What steps do you take to stay at the forefront of the design industry?

Travel allows me to stay at the forefront of design by exposing me to diverse cultures, trends, and innovative ideas from around the world. Each new destination offers fresh inspiration, whether it’s through architecture, art, or local craftsmanship, keeping my design perspective dynamic and forward-thinking. The global experiences I gather help me incorporate unique elements into our work, ensuring it remains relevant and cutting-edge.

What trends do you see shaping the future of interior design?

I see several key trends shaping the future of interior design. First, there’s a strong focus on creating “happy interiors,” spaces that promote positivity and well-being. This ties into the growing emphasis on at-home wellness, where design is used to enhance mental and physical health. Additionally, wellness is making its way into the business world, with companies prioritising environments that support employee well-being. Lastly, I believe there’s a return to classic, timeless design—moving away from fleeting trends and investing in enduring aesthetics that never go out of style.

Do you have a signature style or hallmark design approach?

My signature style is rooted in timeless and classic design, creating spaces that feel both enduring and elegant. I love layering rich textiles – such as luxurious fabrics and textured materials – to add depth and warmth. Standout art pieces are key in my approach, serving as focal points that tell a story and evoke emotion. I also incorporate antiques with superior craftsmanship, blending history with modern sensibilities to create unique, well-curated environments. The result is a harmonious balance of sophistication, comfort, and personality that transcends trends.

How do technology and innovation influence your work?

Technology in the Care sector is increasingly influencing the way we approach design within our Commercial projects. To support an ageing population, we must stay at the forefront of innovation, incorporating smart technologies and accessible design solutions. This means creating spaces that aid independence, such as incorporating adaptive layouts, assistive devices, and user-friendly technologies. By considering the needs of both residents and operators, we can design environments that not only enhance quality of life but also make it easier for care providers to deliver the best support possible.

What sets your work apart in the industry?

What sets us apart is our unwavering attention to detail and our ability to inject warmth into every project. We take a holistic approach, considering every aspect of a space to ensure it feels cohesive and purposeful. Our passion for design is evident in everything we do – we genuinely care about the outcome, and it matters to us that our work not only meets but exceeds expectations. It’s this dedication and personal investment that make our projects truly stand out.

Do you have key partnerships with suppliers, manufacturers, or brands?

I believe in investing in long-term relationships with both suppliers and clients, and I’m proud to still work with many I first engaged with over 16 years ago. People and relationships are at the core of what I do, built on trust, loyalty, and a commitment to best practices. These enduring partnerships create a strong foundation for mutual success and continuous growth.

For example, recent collaborations include Julian Chichester X Bernard London – The Monterey Collection – a capsule collection launching in March at London Design Week and in April at High Point Market.

“This collection provides a unique opportunity to deliver a collection that combines heritage with innovation – exquisite pieces that are not only visually stunning but also functional and worthy of a Global stage.”

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Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?

Simply being able to create. Each project begins with intimate conversations where clients share their dreams and frustrations. I love translating their vision into tangible spaces while introducing elements they never imagined. The problem-solving component is equally exhilarating, finding creative solutions often leads to the most innovative designs. I’m also passionate about the sourcing process where I can discover unique pieces from local artisans or global finds that add soul to a space. Conclusively, the transformation moment when clients first see their completed space is pure magic. The emotional response of client and I reminds me why this work matters. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know I’ve created something that will create a positive impact along with having a finished product that will resonate throughout generations to come.

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

A couple years ago while being an undergraduate student, I had the extraordinary opportunity to help handle the interior design of a private residential compound that included both living quarters and a boutique hotel component. The project required creating two distinct yet harmonious interior atmospheres, personalised family spaces alongside sophisticated hospitality interiors that would rival other hotels. The challenge was creating a cohesive design language along with a colour palette that would feel like home for the residents while providing guests of the hotel a luxury retreat. I sourced bespoke furniture, curated art collections and designed custom schemes that adapted from cosy residential warmth to elegant hospitality sophistication. We incorporated personal collections and travel memories into the hotel lobby while creating simple indulgence in guest suites, common areas and dining spaces. The compound featured around 120 villas, apartments, communal entertainment areas, the hotel and hotel-standard amenities including a recreation and restaurant. The most rewarding moment came when we hosted the first guests and witnessed how effortlessly the spaces transitioned from private residence to welcoming hospitality venue. This project pushed every boundary of residential design while incorporating commercial-grade functionality and luxury standards.

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

I’m particularly drawn to empty spaces and the abundance of space along with residential renovations with strong architectural character. These projects offer the perfect balance of preserving historical integrity while incorporating my own design style into a space. There’s detective work involved from uncovering original mouldings, playing with an empty space or being the one to create hidden architectural gems which will be there for decades to come. I see myself as a curator helping create stories and allowing those stories to continue with each interior curated. These projects align with my values while often producing the most unique and characterful results, I call myself the painter that sparks creative solutions.

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

Managing client expectations while staying within budget constraints is perpetually challenging. Clients often have Pinterest board visions without understanding the associated costs or timeline realities. Educating them about quality investment pieces versus budget alternatives while maintaining their enthusiasm requires delicate communication skills. Project timelines are another constant challenge whether it be contractor scheduling conflicts or unexpected structural issues that can derail even the most meticulously planned projects. The emotional aspect can be draining too but you learning to maintain your personal health and wellbeing helps quite a bit as it reflects on the interiors you create. The feast-or-famine nature of client work means financial planning is crucial.

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

I wish I’d understood the critical importance of detailed contracts and clear communication protocols from day one. Many early challenges stemmed from assumptions about timeline expectations or budget inclusions that weren’t explicitly documented. Learning to have difficult conversations upfront about realistic budgets and timelines would have saved countless headaches. I also underestimated how much of the job involves project management, vendor coordination and problem-solving rather than pure creative work. I wish I’d known to build stronger financial reserves for the irregular income patterns typical in this industry. Finally, developing a thick skin for criticism is essential as design is subjective and not every client will love every choice. Learning to separate professional feedback from personal validation was a crucial but difficult lesson.

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

While I’m still on my learning journey and far from perfect it’s hard to give tips to aspiring designers and I’d rather aspiring designers give me their tips! But develop exceptional listening skills, really listen. And have genuine curiosity about how people live. Technical design knowledge and aesthetic sensibility can be taught but the ability to truly interpret a client’s unspoken desires is what separates good designers from great ones. Spend time observing how individuals use their spaces, what causes daily frustrations and what brings them joy in their abodes. Never stop learning. from construction techniques to emerging materials to cultural design traditions. I read that the most successful designers are those who remain as curious students constantly expanding their knowledge and challenging their assumptions about what makes a space truly exceptional.

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

Sustainability and wellness-focused design will continue dominating industry trends with clients increasingly prioritising eco-friendly material and biophilic design elements yet with a touch of luxury. Smart home technology integration is becoming standard rather than luxury, requiring designers to understand technical systems alongside aesthetic principles. Virtual reality and AI-assisted design tools are revolutionising the sector making design concepts more accessible and collaborative. The post-pandemic emphasis on multi-functional spaces that accommodate different aspects of life will persist, driving demand for adaptable interiors. I also see growing appreciation for local artisans and custom-made pieces. Economic uncertainties are pushing both designers and clients toward more thoughtful long-term investments in quality pieces rather than trend-driven purchases.

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A clear understanding of the scheme

Whether it’s materials, lighting, colours, or furniture, seeing the scheme in 3D gives a more realistic representation and helps clients to explore different elements in the design before committing to them.

More collaborative

At Lewis Knox everything we do is centred around collaboration. 3D visualisation helps us to build a deeper relationship with clients and bring them into the design process. It makes it easier for clients to engage at different stages, to give detailed feedback, and to trust the process.

Better decision-making

And when you can see things in detail it leads to better – and faster decision making. Seeing the impact of choices around layout, materials, palette in a 3D visualisation helps to anticipate challenges and mitigates problems down the line.

This is particularly useful when developing bespoke pieces. It’s hard to see in 2D the functionality of a bespoke kitchen for example, but a 3D visualisation allows clients to see how individual pieces fit together and work.

No surprises

3D bridges the gap between expectation and reality. When everyone has a detailed and realistic understanding of every aspect of the design – and from every angle – there are no surprises when the project starts to take shape.

“We’re working on a large-scale residential project at the moment and while the clients loved the scheme in 2D it was on a different level in 3D. She was so happy to see her dream dressing room in three dimensions that there were almost tears!” – Simon Knox, Founder & Interior Architect

No AI: the future in 3D?

We’re always looking for new ways to be creative and to collaborate with clients – and that includes AI. There is definitely potential in the future for AI to play a role in creating 3D visualisations, but the technology isn’t there yet. While from an initial concept perspective we do use Midjourney to explore initial ideas and trends with clients when it comes to architectural accuracy there are too many handrails flying into walls and disappearing staircases in current software.

Got a project you want to discuss? Interested to see your vision in 3D? We’d love to hear from you. Call us at the studio on 01829 271585 or drop us an email: contact@lewisknox.co.uk.

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What’s your secret to stay at the forefront of the design industry?

Curiosity and adaptability. We are constantly researching, experimenting, and collaborating with artisans, suppliers, and brands to inform and improve our designs and interiors. Attending global design fairs, embracing new materials, technologies, and listening to both clients and guests allow us to stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.

How do trends influence your design style?

While we stay informed about trends, I wouldn’t say we blindly follow them. What we do instead is analysing their longevity and adaptability, incorporating elements that align with our design ethos. Over the past two decades, we’ve seen shifts from minimalism to maximalism, then the rise of biophilic design, for example. The key for us is balancing contemporary influences with timeless elegance.

How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs and everyday work?

We have published a manifesto and a new updated manifesto is about to come! It will reflect our commitment to creating responsible designs that respect the environment while maintaining luxury and comfort. Sustainability is embedded in our design process, from material selection to energy efficiency. We prioritise locally sourced materials, recycled and upcycled elements, and work with manufacturers who adhere to sustainable practices… it’s not easy but it’s our duty and responsibility in the industry.

Would you say you have a signature style or hallmark design approach?

Rather than adhering to a fixed style, we embrace a distinctive approach—one that seamlessly blends functionality with immersive, holistic experiences. Our designs are characterised by a warm, layered aesthetic, rich tactile materials, and a deep connection to the cultural and historical essence of each location. Every space is unique, yet a refined and thoughtful sensibility runs through all our work, creating an authentic and meaningful design narrative.

How do technology and innovation influence your work?

Technology is integral to both the design process and the final guest experience. Design is about crafting with the most effective tools available, and we embrace innovations that enhance efficiency and unlock creativity. By leveraging technology, we can focus on what truly matters—creating exceptional interiors that elevate the guest experience.

What has been your company’s proudest achievement so far?

It’s hard to choose just one, but being entrusted with projects for globally recognised brands and seeing our designs come to life in iconic locations is incredibly fulfilling. While winning industry awards and being featured in prestigious publications are significant milestones, the true reward comes from the positive feedback of guests who experience and connect with our spaces.

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Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?

Over the course of my 18-year career, my preferences have naturally evolved. I’ve always been a hands-on designer—capable of taking a project from initial measurements to final installation. I can create 3D visualisations, produce technical drawings, prepare budgets, and select materials. But today, what excites me most is the early conceptual phase—the creation of the design idea itself.

This is the part I now focus on most closely, while the technical development is handled by my team under my direction. What truly fascinates me is connecting with the client and uncovering what they really want—even when they’re not entirely sure themselves. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a client’s eyes light up when the final result reflects exactly what they needed—sometimes even before they realised it.

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

So much has happened in the past year—it hasn’t even been twelve months since I launched my interior design business in the UK. But without a doubt, the most memorable milestone for me was securing my very first project in this country.

It was a commercial commission that included the design of a bar, a restaurant, and an event hall—all in one multifunctional venue. I started from scratch, from the earliest concept sketches and zoning, and led the project through to its final realisation. This project will always hold a special place in my heart as the one that marked the beginning of my UK journey. Commercial spaces energise me—I truly enjoy shaping environments where people gather, celebrate, and connect.

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

For me, the most fulfilling projects are the ones where clients trust the design process and are open to creating something truly expressive. Whether it’s a residential or commercial space, what matters most is that creative dialogue and mutual respect.

That said, I personally find the greatest satisfaction in designing commercial interiors. There’s something incredibly energising about developing spaces that serve a broader audience—whether it’s a hotel, a restaurant, or a public venue. One of the most fascinating projects I’ve worked on was the Hawaii Resort Hotel, which I developed over several years. Projects like that allow me to blend strategic planning with storytelling and emotional atmosphere.

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

As someone who is naturally meticulous and highly responsible, I always strive for perfection in my work. I want every detail to be executed with precision. But interior design, especially during implementation, often brings unexpected challenges—whether it’s on-site complications or last-minute changes from clients.

One of the biggest challenges for me has been learning to remain flexible in situations that are constantly shifting. You have to adapt quickly and calmly—while still delivering quality. Balancing my perfectionist nature with the need to stay agile and responsive has definitely been one of the most demanding (and character-building) aspects of the profession.

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

In the early stages of my career, I focused heavily on the artistic side of design—on aesthetics, atmosphere, and visual impact. But over time, I’ve come to understand just how essential it is to also master the technical and constructional aspects of the work.

I wish I had realised sooner how important it is to deeply understand how things are actually built: the materials, the methods, and the hidden details behind the finished surfaces. Today, I have that experience, but I encourage every aspiring designer to take an active interest in the ‘invisible’ side of design: the structure behind the beauty.

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

Always stay focused on the final result—not just the design stage. A beautiful concept on paper means nothing if it isn’t brought to life as intended. A project should be seen through to completion. That means being involved during the implementation phase, supporting the client, and guiding the execution.

In my early years, I worked on several projects where the clients chose not to proceed with author supervision—often due to budget concerns. Sadly, many of those interiors were never realised as planned. The vision was lost in translation, and the end result didn’t reflect the original design.

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

We’re already seeing the trends that are likely to shape the next few years, and many of them were clearly reflected at this year’s Milan Design Week. That event always sets the tone for what’s to come in the industry—and this year, it was all about natural materials, bold forms, and deep, earthy colours.

I believe the interior design industry will continue to grow, both creatively and commercially. As people place more value on the aesthetics of their surroundings—whether at home or in business environments—design becomes not just a luxury, but a necessity.

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Can you share a project that best represents your design style?

We try not to have a house style which effectively means every project resembles the other. Having trained as a stage designer initially I have learned that variety of styles makes you more creative and you also never get bored with repetition. It also allows us to work on very diverse projects. What perhaps unites them is the dedication to styling factors in our design philosophy. And every project is another milestone.

How does your team collaborate on major projects?

We have the same principle of collaboration that is a very united team working together. What changes is the way we interact and brainstorm – as we move towards virtual design platforms where everything is immediate and three-dimensional collaboration becomes even more important, especially at the beginning of the project. Our collaboration often involves testing of the new standards for documentation as well and we try to immediately implement it in the workflow – this makes it very hands on as well as creative. Creativity without pragmatism and buildability will always remain just on paper.

What trends do you see shaping the future of interior design?

I believe the future is in the combination of technology and experience. Also, multicultural fluency will be paramount as the means of interaction with our clients is rapidly changing. It is not unusual for us to collaborate with our clients on different continents in totally digital format which makes our work so much more than just design behind the desk. This also extends to site supervision and collaboration with the artisans and manufacturers around the world.

How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?

Our sustainability approach is fairly simple – design for long term and stay away from “fast fashion interiors”, use natural materials and stay local if possible. Support smaller companies and work with them to produce unique elements in your designs – this takes sustainability to a more humanistic level which I value greatly.

Do you have a signature style or hallmark design approach?

I would describe our signature style as “Wellness in living environments”. Perfect harmony, precise symmetry and ergonomic and logical space planning coupled with abundance of daylight. Artificial lighting highlighting the key forms and emphasising the most important aspects of the interiors is also extremely important.

Do you have key partnerships with suppliers, manufacturers, or brands?

It is very important that we do. Ultimately without the artisans, manufacturers and suppliers no interiors can come to life. We tend to take this very seriously and rely hugely on each other’s expertise and support. These partnerships are also very long standing and have been tested by many challenges we have faced on the projects be they budget or time related. What counts is perfection and quality of the final product as well as consistency from project to project.

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Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?

I love the conceptual phase—developing a narrative or theme for the space, choosing materials, and visualising the final result. But equally rewarding is seeing the client’s reaction when a project comes to life. That emotional connection and transformation of a space is incredibly fulfilling.

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

One of the most memorable moments this past year was completing a residential apartment where the brief centered around creating a calming, minimalist space that still felt warm and personal. The client was going through a life transition and wanted the home to reflect a sense of new beginnings. Designing with emotional sensitivity—using soft textures, natural materials, and subtle colour palettes—was both challenging and fulfilling. Seeing how deeply the final result resonated with the client reminded me how powerful design can be on a personal level.

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

I particularly enjoy residential interiors where I can form a personal connection with the client. It allows for more storytelling, emotion, and detail. Tailoring a home that truly reflects someone’s personality is always a creative challenge I love.

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

Managing expectations—especially balancing creative vision with budget and time constraints—is one of the toughest parts. Communication is key to guiding clients through the process and helping them understand the decisions behind each design choice.

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

I wish I had fully understood how much of interior design goes beyond creativity. It’s not just about beautiful spaces—it’s also about technical knowledge, project coordination, time management, and working with many different personalities. The ability to navigate between the artistic vision and the practical realities of budgets, deadlines, and site conditions is something you only truly learn through experience. I’ve come to appreciate that successful design is as much about clear communication and adaptability as it is about aesthetics.

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

Be curious and stay humble. Learn from every project, no matter how small. Listen more than you speak—especially to clients. Good design starts with understanding people.

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How does your team collaborate on major projects?

Collaboration is fundamental to our approach; we understand that an aesthetic vision needs to be anchored in technical knowhow, and we value the expertise of a diverse range of shareholders on every single project who are essential to its success.

We believe in creating a collaborative environment where partners feel empowered to contribute their unique expertise and work closely with the project managers to ensure workshops are facilitated both on site and remotely, to ensure that communication remains fluid and all parties fully informed. As an interior designer, you are often the connective tissue that binds multiple parts together on a big project.

Creative collaborations are also key to our studio’s approach. We work closely with craftspeople, specialist finishers, makers, and with individual artists on all of our schemes to bring distinction to the interiors. Art is fundamental to our practice: we connect artists with the architecture of our spaces to create site specific commissions that are unique to the space. From bespoke botanical plaster murals to hand painted silk roomscapes, to funghi walls, and more recently working on a data-driven articulated sculpture, artistic collaborations are a key component in our work.

What steps do you take to stay at the forefront of the design industry?

For us this begins by constantly challenging conventional thinking. Internally, I always encourage a culture of exploration and experimentation and am continually asking the team to question why they are making specific choices. For our conceptual ideation, we always reference realms outside of design because that brings a fresh energy to the work we create and we bring in-studio education to the team through our Talk Thursdays programme that introduces alternative approaches.

We do of course actively engage with the design industry through the industry events and biennales, some of which we will be collaborating on next year. Also, given my social sciences background, I am equally interested to attend events that speak to more diverse interests. For example, new technologies or developments in the world of well-being that will eventually impact our industry, and this cross-pollination of ideas helps to encourage innovating thinking in the studio.

How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?

This is a really tough one for us as we work globally, so the very process of producing and being present across global sites is by definition unsustainable, but we actively take steps to make the process more sustainable from each location. We are very conscious of sourcing materials locally where possible, and to find local craftspeople for the construction of key elements in the scheme to lower the carbon footprint of their production.

We also prioritise the creation of unique, high-quality, durable products that are designed for longevity and timeless appeal, to be treated as future heirlooms, rather than those with a built-in obsolescence. We have learned that creating designs that endure can be a more sustainable strategy than focusing on a lot of recycled or energy-consuming methods; there is a balance to be had.

We are continuing to look at our sustainability practices, and this year hope to do a carbon-footprint audit on our projects to see if we can become more conscious of that imprint and where it is most significant so we can then work together with our clients to provide solutions that will reduce it every time.

What advice would you give to emerging designers?

Always follow the map unfolding within you. Don’t be swayed by the ‘shoulds’ and conventions that get in the way of what continually ignites your passion and makes you feel alive when you create. I took an unconventional path to get here, studying Anthropology rather than design at UCL before forging an unplanned multidisciplinary career working across editorials, television and immersive live events, before I eventually decided to deepen into interior design. I thought at the time that my idiosyncratic story would hold me back when in fact I now recognise it as the reason our studio is so distinctive. I would encourage all emerging designers to follow their curiosity and see where it takes them.

What sets your work apart in the industry?

We are committed to designing spaces that transcend trends, so our work is sometimes difficult to define. There is a bold feminine beauty that runs through all of our designs, grounded by a rational masculinity that creates a beautiful tension and lends our work a timeless quality that has an enduring integrity. There is something profoundly personal about our work and that seems to make it very memorable.

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Can you share a project that best represents your design style?

We are particularly proud of our latest development, Three Kings Mayfair, which has just completed. 1.61 London found the unique site that sits behind Grosvenor Square and crafted eight beautiful homes representing the pinnacle of contemporary living at one of London’s finest addresses. Completely private and secluded from outside view, Three Kings Mayfair offers a haven of tranquillity with access via a secure gated entry point. Located in the heart of Mayfair, the development is perfectly connected with Oxford Street and Bond Street within a short walking distance. Whether it’s a stroll in the park, shopping trip or dining out, you’ve got all you need on your doorstep.

1.61 London and Urbanwise set up a new joint venture in 2021 after working together on a number of multi-unit new build residential developments with a combined portfolio value of over £1bn. The two developers partnered with Investment firm Valpre Capital for the delivery of the Three Kings Mayfair project.

How does your team collaborate on major projects?

We have spent years finding a best-in-class team that covers the entire remit of sourcing, funding, designing, rendering and then delivering a development or client led project. These in house skills allow us to create a fully considered vision for a project. Each team member is heavily involved in supporting the delivery of any of the projects we are undertaking through continuous teamwork and collaboration under the leadership of Michael who always ensures that the team are laser focused on delivering the absolute best possible result.

What steps do you take to stay at the forefront of the design industry?

Our clients demand that we continue to innovate and source the best products from around the world and so this is a continual process that happens naturally. There are always areas you can improve on and so we always push to find better designs and solutions to problems. Michael is relentless in his pursuit of achieving perfection.

What trends do you see shaping the future of interior design?

For us we always look to incorporate seamless technology into our designs. From an industry standpoint we see a return to detail rather than minimalism and that is something we love because we take pride in really delivering a highly detailed and luxurious design scheme for our projects.

How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?

This is becoming a necessity in any new build project where you are looking at the new SAP requirements pushing new heating solutions for example. Our latest development incorporates a green roof and as we move forward, we are having to retrofit rather than start from fresh because planning is forcing such changes.

Do you have key partnerships with suppliers, manufacturers, or brands?

This is something that is very different about 1.61 London. We have a huge procurement arm and do not work through intermediaries. Michael and I are passionate about finding the best products in the market and getting the best possible pricing. We were like this from day one and this has now become a real strength for our business with so many unique relationships that are invaluable to us achieving the types of designs/developments we undertake!

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Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?

As the Founder and Creative Director at Be-Kin, one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is community building.

I’m lucky to have an incredibly talented team and to work with clients and suppliers who often become friends. The community around Be-Kin is very rich and authentic, and every day I interact with someone who inspires me.

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

We completed several projects in the Cotswolds and in London in the past year. Our clients are delighted with the results, and so are we. This makes me very happy and very proud of the team.

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

I have designed all sorts of projects. What makes a project particularly memorable to me is the relationship I build with the client and knowing that they love being in the space that we created for them.

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

Interior designers rely on many external parties to bring their designs to life, including furniture suppliers and contractors. A challenge can be working with a supplier or contractor whose customer service and/or quality doesn’t match the designer’s or clients’ expectations.

At Be-Kin, we mitigate this risk by having a preferred list of suppliers and contractors.

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

Interior designer is a creative job, but most of the work is project co-ordination and management. I think it would be beneficial for more interior designers to be aware of this.

I recently completed an MBA at University College London, which has been very beneficial in terms of managing my studio and strategically running multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.

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

Interior design is a very competitive field. I recommend going to school and taking formal education in design and then working hard to get a good internship. Be focused, present and have a ‘can-do’ attitude when you’re interning, because this is the best way to be offered a job.

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

I recently studied the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Interior Design Industry as part of my MBA thesis at University College London. I believe more AI-generated apps for the design industry will come to market, providing things like quick 3D visuals. However, I believe these will mostly be target to clients directly and for the mass market. High-net worth clients, like those that we work with at Be-Kin, will still want special and bespoke designs that cannot be generated by AI.

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