Codi Rodrigues, Founder of The Code Design Studio, has given her insights into the industry.
Interior design is such an incredible expression of life, love, and joy. I’ve always (as an insufferable rule breaker) loved that there literally are no rules. That design is perspective. That it is often the very soul of both designer and Client combined to create something totally unique and unlike any other. For as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed and dabbled in interior design, so taking the leap into the industry was honestly the easiest leap.
It’s so cool having a different set of eyes for each project/client. I notice things on one project that don't notice on the one prior. No two days are ever the same, it’s fast paced and there’s an element of uncertainty that makes things really fun. My creativity is always being tested, and I’m constantly surprising myself.
The Basingfield project has been shortlisted for the 2026 Design et Al International Design Awards which I’m very proud of. This project was so fun for me because the Client just let me run wild. I had no clear brief, just a good idea for who she was as a person, and the design process just flowed. It was inexplicably beautiful, and it’s paid off being internationally recognised.
I love working on projects where creativity isn’t limited. There’s nothing better than a client placing their full trust in you to deliver. I work really hard to make sure that my designs are uniquely beautiful with lots of contrast in colour, pattern, texture and style. Mixing eras and styles is one of my favourite things to do to create real visual interest.
I’d say the most challenging aspect is working with unrealistic budget and timeline expectations. Being asked to deliver a £40k room on a £10k budget and to have it done yesterday happens too often, and it’s really difficult having those confronting conversations. Delays are also a completely inevitable factor in design and can strain the relationship with the client.
It’s going to take a while to build up a family of tradespeople you can count on to deliver quality projects for your business. Unfortunately, you’ll meet some along the way who do you wrong, but you keep going and you will get there. Resilience, a keen eye and work ethic are key.
Failure and knock backs happen as often as successes when you’re learning. Ensure that with each failure you learn a valuable lesson and apply it to your future projects so that you don’t make the same mistake twice. Be yourself, take note of the trends and what’s going on around you in the industry, but ultimately be yourself. Design from within so that you stand out in the monochrome world we live in.
With sustainability being an ever-growing market, new eco-friendly products are being introduced all the time that are both revolutionary and refreshingly beautiful. It’s fun to see what the industry is capable of in such an evolutionary time. We’re also really blending spaces to accommodate the ‘work from home’ movement and I don’t see that dying down.
It’s an honour to be recognised by The Society of British & International Interior Design. It’s an honour to be asked to feature in this editorial. Little me may not have believed this would all come to fruition, she’d be proud.
About The Code Design Studio
At The Code Design Studio, we're driven by a passion for creating spaces that tell stories and evoke emotion. Our design philosophy centres on balance between beauty and function, modernity and timelessness, creativity and comfort. We believe that great design doesn't just transform a space, it enhances the way people live within it. With a keen eye for detail and a love of texture, colour and form, we approach every project as a collaboration. The goal is to craft interiors that reflect each client's unique identity and lifestyle. Over the years, we've developed a signature style that is guided by authenticity, and the belief that thoughtful design can truly make everyday life more inspiring. In a monochrome world, it's imperative to push the boundaries and be unique. That means something different to each of our clients, and it's a gift to be able to decipher that and deliver something wonderful.
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