Almas Shamsee is the founder and creative director at Maisha Design. She originally trained as an economist, but after almost ten years in the financial services industry she decided to pursue her passion for interior design. Almas formalised her training at the prestigious Chelsea College of Art and Design and formed Maisha Design in 2008.

Maisha (named after the Swahili word for life) Design is a London-based design practice specialising in bespoke interior and spatial design. They aim to create timeless interiors that are both functional and beautiful. Projects including private apartments and houses in London and the South of France.

Mark Lewis originally set up his eponymous interior design studio in 2008, after renovating a number of homes for himself and his friends. Over the last 15 years, Mark’s hard work and hard-won expertise have allowed the studio to develop from a one-man-band into a thriving North London-based business.

The studio have streamlined the renovating process, pooling design and construction experience and expertise so that clients don’t have to juggle multiple contractors. In 2017, the studio launched its own home store, which is known for its signature bronze hardware, hand cast in the UK.

Mark Lewis Interior Design put focus on reclaimed and reused materials across their modern British design style, working on projects both in London and further afield. From bespoke furniture design to full house renovations, every details falls under the studio’s meticulous remit.

@mark_lewis_i_d

Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS) was founded by interior architect Martin Brudnizki in 2000. Established in London, MBDS set-up a New York design practice in 2012. Known for bringing a lived-in-luxurious feel to high-glamour projects, MBDS is responsible for designing some of the world’s most celebrated interiors, including The Ivy, Soho Beach House Miami, Scott’s and Cecconi’s West Hollywood. They’ve also received notable recognition, including accolades from Wallpaper*, Tatler and Harper’s Bazaar. Their projects range from restaurants, hotels and private clubs to large-scale residential developments and helping a select number of people to create their dream homes.

Photography by James McDonald

McLaren.Excell are an award winning design-led architecture and interiors practice based in Central London. The practice is co-directed by Luke McLaren and Robert Excell, working primarily on private residential and commercial projects.

We love what we do and invest great energy in delivering projects which are beautifully conceived and finely crafted. We respond to our clients’ needs by designing projects in a very intimate and hands-on way, collaborating with people that we know and trust.

Established in 2010, the practice has taken on a diverse range of work in a short time, steadily building a reputation for producing buildings which have a calm authority and finely nuanced sense of place. Our studio has become a place of continual investigation into how we can develop our original ideas into a built reality and this process is driven by our genuine passion for good design.

Established in 2017 by Michael Collins and Anna Milroy, Hertfordshire-based architecture and design practice, Michael Collins Architects, is particularly interested in exploring how the specific qualities of rural and urban environments can generate new forms of architecture. The practice places emphasis on the inventive use of building materials, the qualities of light and the relationship between building and landscape. Michael Collins has a RIAS accreditation in Sustainable Architecture, and the studio combines practice with teaching and research on sustainable urban planning and construction systems, funded through the University of Cambridge.

The practice’s work has attracted a number of awards; a RIBA East award in 2019, HAA Award in 2020, and the New London Architecture Award. Their work has also gained recognition in the press, being featured in Dezeen and ArchDaily.

@michaelcollinsarchitects

Image credit: Michael Collins Architects (1-8); Jacob Milligan (9-10)

Neil Dusheiko Architects is an architectural design studio based in Islington, North London. Established in 2011, the team works on small, carefully crafted projects that have a richness of detail. Their portfolio of well-designed residential and commercial projects includes the award winning Timber Fin House. Through the use of natural light and materials in their work, the practice creates buildings that are elegant and timeless, and contribute to their surroundings.

Nia has been designing residential spaces since 1997 and was a founding Director of both Studio Ohm and Cloud Design Studios. She established Nia Morris Studio in 2016 and it is now a busy practice based in London and the Cotswolds specialising in residential interior design. Nia and her team are great advocates of an eclectic approach – mixing vintage with new, a cool, linear interior with a big rococo statement piece, a monochrome colour scheme with a single splash of bright colour. This is not an “anything goes” approach but a carefully considered assessment of how pieces work together.  This is apparent from the end results which feel cohesive and deliberate and anything but random.

Nice Projects is lead by Simone McEwan – former Design Director for Soho House and Project Director at Studioilse – and Sacha Leong, who spent the last 15 years working across the architecture and design industries, most notably for Studioilse and Universal Design Studio, where he designed and delivered London’s Ace Hotel and Singapore’s Odette.

Their combined cross-disciplinary skillset allows them to work holistically across the entire creative process, on a range of projects. The studio focusses on creating spaces that are welcome, enjoyable and inspiring, be them residential homes or commercial environments. Sustainability and longevity act as guiding principles for every brief.

@nice_projects

Image credits: Dairy Farm, Hertfordshire by Tom Mannion (1-8); Highgate House (designed by Michaelis Boyd) by Taran Wilkhu (9-12).

Founded by architect Alex Nikjoo, London-based architecture practice and interior consultancy Nikjoo prides itself on creating adaptable design solutions that flex with the demands of everyday living. With a roster of both private and commercial clients that includes a school, private homes and a world-famous department store, the firm is as adept at conjuring up a temporary installation as it is in transforming an ex-mission-house-turned-home-studio.

User experience is paramount, as is the idea of future-proofing a space, and Nikjoo always has the long game in mind. ‘We do this by creating buildings and spaces that can adapt over their lifetime to the changing needs of their current and future occupiers. Feeding into our commitment to improving the environmental and social fabric, through a circular economy approach for each project we undertake.’

Aucoot Property Sales.
Lode, Stoke Newington N16

Founded by Sheena Murphy in 2014, Nune is a small design studio run by the London-based Murphy and her New York-based partner, Tor Sauder. The studio’s cross-Atlantic presence sees them taking on residential, commercial and staging projects all over the globe. Nune believe that simplicity is key to a good interior, and that simple, considered design positively contributes to the wellbeing of those immersed in it.

As well as upmost consideration for the desires and needs of their clients, Nune put priority on the health of the planet and its people. With this as a central tenant, small businesses and craftspeople are used as much as possible, collaborating with Nune on spaces that make their inhabitants or users feel good, be them a home’s kitchen, a coffee shop or a hotel room.

Image credits: Queens Park Avenue by Michael Sinclair (1-3 & cover); Slope Kitchen, 18th Street Loft & Bruey Cottage by Nicole Franzen (4, 8-9 & 11-12); 4th Street Townhouse by Sarah Elliott (5-7); Hopefield House by Genevieve Lutkin (10)

@studio_nune

Since 2000, Clare Pascoe has offered a comprehensive interior design service from her design studio in Oving, West Sussex. Specialising in her signature vintage contemporary interior design style, Clare sources and imports original Mid Century furniture from the UK and Europe, which is then sympathetically restored & reupholstered in Oving, giving a unique and highly desirable interior style. Championing British suppliers and makers, ranging from traditionally handmade sofas, fabrics woven in mills across the UK and paints innovatively recycled in West Sussex, Clare offers a sustainable interior design solution, celebrating the best of British skilled industries, without incurring the over inflated price tag usually associated with Eco Design solutions.

Pia is an interior designer who puts sustainability at the forefront of her designs, working with clients to create their perfect home through reimagining and refurbishment. With a degree in Interior Architecture, Pia intuitively balances the context of the building itself with the lifestyle of her clients to create long-lasting and beautiful homes that feel truly personal to their inhabitants.

Image credits: Eden House (1-3) and Seville House (4-6) by Mary Wadsworth; and The Field House (7-8) by Anna Yanovski.

@piainteriordesign

Rory Macpherson studied interior design at the Inchbald School in Knightsbridge, winning Principal’s Prize when he graduated and, at aged just 23, went on to work for a well-established design company designing super-high-end homes and yachts in the UK and Italy. He founded Play Associates in 2011.

Having now completed a dozen homes, offices and bars in and around London, Play’s current projects include a large family home in Primrose Hill town house and a mansion flat in Maida Vale.

Founded in 2002, Powell Tuck Associates is an award-winning architecture and interiors practice based in West London. The practice take on both new and existing buildings, weaving their passion for detail and commitment to honest materials into every undertaking. Crafted quality is the key to their elegant spaces, which are developed in constant and inclusive conversation with all stake holders, every step of the way.

Powell Tuck Associates’ current directors, Adrian Lees and Angus Shepherd, have worked with the practice since its founding. As such, they bring the strength of their long association with the studio’s overarching collective experience to execute projects with conviction and creativity, never compromising on function and an effective build. The practice look to use sustainable materials and energy systems wherever possible, ensure the future-proof potential of every project.

@powelltuckassociates

Image credits: London House (cover and 1-2); Camden House (3-4); Barlby Road (5-8); Oxford Gardens (9-10); and Thornhill Road (11-12).

RAW Interiors was founded by Rachel Aisling Walker, an interior architect and designer, with extensive experience running high-end residential, commercial and exhibition projects. She established her own studio after working in-house for Casson Mann, Rolfe Judd Architects, Harriet Anstruther Studio, and, most recently, as a senior interior designer at Rose Uniacke, where she spent six years.

Her aesthetic sensibility is deeply rooted in her upbringing in the lakeside town of Angera, in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Countless childhood visits to the historic palaces in the surrounding area were an early source of inspiration: from richly furnished rooms to Renaissance gardens.

Rachel’s approach to interiors fuses architectural, design, and historical elements, resulting in elegant interiors that are serene, timeless, and inviting. Her work is a testament to her skill in mixing antique, modern, and contemporary furniture with her own designs, always with an eye for the unexpected.

Rachel’s expertise extends to all aspects of a project, from design to construction. Her calm, measured and meticulous approach resonates with both clients and contractors.

Rebekah founded her design practice, Rebekah Caudwell Design, in 2009. She is based in London & NYC, with projects running simultaneously on both sides of the Atlantic. Her design work is mainly residential, a primary focus being Greenwich Village Townhouses, and she has also refurbished a super yacht and a Cap d’Antibes villa.

Rebekah believes in creating something personal, warm and dramatic. She has an inherent understanding of space and how to maximize its potential. Unafraid of risks, she has a bold and exciting aesthetic which she achieves with graphic patterning and strong colour use.

Based in Shoreditch and with offices in Los Angeles and Barcelona, progressive architectural and design studio Red Deer is “a herd of Architects, friends and designers” who create striking spaces that reflect their love of expression, travel and originality. Previous residential projects include a variety of creative London homes, plus an impressive commercial client list including Lina Stores, Smokestak, Bourne and Hollingsworth and Uniqlo.

Red Deer was founded by Lionel Real de Azúa, Ciarán O’Brien and Lucas Che Tizard who all worked together previously at an architectural practice in West London. A shared love of the unexpected informs their work and they set out with a desire to better engage with the world around them. The diverse team’s skillset also encompasses set design, prop and product design and teaching.

Images by Hannah Wilson, Emma Lewis and Mariell Lind Hansen.

Rita has worked as an interior designer for the past 12 years, including a six year stint in New York. Now based in London, she continues to criss-cross the Atlantic for selected projects. Rita twins her design commissions with style journalism: she’s European editor for T Magazine at The New York Times, and also writes a column for House & Garden.

Founded in 2009 and based in central London, specialist design practice Robert Rhodes Architecture and Interiors have completed a selection of outstanding residential projects across London – from small-scale interventions to complex and ambitious renovations. 

The multi-award-winning studio has a particular focus on listed buildings, regeneration, interiors, and small-scale development, all with a goal to sustain “the beauty, usefulness and relevance of our built environment through conservation, restoration, and development”. 

With their commitment to the importance of conservation and regeneration, Robert Rhodes Architecture and Interiors transform old houses to create useful, practical and beautiful spaces. Director Robert Rhodes trained in the Bauhaus tradition and practised contemporary classicism – this thoughtful approach is evident in the studio’s exceptional attention to detail. 

Founded in 2006, this RIBA Chartered Practice is based in Bloomsbury, Central London. Having worked in some of London’s oldest areas, Rodić Davidson Architects possess particular expertise in historic buildings, creating sensitive and contextual designs that have earned the practice a reputation for obtaining difficult planning consents for both new-build and existing properties.

This award-winning architecture, design, and interiors studio believe that buildings are an extension of ourselves and our environment, and their portfolio expands from Listed Buildings in London to farmstead and country houses in rural locations across the UK. Rodić Davidson Architects combine sensitivity and ambition to celebrate both heritage and modernity, whilst always keeping their client’s commercial interests in mind.

@rodicdavidsonarchitects / @rodicdavidsoninteriors

Image credits: Mews House, Belgravia by (1-3) Lorenzo Zandri; New-build home in St John’s Wood (4) by Will Pryce; Townhouse, Belgravia (5); Hans Town Apartment, Knightsbridge (6) by Lorenzo Zandri; Former Artist’s Studio #2, Chelsea (7) by Rory Gardiner; Sartor House, Chelsea (8) and North Vat, Dungeness (9) by Hélène Binet; Former Artist’s Studio, Chelsea (10) by Mark Luscombe-Whyte; Garden Square Apartment, Kensington (11-12) by Lorenzo Zandri.