12th January 2026 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn 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. Brooke Harmony Design Brooke Harmony Design Why did you want to work in the interior design profession? 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. Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most? 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. Brooke Harmony Design What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year? 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. What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why? 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. Brooke Harmony Design Brooke Harmony Design What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design? 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. What do you wish you knew before working in the field? 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. Brooke Harmony Design Brooke Harmony Design If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be? 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. How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead? 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! Brooke Collins, Founder of Brooke Harmony Design What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you? 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. Visit Profile 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.