while sticking to a set budget is truly rewarding.

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

I recently had a project to remodel a large Edwardian reception room, which had been divided into separate zones in the 70s, and where a significant proportion of the original ornate plaster moulded ceiling had been destroyed. Not only was the room remodelled to create a self-contained studio flat, but the ceiling was totally restored and left exposed above the different modular living spaces, ensuring it could once again be admired and enjoyed.

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

Every project presents its own challenges, and finding the solutions to these challenges is a very positive process. I particularly enjoy working on period properties, restoring and enhancing original features, often introducing modern themes to add to the overall success of the desired look and feel of the space.

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

I believe that interior design is an artform, and I would therefore expect designers to exercise their discipline with passion and determination. However, aligning this determination with the client’s own aspirations and enthusiasm can sometimes be challenging. In my experience, the end result is always better when a good deal of effort has been made upstream to avoid unnecessary compromise - and that is where the expert guidance of a professional designer comes into play.

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

Entering a new field of work can be very intimidating and the thought of not knowing enough can feel overwhelming. However, I believe that we all should start a profession with an uncluttered mind, and that holding onto this candour is essential, so that every project can be approached with an open mind. One never stops learning, especially in this field.

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

Time and time again, I have come to realise that one needs to be totally comfortable with one’s own abilities. So my advice to an aspiring designer would be to be confident in your own abilities, to accept good advice, and to approach every project with an open mind, so as to let the building “do the talking”.

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

Personal space is becoming increasingly valuable and moving house is not always a viable option, so designing spaces around these parameters has never been more important, and achieving maximum creativity within limited spaces is an absolute must. The industry also needs to continue to embrace the current challenges faced by the planet, through careful selection of materials, through recycling and restoration, and by minimising transportation when sourcing materials. I also believe that it’s important, whenever and wherever possible, to work within the local community, developing strong links with local trades, suppliers and makers.

What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you?

Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer is important in a number of ways. It provides independent professional recognition and credibility, which clients can trust. It improves my understanding of the industry through professional development, information and advice, and enables me to keep in touch with my peers.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an idyllic villa design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Balan and Nambisan Architects.

Balan and Nambisan Architects was commissioned to design a luxurious villa in a warm contemporary style. Drama is created in the powder room with a ceiling mounted Gessi faucet over a floor standing washbasin in a surround of onyx. A Bulthaup open kitchen is the heart of the home. In the master bedroom flawless white statuario marble is contrasted with dark walnut wood. A bespoke leather headboard serves as a fitting backdrop to the Capital bed. The master bath uses Stonewood marble contrasted with vanities in wood with brass details.

What was the client's brief? 

A custom designed villa for a close knit family with a considerable extended family who spend lengths of time together during festivals, celebrations and holidays. Bangalore, India is a dense, crowded urban city with a population of 11 million and life for a high achieving family can be extremely stressful and chaotic. Our clients desired the home to be a complete sanctuary from the chaos, tailored to their lifestyle. An absolute necessity was the home offering multiple entertaining spaces with the ability to entertain across three generations simultaneously. Equally important was the sanctity of the private spaces. An abode to withdraw from the chaos of city life, a home with spaces for physical fitness and one to entertain. A luxurious home with a careful integration of design, materials, detailing and technology.

What inspired the design of the project?

Keeping the home private was a key driver of the design. The design of the home wraps around external spaces that are scooped out of the plan, ensuring that outsiders do not have the ability to look in. Yet the home is always connected to the outdoors with landscaped courtyards and planters wrapping around on the upper levels. We used three materials - stone, wood and metal, these three materials are mouled in different ways to either block, semi open or open up views to spaces. The journey begins with the solidness of road-facing external form cladded in sandstone panels cut to a bespoke size and finished in 2 textures to create a dynamic facade. A facade that changes through the day with the play of light and shadow. As one moves through the home, these three materials take on different forms of detail to embellish spaces.

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

One of the most challenging aspects of the home was executing the staircase around the lift volume. An elliptical metal staircase wraps around an elliptical glass lift within a 5-storey atrium volume. The only areas of support for this grand staircase was at the main landings, spanning 3.6 - 4M floor to floor. We went through 3 metal fabricators and multiple mockups before we were able to eventually execute the structure. The steel stringer beams were laser cut and bent into a curve, the balustrade was bespoke designed laser cut panels, each section precisely cut, bent and labelled for each run. A challenge was executing and sequencing the entire space.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The design and execution of the staircase and executing this home through Covid.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Having recently opened our office in London, it was only natural that we would become members of SBID with SBID representing the UK interior design industry, one of the world's leading design industries. Entering the SBID awards has allowed us to showcase our design capability to the design community as a whole here in the UK, as well as allowed us to gauge where we stand within the UK and International design community. This is an important step for any practice especially for one that has decided to open its first international office.

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

Being nominated as an Award finalist is a huge honour for us. It is an affirmation of our design skills from the international design community and this means the world to us especially as we take the next step to build our practice here in the UK.

Questions answered by Nilanjana Roy, Partner at Balan and Nambisan Architects.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a joyful family home design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, AMC Design.

AMC Design was commissioned to create and design a space for a growing family. The design brief was a combination of function and flexible living within the beautiful bones of this historical property, bringing out the family’s personality with colour and pattern, and making the space joyful, child friendly and stylish. AMC Design ’s ethos is to do a house once and do it right.

What was the client's brief? 

The main focus of this project was to create more space for a growing family, by extending the living area via a loft conversion. AMC Design’s ethos is to do a house once and do it right – leaving space for a family to grow. The design brief was a combination of function, flexible living within the beautiful bones of this historical property. The family expressed their interest in converting the loft space, which led to the creation of two further bedrooms, an office, bathroom and playroom for their three children. The clients were drawn to neutral palates but were keen to add more colour and pattern, being brave with AMC Design’s guidance. AMC Design wanted to create a space that brought colour into their lives but didn’t take over. To make the space joyful and child friendly. It was also important that the space worked for them as a family of five and could accommodate visiting friends and family.

What inspired the design of the project?

A creative family, their excitement to bring colour and style into their traditional home was the main impetus for engaging AMC Design and really inspired the design of the project. Storage was the focus throughout, with the family highlighting the need for flexible, hidden space as key within the initial brief. The magic of the historic houses prevalent in the West Yorkshire area, of both Victorian and Edwardian heritage, is the abundance of nooks and crannies available in which bespoke storage can and was installed, to work for family life. From chimney breasts to recesses in attic bedroom eaves, practical and usable spaces were found throughout, adding function and form to this colourful redesign.

With a young family comes different personalities, which we were keen to reflect in the throughout the home. The bold flair and true family personality is prevalent throughout the project, with colour and texture punctuating the airy and bright spaces. Throughout this iconic northern property, the magical combination of bright, sumptuous colours and textured bespoke cabinetry, in the context of this historical house, has created a functional and yet luxurious family home, which can be grown into and enjoyed for decades to come.

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

Without doubt, it was the ceiling height in the newly created third floor, loft conversion. With limited head room, we had to identify how best to use the space so it could be enjoyed by all members of the family.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

When we handed over the keys on completion of the project, the clients were really pleased and delighted to tell us how much they enjoyed the process. Over the following weeks, we received videos of the two youngest seeing their rooms for the first time, which was just wonderful.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards are a great celebration of global creativity and design, and we are very excited to be part of that.

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

To be an Award Finalist in the Residential Budget Up to £50,000 category is extremely exciting for myself and the wider team. We are competing with some very talented and creative designers, and we feel honoured to be considered against these titans of our industry.

Questions answered by Ann Marie Cousins, Founder of AMC Design.

Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy the form, colours, light, artistic lines, textures, and impactful patterns. That the form in interior design is an element of art. Form is the backbone of any interior design, which is the prime element in any design project. It helps to create an external impact on things like patterns, colours, and textures. Lighting is the 'secret weapon' of a stunning and practical space. It helps to create depth, height, and style while drawing attention to the areas that are most impressive. Especially natural light gives very good vibes and plays an important role in a human’s serenity. Also, enjoy using texture to create a specific feel in a room. Rough and coarser textures like reclaimed wood or terracotta have more 'visual weight' and create a cosy, rustic aesthetic, while smooth or shiny textures, including metals like chrome, reflect more light and create a more contemporary finish.

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

Completing a high-profile project: We successfully completed a high-profile project. These projects often come with unique challenges and opportunities to showcase creativity, innovation, and attention to detail. Successfully completing such projects can elevate the designer's reputation and open doors to further exciting opportunities.

Positive client feedback and satisfaction: we strive to create spaces that meet our clients' needs and vision. Receiving positive feedback and testimonials from satisfied clients can be incredibly rewarding. It not only affirms the designer's ability to translate clients' desires into reality but also strengthens the professional relationship and can lead to referrals and future projects.

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

Residential projects: Designing homes, apartments, or condominiums allows me to create personalised and intimate spaces that reflect the lifestyles and preferences of the homeowners. Residential projects often offer the opportunity for creativity and customization to create a unique space for everyone.

Sustainable projects: Designing spaces with a strong focus on sustainability and ecoconsciousness can be fulfilling for me because I'm passionate about environmental issues. These projects involve incorporating sustainable materials, energy-efficient solutions, and environmentally friendly practises.

Commercial projects: Designing commercial spaces such as offices, retail stores, restaurants, or hotels can be exciting due to the potential for creating unique and engaging environments that cater to specific needs and target audiences. Commercial projects often involve considerations of functionality, branding, and customer experience.

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

Cost management and time management are some of the challenging things to deal with as an interior designer – especially when clients have massive expectations! There may be times when designers come across clients that want luxurious designs at affordable costs. For interior design firms, time management skills are a must. There are only so many hours in a day and dozens of things need to get done. Organizing your time allows you to budget your hours effectively, prioritize projects, and stay on schedule to meet your forever looming deadlines. One of the hardest roles of interior designers is introducing the latest trends while maintaining a sense of timeless style. You don’t want your client to feel frustrated when a space is outdated after a few months. Staying on top of trends and knowing how to tastefully introduce them is one of the greatest creative skills for designers to master.

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

I wish I knew about the history of design, the structural integrity of buildings, local codes, regulations, and standards, anthropometry, ergonomics, spatial concepts, psychology, and the execution of everything from the construction to the turnkey space. Interior designers, like architects, are supposed to be jacks of all trades. They need to have interpersonal skills because they need to interact with other interior designers, homeowners, builders, architects, government agents, etc. To become a good interior designer, one needs to be well-rounded.

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

Make your own design sketches to be sure that your design is unique. Hone Your craft. The only way to improve your design skills and refine your aesthetic is through hands-on experience. Offer design assistance to family and friends; work on projects in your home, anything that will build your portfolio. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Become familiar with your local furniture and lighting stores: go inside, ask questions about where the pieces are manufactured, who is their target audience, what are the types of fabrics, etc. In the real world, these are the questions your clients will ask you. Learn about the cost of items. Once you begin working at a design firm, the first thing you will need to know is how to establish and follow a budget. Start learning now, so the selection process will be much easier.

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

Sustainability and eco-consciousness: The focus on sustainability and eco-friendly design is expected to continue growing. Consumers are increasingly demanding environmentally responsible materials, energy-efficient solutions, and sustainable practises in interior design.

Biophilic design: Biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements and a connection to nature, is expected to gain more popularity. Introducing elements such as indoor plants, natural light, and organic materials can enhance well-being and create a calming environment.

Technology integration: Technology will continue to play a significant role in interior design. Smart home systems, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and home automation are becoming more prevalent, allowing homeowners to control various aspects of their interior spaces.

Minimalism with warm accents: Clean lines, simplicity, and minimalism have been popular in recent years. However, there is a growing trend towards adding warm and inviting elements to balance the minimalist aesthetic. This can include the use of natural textures, warm colour palettes, and cozy textiles.

Being accredited as an interior designer by a recognised international organisation can provide a certain level of recognition and credibility within the industry. It signifies that the designer has met specific standards of education, experience, and professionalism, which can enhance our reputation and instill confidence in clients. Accreditation typically requires adherence to a code of ethics and professional standards set by the accrediting organisation. This can include principles such as maintaining client confidentiality, practicing sustainable design, and conducting business with integrity.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Launching in the brand’s relocated Design Centre showroom ahead of Focus/23, Arteriors are thrilled to present a sixth instalment of their successful collaboration with renowned US interior designer Barry Dixon.

A 19-piece collection of furniture, lighting and decorative accessories, each taking elements of inspiration from the natural world, joins the wider AW23 product showcase this month.

Part of Arteriors’ successful guest designer programme, this collection marks Dixon’s 6th with the brand, having worked together previously for more than 10 years. An expert of residential interior design, working with clients across the US, Dixon is well-known for his mastery of opulence and use of decadent drama within his interior design projects, and has brought elements of this into his product design over the years, creating objects that are classic yet curious.

This season sees designs inspired by the natural world infused with a contemporary twist – for instance the delicate curve of a mosquito’s leg fashioned from blackened iron on four furniture pieces, the mixed metal finishes on overlapping cloud formations seen in the design of the mirror, intertwined vines threading their way through the fire screen, and details on lamps reminiscent of a shepherd’s staff.

These natural influences combine with masculine elements and Arteriors’ fine craftmanship to form a beautiful offering, perfectly suited to Arteriors’ wide network of residential and hospitality interior designer contacts.

Speaking on the collection, Barry Dixon: “We look back to see our way forward... And we look outside to find what we need inside. Each detail unfolds to reveal a world of organic glamour, inspired by nature, that provokes the senses.”

To view the collection, visit the new showroom at 206 Design Centre East, Chelsea Harbour.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

How do your products and services enhance interior design projects?

Beautiful kitchens require beautiful products, and with our premium HydroTaps you can have both style and functionality. With a range of styles to choose from, including the elegant Arc or contemporary Cube, the interior designer can choose the design that perfectly complements any kitchen interior. Plus, with a choice of seven finishes, the HydroTap will effortlessly match the personality of the home they’re working on. Interior Designers can be rest assured that with Zip systems, they’re not just recommending the most stylish filtered drinking water product, but the very best in terms of functionality too. Their customers will love the advanced filtration, intuitive command centre and safety functions.

What value does your specialist sector add to the industry?

At the heart of our brand are three important values: We are committed to delivering the best quality drinking water – at home, at work, or on the go - thanks to our advanced filtration system. We are committed to continuous innovation, constantly developing and improving our energy efficient, user-friendly and user-safe technologies. We are committed to creating sustainable solutions, helping customers to eradicate their reliance on single-use plastic water bottles. Our range of drinking water systems and hot water solutions also support a variety of sustainable building accreditations and standards.

How do you work with interior designers?

The team here at Zip Water are true consultants, and we are fully equipped with the tools, resources and knowledge to allow us to support designers closely. We have a range of accredited CPDs that can help designers demonstrate their commitment to the ongoing learning and professional practice of interior design. We also have a showroom in Clerkenwell and encourage designers to visit or bring their clients to experience the products. We have developed a ‘Specifier Portal’ which enables designers to log on and download product, installation and technical information, as well as BIM files and spec sheets. We have a hands-on team who are available for in-person, virtual or phone consultations.

What has been your most significant company highlight or success from the past year?

Zip products are tested to the highest standard. We have recently been awarded with WRAS approval on our HydroTap G5 range. The Water Regulations Approval Scheme, WRAS for short, is a certification body for plumbing products and fittings that aims to demonstrate which materials are compliant with regulations and bylaws throughout the UK. As a market leading brand it is important to us that we maintain extremely high standards and ensure our products are compliant with regulations. WRAS approval means that the customer can have complete faith and peace of mind in every system we produce.

What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests?

In recent years we have seen the design of a kitchen develop from a practical space to a highly personalised, multi-use space. The kitchen is the ‘heart’ of the home and now more than ever we are seeing zonal areas within kitchens, such as areas for storage, cooking, preparation, cleaning, dining, entertaining and innovative spaces for family life. Zip has a range of HydroTaps that don’t have to be installed over the sink. By installing with an integrated or stand alone font, the HydroTap can be installed in other parts of the kitchen. The HydroTap has been installed in a dedicated drinks zone and bars, next to hobs as part of a cooking set up, to breakfast bars and vast kitchen islands. We have even seen HydroTaps installed in home cinema rooms, games rooms and bedrooms.

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

Due to economic and cultural shifts in recent years I think we are going to see more multi-generational homes, where two or even three generations live together under one roof. Or similarly in apartment blocks, there will be more multi-use communal areas. This will definitely impact interior design trends, as the interactions with - and uses of - spaces will need deeper considerations.

Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?

Zip is now on its 5th Generation of HydroTap and we continue to design, develop and innovate new products. For example, we have recently added Steritouch antimicrobial material to the water path of our systems to enhance the hygiene credentials of the range and have added new aerators to create an improved flow of chilled and sparkling water.

What does being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner mean to you?

For us here at Zip, SBID is the perfect partner. As the manufacturer of an industry leading product, we need to work with other industry leading bodies who align with our values. A Zip HydroTap is the aspirational product of choice, designed and perfected for truly incredible homes. Outstanding design in the residential market is something we know the SBID network of interior designers are truly spearheading, so we are match made in heaven!

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a family apartment design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Studio 95 Interiors.

This project entailed designing a new three bedroom apartment for a family that was downsizing from a large five bedroom property nearby. The apartment was located on the tenth floor giving spectacular views of the River Thames and the city beyond. The clients wanted to use some of their existing furniture and artwork in the new schemes and this resulted in a pleasing mix of old and new.

What was the client's brief? 

The brief was to make the most of the amazing views, create a homely and comfortable space, use some of their existing antique furniture and artworks, cater for extra guests as needed (extendable dining table & sofa beds). Plus create space to store and display their large collection of books, make the most of two large storage cupboards to keep all clutter out of sight, a calm restful colour palette for their master bedroom, and design a multi-functional space in their third bedroom so that it would work as home office/guest bedroom/lV room and Yoga space.

What inspired the design of the project?

My inspiration for this project was it’s amazing location and it’s prime view over the Thames. As you essentially receive a blank space with white painted walls, I added character and personality by way of some mid-century styled furniture to the main living area with pops of strong colour and adding some Japanese themed elements to the master bedroom to bring some calm and zen.

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

There really weren’t too many hurdles on this project. Maybe one that comes to mind was the specification for the window blinds as controlling the light coming in to this south facing apartment was a key part of the brief. The big challenge was to meet the functional requirements while also being visually attractive and blending with the interior schemes.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

At the very beginning of the project, before the client had moved from her Edwardian home, I advised her which existing pieces of their furniture, antiques and artwork would work in the new apartment in terms of style and space. The highlight was seeing how these antique pieces worked so well alongside the new décor. Lastly but certainly not least is seeing that the client and her family are very happy in their new home.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Although I’m an experienced interior designer and have previously worked for well respected interior design studios in London, my studio in Ealing is relatively new and I wanted to see how a project of mine faired against other interior designers in the UK.

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

Being an Award Finalist has meant a great deal to me. Although I have worked as an interior designer for over 20 years and have had many successful projects and very happy clients, having your work recognised by fellow design professionals feels really good.

Questions answered by Stephanie Gilsenan, Director of Studio 95 Interiors.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a masculine flat design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Diego Correa Interior Design.

Diego Correa Interior Design was instructed to design this flat for a single gentleman who wanted his home to be inspired by the Industrial Chic style with a relaxed feel, stylish and masculine where all the items proposed reflected his interest and individual lifestyle.

What was the client's brief? 

My client wanted me to get inspiration from the Industrial chic style, keeping it masculine, casual, and welcoming.

What inspired the design of the project?

I would say two things: The client: his lifestyle, interests, and character, and second: the use of colour in many metal structures of Victorian times.

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

Due to the modest dimensions of the space, the toughest challenge was to find pieces that work well together, that have the right dimensions without being small, and finally that there is a good flow between them so the flat feels and is comfortable visually and in spacial terms.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Being able to create a specific space for every use in the flat but at the same time feeling that smooth transition between them makes the flat feel, having the right proportions and is rich to experience.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The excitement of believing that there is something positive being said by the project and wanting to share that with colleagues and a bigger audience is really important; acts of creation are to be shared.

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

It means a lot to me; the fact that an ethically well-chosen jury has found elements that they consider either good, beautiful, consistent, or unique in my project so they together offer a solution in interiors that is attractive and hopefully rounded is a recognition of the skills needed to achieve that outcome and as such it increases exposure, credibility, and recognition as a good and creative professional. There is no professional that does not want this endorsement.

Questions answered by Diego Correa, Director of Diego Correa Interior Design.