Speaker Biographies

Athena Calderone

Athena Calderone is a multidisciplinary creative whose work spans design and entertaining.

Whether she is layering flavours in the kitchen, setting a bountiful table, or designing an entire room, Athena is renowned for her graceful yet juxtaposed pairings. Across her creative endeavours, she is fuelled by her belief that beautiful food and thoughtful design bring people together and turn little moments into lasting memories. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Food & Wine, Vogue, Bon Appétit, Harper’s Bazaar, Martha Stewart, Goop, Elle Decor and more.

Deemed “the modern girl’s Martha Stewart” by the New York Times, she has written two books, Cook Beautiful (Abrams 2017) and Live Beautiful (Abrams 2020), which expand on her culinary and design content that she regularly publishes on Eyeswoon. Her cookbook, Cook Beautiful received the highest culinary honour – a James Beard Award for photography. Live Beautiful remains a number one bestseller on Amazon’s prestigious home decor list. It is both a showpiece of exquisite design, and a guide to creating a home that is thoughtfully put together. Top international brands regularly invite Athena to lend her design eye and culinary talents to creative direction projects.

Athena’s podcast, More Than One Thing, focuses on multi-hyphenate talents whose creative interests have led them on a nonlinear career path. Through raw and honest conversations with dynamic creatives, it is revealed how each person navigated roadblocks, pushed through uncertainties, and challenged themselves to explore a variety of professional endeavours. Athena’s interview style immediately resonated with listeners, with more than 150 downloads in her first season, MTOT found a place in the Apple podcast top 100. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, son, and puppy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah Spiteri

Sarah Spiteri is editorial director of Homes & Gardens, Livingetc and 25 Beautiful Homes. Last year saw Homes & Gardens celebrate its centenary. It is the magazine brand that defines timeless style and offers elegant, sophisticated and aspirational yet accessible decorating. Livingetc is the UK’s best-loved modern homes magazine brand, cornering the urban glamour market and showcasing stunning houses, clever shopping and creative styling ideas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simon Rawlings

As creative director of David Collins Studio, Simon Rawlings has overseen the realisation of some of the world’s most iconic hospitality, residential and retail spaces. In the course of two decades at The Studio, he has collaborated with clients such as Alexander McQueen and Mandarin Oriental, both in reinventing prominent buildings and establishing important new landmarks.

Working on projects across the globe, in a myriad of sectors that spans residential projects (private homes and commercial residences), hotels, restaurants and bars, furniture design, and luxury food and fashion retail design, Simon has been instrumental in setting the blueprint for The Studio’s work, which combines a near-obsessive attention to detail with virtuoso use of colour as a means of crafting mood through environment.

A passionate believer in ‘creating luxury through quality’, he has always been a committed advocate of craft, supporting artisanship while encouraging design innovation. Functionality remains a cornerstone of his design philosophy. This, combined with a profound understanding of brands and an acute sense of the way people live, enables him to design spaces they can use and inhabit in total harmony.

Born in Wales, Simon studied interior design at Birmingham University where he gained both his Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees. He joined David Collins Studio in 1997 and was appointed creative director in 2007, overseeing the creative output of The Studio. Mindful of the importance of nurturing new talent, he now devotes considerable energy to mentoring and teaching.

Simon draws inspiration from everyday observation and from his travels. Under his tenure, David Collins Studio has received more than thirty high-profile awards, including the Prix Versailles 2016 for Alexander McQueen, Paris and The Best Bar in The World 2013, 2014 and 2015 for the Artesian at The Langham, London. He remains committed to the belief that ‘the clarity of an idea ensures the longevity of a design’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alastair Hughes

Alistair Hughes is managing director and owner of Savoir, makers of the world’s most extraordinary beds. Savoir’s heritage lies with the iconic Savoy Hotel. The company was started in 1905 as the Savoy Bedworks to give guests the best night’s sleep.

Alistair purchased the brand in 1997 with his business partner, and Savoir was born. Previous to this, Alistair graduated from Jesus College Cambridge with a degree in economics and worked as a strategy consultant with LEK in the UK, Australia and the Philippines.

Handcrafted in London and Wales, Savoir’s tailor-made beds have become almost as legendary as the stars that have slept in them. With 14 global showrooms, from London to New York, Paris to Shanghai, Savoir’s mission is to provide every customer with the most comfortable and stylish bed imaginable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Helen Brocklebank

Helen Brocklebank is the chief executive of Walpole, the sector body for UK luxury brands. Walpole’s purpose is to protect, promote and develop a business sector worth ÂŁ48 billion to the UK economy, and the organisation’s 270 members include Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Bentley, Fortnum & Mason, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, and Wedgwood. Before joining Walpole, Helen built her career in publishing, notably at Harper’s Bazaar and Esquire magazines. She serves on the Countess of Wessex Women in Business committee for the Duke of Edinburgh Award charity and lives in West London with her husband and two children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yabu Pushelberg

George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg are the co-founders of Yabu Pushelberg. Having evolved from a studio focused on interior design into a creative agency specialising in interiors, architecture, lighting and textile design, product, styling and branding, Yabu Pushelberg touches on every element of experience, and the alchemy of the studio allows for the thoughtful design of dynamic spaces that resonate emotionally. At its most aspirational, Yabu Pushelberg is composed not of designers, but rather makers of memories, each responsible for creating and curating experiences that elevate, inspire and engage guests in memorable, powerful ways. The studio strives to redefine experience and leave lasting impression on both mind and soul.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anne Golden

Seasoned hotelier Anne Golden has worked with luxury brands such as Morgans Hotel Group and Mondrian, successfully managing new openings and overseeing rebrands thanks to her painstaking attention to detail, vast experience and dedication. In her role as general manager of Pan Pacific London, the group’s first foray into Europe, she will manage property operations, business development, brand positioning and revenue management, as well as looking after all food & beverage outlets, consolidating the hotel as a dining destination for Londoners and international guests alike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ben Thomas

Ben Thomas is assistant editor at Sleeper Media, the publisher and event organiser serving the hospitality design community worldwide. Having joined the company in 2017, he now contributes to its magazine portfolio – comprising Sleeper (hospitality experience & design), Supper (hotel food & drink), and Starboard, a new publication focusing on the design and development of cruise ships, river boats, sleeper trains and aeroplanes – and their affiliated websites. Ben also supports AHEAD, the awards for hospitality experience and design, attends a number of exhibitions and investment conferences, and can quite often be found checking into new hotel developments around the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew Hills

Andrew and Sarah Hills founded Porta Romana in 1988 after a year of living together in Florence. From a tiny workshop in the Wandsworth Road, they built the business into a world-class brand that creates light fittings and furniture for the world’s most beautiful interiors. Having designed their collections together for 30 years, Sarah stepped down in 2018 to pursue her painting career, and Andrew took over as creative director.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sally Storey

Sally Storey, creative director of John Cullen Lighting, is one of the country’s leading lighting experts. Much of her time is spent traveling all over the world to design lighting schemes for individual and corporate clients. She has written three very successful, well-received books on the subject of lighting and is regularly asked to speak at top interior design events.

Sally was awarded a scholarship to train as an architect at Bristol University (1980 – 83). During this time, she started to work with John Cullen, widely acknowledged as a pioneer of modern lighting in the UK. On his death in 1986, Sally began to run the business. Sally’s first book, Lighting was published by Quadrille in April 2000 and quickly established itself as the practical bible on lighting. Sally’s second book, Lighting by Design, was published by Pavilion in Autumn 2002. Sally’s third book, Perfect Lighting was published by Jacqui Small. Her books excite readers on how lighting design can transform luxury homes with creative illustrations, to inspire with light.

She is an immensely articulate lecturer and has spoken at exhibitions as well as at the Royal Institute of British Architect (RIBA) conferences and has been a judge at the National Lighting Design Awards, The Society of Garden Designer Awards and the World Superyacht Awards. Sally has appeared on television numerous times including Channel 4’s ‘Grand Designs’. Sally was responsible for designing the John Cullen showroom which contain several roomsets and the unique lighting pod.

Sally lives in Notting Hill with her husband, Christopher, and their three children. She has recently moved into her old childhood home designing all the interiors and, of course, a new lighting scheme for its recent refurbishment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sophie Paterson

Sophie Paterson set up her eponymous firm in 2008. Fast forward 12 years and her team of 10 designers and interior architects forms one of the leading interior design studios in London, specialising in luxury residential projects across the world.

Current projects include two 20,000 square foot villas in Oman, a 13,000 square foot home in St John’s wood, a 10,000 square foot home in Kensington Gardens, a 13,000 square foot new build in Chelmsford, a new-build project next to Buckingham Palace, and numerous Grade II listed properties across London. In total Sophie Paterson Interiors is currently designing over 100,000 square foot of high end residential property across the world.

Sophie was an early adopter of social media and her verified account on Instagram with 414,000 followers makes her the most followed interior designer in the UK on social media.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pierre Frey

Pierre Frey, eldest grandson to the man who founded the company that bears his name, was born in Paris in 1976; he graduated from a business school in Paris.

In 1999 Pierre heard the calling to join the family business. His father Patrick Frey, wanting a well-rounded training for him, insisted that he learn all aspects of the business by arranging internships at their various mills and clients.

Pierre’s first area of responsibility was the Middle East, the Asian markets, and finally France. Recognising the huge growth potential yet to be realized, in 2007 Pierre joined Pierre Frey Inc. Based in New York, he spent his time traveling the US and Canada overseeing sales and business development. He has been back in France since June 2011, as the head of communication for the group.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

david/nicolas

David Raffoul and Nicolas Moussallem have established a global presence since they set up their studio, david/nicolas, in Beirut in 2011. Their innovative approach to contrasting materials, along with their unique way of blending retro, contemporary and futuristic elements, gives their work a timeless aesthetic that translates to a wide range of projects, from furniture design to high-end bespoke interiors.

David and Nicolas met at the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts, where they both studied for a Bachelor’s degree in interior design, going on to undertake Masters degrees at the Scuola Politecnica Di Design in Milan. After graduating, both undertook internships with international design studios, Nicolas going on to freelance for a year in Beirut while David worked as a designer at Fabrica, in Treviso, Italy.

Since 2011, david/nicolas has staged several exhibitions and collaborated with established international brands. The duo’s “retro-futuristic” aesthetic is rooted in a wide range of influences, from Oriental geometry, to antique furniture, to robots, space travel and the music of Daft Punk. The partnership is built on mutual criticism, as much as encouragement.

David creates detailed sketches while Nicolas prefers to write down his ideas, and no design is ever completed without both partners’ input. While one is working on a design, the other will often “hack” it, vetoing a particular aspect or suggesting an addition that necessitates a fresh approach.

The duo’s breakout year came in 2014 at the Milan Design Week during which the New York Times selected them as one of the design week’s three breakout stars. Later the same year, they held their first solo show in Beirut, “Loulou/Hoda” at JM Design Gallery, exhibiting pieces inspired by their grandmothers that combined oriental and western as well as antique and contemporary influences. Subsequently, the studio introduced its first industrial project at Maison & Objet, the “Orquestra” tableware collection for Vista Alegre, which was awarded the Red Dot Design Award and the Wallpaper* Award.

From local Lebanese newspapers to international magazines, david/nicolas have not come short of making an appearance in their most prominent articles. The duo was selected by Wallpaper* for their Power 200 as part of their pick of “20 designers under 40”, they were also highlighted among the 86 designers of the year 2015 by AD magazine in France.

david/nicolas work on multiple types of projects, from collaborations with considerable international brands, to the design of their own pieces, like the “Paume” collection, exhibited at Nilufar Gallery in 2015. Since 2016 they are represented by Carpenters Workshop Gallery, which exhibits their limited edition pieces such as the “Monocle” cabinet. They also work with individual clients on projects that capture their imaginations, whether that means refurbishing a classic car or designing a custom interior for a high-end restaurant. Their near obsessive attention to detail means that they leave nothing to chance – every last aspect of the interior is designed and produced

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charlotte Abrahams

Charlotte Abrahams is a freelance writer and curator. As well as contributing regular features to a variety of publications, including FT How to Spend It, The Design Edit and Design Anthology, she also writes books, both under her own name and as a ghost. Her latest book, Love Pattern, Choosing Patterns to Live With will be published by Ivy Press in the autumn. Her curating work includes The Craft of Wallpaper at the Geffrye Museum, Rodmarton Re-Imagined at Rodmarton Manor in Gloucestershire and the bi-annual new design showcase Spotted at Top Drawer.

For Focus/20, she spoke to architect Peter Marino and led the Creative Collaborations sessions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peter Marino

Peter Marino is the principal of Peter Marino Architect, an internationally acclaimed architecture firm founded in 1978.  Working globally across a broad range of project types and scales, Marino is recognised for equal emphasis on architecture and interior design for residential, cultural, and commercial projects – including flagships for Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Graff, Bulgari, Zegna, and Fendi.  Known for integrating art within architectural designs, Marino has commissioned more than 300 site-specific works of art over the past 30 years.  He is Chairman of Venetian Heritage Foundation and sits on the board for Committee of L’Union Centrale des Arts DĂ©coratifs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nicolò Favaretto Rubelli

Nicolò Favaretto Rubelli is the vice president and CEO of Rubelli, an antique firm acquired in Venice by his family in 1889 with a remarkable history, it is now in its fifth generation. The company produces and sells world-class furnishing fabrics – damask, lampas, velvet, texture, both decorative and high performance – setting trends and standards in the world of textile design. Over the past one-and-a-half centuries the company has firmly positioned itself a leader in Italy and is highly regarded around the globe. NicolĂČ overseas all development of new products and collections, working with designers for the different brands of the Rubelli Group. Nicolò had a major role in starting a partnership with Giorgio Armani to create a new line in 2009, named: Armani/Casa Exclusive Textiles by Rubelli with new designs for 2020 soon to launch, with Peter Marino for his award winning capsule collection and with Luca Nichetto for the Carnevale collection. In 2015 the activity of the group was enlarged from the textile to the furnishing field with the launch of Rubelli Casa, creating beautifully crafted furniture upholstered in Rubelli fabric.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Martin H. Redmayne

Martin Redmayne is chairman and editor in chief of The Superyacht Group. Having visited nearly every shipyard in the world from Auckland to Seattle and stepped on board over 1000 yachts and met countless owners, builders, designer and brokers over the years, Martin brings over 30 years of unrivalled experience in the superyacht market, as a journalist, analyst and commentator. He is passionate about design, engineering, ownership, the oceans and sustainability, regularly chairing and speaking on these various topics on stages across the world. When he is not observing superyachts and commenting on the market, he loves being on or near the sea with his friends and family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lester Bennett

Lester Bennett is currently President of the BIID, having joined the BIID Council in 2018. He is an independent design consultant with 40 years of design experience. His career has included founding his own practice, working as a design director for a leading residential developer and as a founding partner of Folio Design LLP. Lester specialises in residential interior architecture and design, whilst also having a wide range of experience in commercial and retail design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Woulfe

Brian Woulfe founded multi award-winning London interior design studio Designed by Woulfe. With over a decade’s experience he has overseen projects throughout Europe, the US and Asia-Pacific regions creating modern, classic designs reflecting his intrinsic understanding of the international property market. He is passionate about creating comfortable, luxurious yet playful interiors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harriet Forde

Harriet Forde is an experienced interior designer and the founder of London-based practice Harriet Forde Design. Recognised for her work with commercial, hotel and residential clients, she is regularly commissioned to work on projects across the UK, continental Europe and the Middle East. Harriet is past President of the BIID and continues to play a key role in the strategic development of the BIID, working on the BIID Council.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elspeth Pridham

Elspeth Pridham is editor of Studio, the magazine aimed at interior designers, architects and property developers. Studio is a professional publication with its finger on the pulse. It is free to subscribe, simply visit the website studio-news.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael S. Smith

Michael S. Smith is considered one of the most original and respected talents in the design industry today. With an international profile of residential, hospitality, and commercial clients, Smith’s style is a seamless blend of European classicism and American modernism. He is a long-time member of the AD100 and was named Designer of the Year by Elle Decor. In 2010, Smith was appointed by President Obama to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House. His work has been celebrated in five beautiful books Elements of Style (2007), Houses (2008) and Kitchens and Baths (2011), Building Beauty (2013), and The Curated House (2015). His latest book Designing History – The Extraordinary Art & Style of the Obama White House was published by Rizzoli in September 2020.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hatta Byng

Hatta Byng is the editor of House & Garden magazine. She arrived at the magazine as features editor in 2006, and became the deputy editor in October 2013.Hatta studied History of Art and Architecture, and has also worked as an interior designer, as well as a two-year stint for the South African edition of House & Garden whilst living in Cape Town. She lives in west London with her husband and three small children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ray Booth

An Alabama native, Ray Booth spent over a decade competing successful tenures at John Saladino and Clodagh in New York before returning to Nashville as a partner at McAlpine interior design firm.

Ray’s first book, the bestselling Evocative Interiors, was published by Rizzoli in 2018 and his work has received significant recognition from many prestigious publications, including Architectural Digest, Elle DĂ©cor, Veranda, Wall Street Journal, and Vogue.com.

Ray’s vision for today’s lifestyle is encapsulated in his product collections with leading home furnishing manufacturers including Arteriors. With an undimmed passion for beauty, Ray shares his life and homes in New York and Nashville with his husband John Shea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lucy Tilley

Lucy Tilley heads the Adjaye Associates’ London Studio as the associate principal where she oversees all projects in the United Kingdom, Europe, Middle East, Asia & Australasia. She was instrumental to many of the early civic and cultural projects that brought the studio to notoriety in London from the Ideas Stores community libraries in Whitechapel to Rivington Place in Hackney.

She facilitated the growth of the office into international markets from the Aishti Mixed-Use Foundation in Beirut to current work such as the Abrahamic Family House, an interfaith complex in Abu Dhabi. Lucy trained at Southbank University and received her Diploma for the Architectural Association.

Photo credit: © Ed Reeve.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ben Spriggs

Ben Spriggs is the UK editor of ELLE Decoration, the world’s bestselling interiors magazine. With almost 20 years’ experience of lifestyle, interiors and design journalism, he has divided his career between newspapers and print magazines.

Having held senior roles at The Sunday Times Style, The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph, Ben also worked on the UK launch of InStyle, Livingetc and edited Real Homes. He has spent much of the last ten years driving the ELLE Decoration brand in the UK and took over the editorship in July 2017.

With an avid interest in contemporary design and décor and an unrivalled reputation, Ben also often gives talks, chairs discussions and acts as a spokesperson for the interiors industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nate Berkus

Nate Berkus is one of the world’s most influential designers. His work has been featured in publications including Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Vogue, InStyle, O Magazine, and People. Berkus is a top name on Elle Decor’s A-List and was featured on the AD100 list in 2018. His popular product lines include a bed and bath collection, a roller shade collection, and a furniture line. Berkus’ latest collaboration, a fabric collection for Kravet, launched in summer 2019. He has authored two New York Times bestselling books, Home Rules (2005) and The Things That Matter (2012). Audiences have also followed Berkus through his television shows, including the daily syndicated The Nate Berkus Show and 2014’s American Dream Builders on NBC. His latest show, Nate & Jeremiah By Design, premiered on TLC in 2017 and ran for three seasons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott Kravet

Scott Kravet is the chief creative director of Kravet Inc., overseeing all aspects of product development for Kravet Inc. and its brands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emily Brooks

Emily Brooks is an award-winning journalist and editor specialising in interiors, architecture and design. London-based, she writes for the Daily Telegraph, Grand Designs and the IIDA’s Perspective magazine, among others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giles Kime

Giles Kime is executive editor of Country Life magazine and author of four books including Nina Campbell Interior Decoration. He started his career on The World of Interiors, has held senior positions on both House & Garden and Homes & Gardens magazine and previously edited the interiors pages of the Daily Telegraph.

Giles Kime is executive editor of Country Life magazine and author of four books including Nina Campbell Interior Decoration. He started his career on The World of Interiors Magazine, has held senior positions on both House & Garden and Homes & Gardens magazine and previously edited the interiors pages of the Daily Telegraph.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emma Burns

Emma Burns worked for Charles Hammond prior to joining Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler in 1984, initially managing the Colefax and Fowler fabric showroom at Brook Street and then working closely with Roger Banks-Pye, before establishing her own interior design team.

Inspired by her love of art and design, Emma is an avid collector of new ideas seen and noted on her worldwide travels. Her ability to absorb the new and to re-interpret it in a classically elegant context has won her an international following of new and returning clients. She says: “Interiors should enhance the lives and sensibilities of those who live there, reflecting their taste in fashion, art and books. I can’t bear impersonal interiors.”

Emma has work on high-profile private commissions all over the world, including a villa in Mustique, town houses in Moscow and Paris, a chateau near Nice, chalets in Switzerland, as well as countless London and English country residences.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tom Stuart-Smith

Tom Stuart-Smith is a landscape architect whose work combines naturalism with modernity and built forms with romantic planting. He has designed gardens, parks and landscapes throughout the world, for clients including the Royal Horticultural Society, the Royal Academy of Arts and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Current projects include a garden square at King’s Cross for Argent LLP and the Aga Khan Foundation, several projects at Chatsworth, a garden for the Scottish baronial estate of Aldourie Castle, a new public garden at the Hepworth Wakefield, and the masterplan for RHS Garden Bridgewater which is the largest new garden project in the UK. He has also designed eight award winning gardens for the Chelsea Flower Show, all of which were presented with gold medals and three ‘Best in Show’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steele Marcoux

Steele Marcoux is editor-in chief of Veranda magazine. Her design education started during her childhood in Atlanta, where she spent many afternoons with her artist mother browsing through galleries, antiques stores, and fabric showrooms. After graduating from Williams College, where Steele studied art history and played on the varsity tennis team, she worked in Washington, DC as a reporter before returning to the south to pursue a Master of Arts in American history at the University of Alabama.

She is a veteran of the shelter publishing industry, having served as editor of Coastal Living, executive editor and style director of Country Living, and design editor at Southern Living and Coastal Living. Steele serves on the board of directors for the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham, where she lives with her husband, two sons, and dog Sawyer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sue Stuart-Smith

Sue Stuart-Smith is a psychiatrist, psychotherapist and author of The Well Gardened Mind, a Sunday Times Bestseller. She studied English Literature at the University of Cambridge before qualifying as a doctor and working in the National Health Service for many years, becoming the lead clinician for psychotherapy in Hertfordshire. She currently teaches at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust in London and is a consultant at DocHealth, a not for profit, psychotherapeutic consultation service for doctors.

She is married to Tom Stuart-Smith, the celebrated garden designer, and, over thirty years together, they have created the wonderful Barn Garden in Hertfordshire. Her book, The Well Gardened Mind, analyses the relationship between gardening and mental health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alexandria Dauley

Alexandria is a residential interior designer and owner of Dauley Design, a multidisciplinary design and build practice based in South London. Working collaboratively with clients,  Alexandria creates a seamless and personal design service, reflecting the clients’s tastes and lifestyle. As co-founder of United in Design, Alexandria is also tackling the issues of diversity and under-representation of ethnic minorities within the design sector.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charlotte Rey

Charlotte Rey is an award-winning Swedish creative director and designer at Campbell-Rey, a creative consultancy and design studio she founded with Duncan Campbell out of London. Charlotte studied Fashion History and Theory at CSM, before going on to work for Acne Studios, becoming the co-editor of its cult culture publication Acne Paper. She set up Campbell-Rey in 2014 as a creative consultancy working across creative direction specialising in legacy, lifestyle and craftsmanship brands including Bentley, Bulgari, Baccarat, Rizzoli, Museo Mario Testino, Zara Home and QIC GRE. Through this work, she became increasingly interested in placemaking through spatial and product design, architecture, and interiors, and began working on commissions for clients including the London EDITION, 1stdibs, Clos19, Kartell, Bulgari, Christie’s, KITRI, Away, Agnona and Elton John AIDS Foundation among others. Under their own name, Campbell-Rey designs high-end furniture as well as Murano glassware collections that are for sale on 1stdibs, Matchesfashion.com, at Svenskt Tenn and The Apartment.

In 2019, Campbell-Rey won Newcomer to Watch in the Homes & Gardens Design Awards, was included in Architectural Digest Germany’s Top 200 influencers, Country & Town House Top 50 Interior Designers and The Gentleman’s Journal Top 50 of London’s most influential tastemakers. Their work has been featured in Wall Street Journal, New York Times, FT Weekend, Facebook GROW, Architectural Digest US, Germany and France; Vogue UK, US and Turkey; Vogue Living, House & Garden, Elle Decoration Sweden and France; The World of Interiors, Corriere Della Serra and Telegraph Luxury. Charlotte has taken part in panels for London Craft Week, Soho House and FT NextGen.

Charlotte is a contributing editor for Suitcase, and has been the subject of branded content collaborations for Kinfolk and Bang&Olufsen, as well as Monocle and Rosewood Hotels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Linda Boronkay

Linda Boronkay is a multi-award-winning interior designer based in London, specialising in high-end hospitality, commercial, retail and residential projects. She has worked on a global platform utilising a visionary and multidisciplinary approach, free from rigid schemes.

Linda Boronkay was the winner of Britain’s Best Emerging Interior Design Award while still at university and since then she has worked for some of the world’s top design firms such as Tom Dixon, Martin Brudnizki, global studio Woods Bagot, Tara Bernerd & Partners and most recently she was design director for Soho House responsible for UK, Europe & Asia regions.

She benefits from a distinctive and varied professional background that comes from working for some of the world’s leading hospitality companies such as Soho House & Co., Caprice Holdings, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Capital, The Morgans Hotel Group, The Howard Hughes Co., Virgin Hotels, Nobu and also from having created custom residences for high-profile private clients in four continents over 10 countries. Linda strives for integrity and character in all her projects, and believes that the emotional impact of a space is just as important as the aesthetic. Her focus is first and foremost on how people live and inhabit a space, and this drives her experience-driven approach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pip McCormac

As executive editor of Livingetc, Homes and Gardens and 25 Beautiful Homes, Pip McCormac oversees all the content in three of the UK’s leading interiors and lifestyle magazines.

A journalist with over 15 years’ experience, he has held staff positions at Sunday Times Style, Red, ELLE Decoration and Grazia, and written for publications as varied as Stylist, the Guardian, and Country Living. The author of two books: The Herb and Flower Cookbook, and Herbs and Flowers: A Growing Guide, he thinks that food and interiors go hand in hand – it’s all about the ambience you can create with both when you’re thinking about what to serve and what surroundings to serve it in.

He lives in Waterloo, London, in a small flat he’s filled with mid-century-style shapes in various shades of green and grey, with the occasional brass fitting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benji Lewis

Benji Lewis is a well-established London-based interior designer with an ever increasing circle of clients. His career started with a sound training at KLC School of Design after which he headed to Bonhams auctioneers where he stayed for two years. This move inspired a huge interest in the world of period furniture and furnishings.

He then invested valuable time working in the retail side of the interior design business in central London. In 2003 he was introduced to a sizeable project involving the renovation of a large, listed Arnold Mitchell house in the Home Counties. His burgeoning design ability had been spotted by the client on a contemporary London property. The fact that he had well established links with a wide range of suppliers and traditional artisans only added to his appeal. A fluent French speaker, Benji has also worked on a variety of projects in ‘le sud ouest’, an area of France with which he is very familiar. Recent online projects include Zoom that Room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phoebe Oldrey

Phoebe Oldrey is the founder of Smartstyle Interiors, an innovative interior design studio which takes a holistic approach. In 2017, after 15 years in the industry and tired of being asked what the next trend was, Phoebe decided to take an approach to her designs that not only balances how a space works and what it looks like, but also asks “how does it make us feel”. Believing that only when we get the balance right between function, aesthetics and emotions will we create amazing places people are happy in. This led to her Ted X talk ‘interior design is about more than wallpaper and bean bags’ and numerous speaking opportunities where she shares her passion for putting people at the front of design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bhavin Taylor

Bhavin Taylor is the founder of award-winning interior design studio Bhavin Taylor Design, based in London. Taking inspiration from his Indian heritage, and his experience in the fashion and textiles industry, Bhavin creates unique spaces that are bursting with personality, using his design motto ‘Love Colour. Embrace Pattern’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suzanne Imre

For over 17 years, Suzanne Imre was the influential editor of leading interiors magazine and website Livingetc and Livingetc.com; a renowned style pundit and trend leader, and an industry advisor to numerous retail and publishing brands. Today, she works as a brand consultant, content director and journalist and, occasionally, as an interior designer on small projects. One day, she’s going to finish doing up her own home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charu Gandhi

Charu Gandhi is the founder and director of Elicyon. She is a qualified architect, registered with RIBA and ARB, who studied and taught at the Architectural Association before establishing Elicyon in 2014.

Driven by a desire to combine the rigours of her architectural training with her creative flair and passion for design and craft, Charu and her dynamic team of talented designers, architects and project managers, take each client on a highly personalised journey, working in collaboration with them throughout the design process in order to understand their brief and capture it through her vision. Now in its fifth year, Elicyon is creating luxury, bespoke interiors for private clients, residential developers and boutique hotels in some of London’s most illustrious addresses, as well as around the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Karen Howes

Taylor Howes is an award winning international interior design studio with headquarters in London’s Knightsbridge. Founded in 1993 by Karen Howes, the design house has over two decades worth of experience in creating luxury interiors, becoming a definition for the world’s most innovative and exquisite living spaces, providing furnishings for the finest homes, superyachts, hotels and luxury boutiques. Taylor Howes has been discreetly and determinedly designing interior projects of distinction for over 27 years, challenging the way we see luxury interior design and breaking with the traditional. As a practice it has worked for some of the world’s most influential, private individuals and developers, weaving amongst its project portfolio a signature Taylor Howes aesthetic, which has evolved to become unmistakable.

The brand has gained itself a distinguished international reputation for delivering exceptional, bespoke interiors for clients across the UK, continental Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the USA. Taylor Howes has an unrivalled portfolio of clients including ultra-high-net-worth private clients, world-renowned property developers, landowners and hoteliers. Previous commissions have been located in some of the most elite addresses across Europe, the Middle and Far East and the US.

Founder and CEO Karen Howes is at the helm of the practice and has steered the studio to be a world leader in its field. Karen’s passion for her clients, interior design and business has proven a key combination, making Taylor Howes the designer of choice for London based and overseas private clients and developers. Instilling an ethos of imagination, approachability and professionalism within her team, Taylor Howes as a result is known for its ability to identify and determine colour and interior trends, creating design schemes identifiable by the richness of its textures, striking colours, quality and functionality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Timothy Corrigan

Timothy Corrigan is one of the world’s leading interior designers. With offices in Los Angeles and Paris his firm has completed projects in Europe, the Middle East and across the United States.  He has been named to virtually every top designer list including Architectural Digest’s AD100, the Elle Decor A-List, Robb Report’s Top 40 Designers in the World, the Luxe Gold List, 1stdibs 50, the Design Icon Award, ICAA Legacy Award, and the Pacific Design Center’s Star of Design. He is the only American honoured by the French Heritage Society for his restoration of several national landmarks in France.

The firm’s work has been featured in over 1000 publications worldwide. Timothy has designed licensed collections for Perennials, Schumacher, Samuel & Sons, Royal Limoges, THG-Paris, and Kyle Bunting. He has two bestselling books, published by Rizzoli: An Invitation to ChĂąteau du Grand-LucĂ© that chronicles the restoration of his landmark chĂąteau in France, and his second book, The New Elegance: Stylish, Comfortable Rooms for Today that features 11 of Timothy’s projects around the world, and highlights the building blocks for successful decoration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dimonah Iksel

Mehmet and Dimonah Iksel founded Iksel Decorative Arts in 1988; the London-based couple spent many years in India creating and running a studio which continues to hand-paint their own designs for interior decoration. Their inspiration comes mostly from a pre-industrial world which produced high periods of style in the decorative arts. Encompassing many cultures and periods, their collections include architectural, botanical, ornamental and scenic decors.

The Iksels were the first in the design industry to recognise the exciting potential of the digital revolution. In 2001, they digitalised their vast archives of hand-painted panels and decors and became inventors of a new art form which derives the highest resolution printing from decorative painting. Combining practicality with ultimate luxury, they have transformed wallpaper into custom frescoes. Their work is easily recognisable by its elaborate painting and finely textured backgrounds.  Both technically and artistically, Iksel delivers the most sophisticated wallcoverings on the market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mehmet Iksel

Mehmet and Dimonah Iksel founded Iksel Decorative Arts in 1988; the London-based couple spent many years in India creating and running a studio which continues to hand-paint their own designs for interior decoration. Their inspiration comes mostly from a pre-industrial world which produced high periods of style in the decorative arts. Encompassing many cultures and periods, their collections include architectural, botanical, ornamental and scenic decors.

The Iksels were the first in the design industry to recognise the exciting potential of the digital revolution. In 2001, they digitalised their vast archives of hand-painted panels and decors and became inventors of a new art form which derives the highest resolution printing from decorative painting. Combining practicality with ultimate luxury, they have transformed wallpaper into custom frescoes. Their work is easily recognisable by its elaborate painting and finely textured backgrounds.  Both technically and artistically, Iksel delivers the most sophisticated wallcoverings on the market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark D Sikes

Mark D. Sikes is an esteemed interior designer and tastemaker working on projects throughout the United States.  He is known for his all-American sensibility and a fresh take on classical aesthetics. Mark has a talent for creating beautiful and timeless interiors that embody an indoor/outdoor lifestyle.

Mark’s work has been featured in numerous magazines, and he is a member of Elle Decor’s A-List. His rooms for various showhouses have been much celebrated, and he is soon to reveal a new room for the Inaugural Dallas Kips Bay Showhouse. Mark has product lines in multiple categories. Mark’s first book, Beautiful, was a New York Times bestseller and his highly anticipated new book, More Beautiful, from Rizzoli just debuted 1 September 2020.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sophia Salaman

Sophia Salaman is executive editor at The World of Interiors, comprising several different roles including Network editor, social media editor and more recently editor of the newly launched The Interiors Index, the magazine’s new platform and directory.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dara Caponigro

Dara Caponigro is creative director of F. Schumacher & Co, the 131-year-old American company that comprises both Schumacher, the luxury fabric and wallcovering house and Patterson Flynn Martin, the prestigious rug firm. She directs and oversees product development, digital and print marketing, PR and events, licensing, the Schumacher blog and visual merchandising. She is also editor in chief of Schumacher’s luxury design magazine, The Bulletin.

Caponigro is the author of The Authentics, which delves into the lives and homes of original trailblazers in the creative world as well as Domino, the Book of Decorating, a New York Times bestseller. Her most recent book S Is for Style: The Schumacher Book of Decoration celebrates the limitless possibilities of decorating and helps readers identify their personal style.

Prior to joining Schumacher, Caponigro held many illustrious positions as a magazine editor, specializing in interior design and architecture. Most recently, she was the editor-in-chief of Veranda, establishing it as a global luxury brand. During her tenure, which coincided with both a recession and a decline in overall magazine readership, both Veranda‘s newsstand sales and advertising revenue increased by double digit percentages. She was also a founding editor of domino where she was style director from 2004 to 2009. She also held the positions of design and decoration director at Elle Decor and decorating director at House Beautiful. She began her career at The Cooper-Hewitt Museum.

Caponigro is known for her ability to develop and invigorate brands, whether it’s breathing new life into existing companies or building them from scratch. With her discerning eye and uncanny ability to know her audience, she is able to dissect a property’s assets, give it a distinct personality, and evolve it to its full potential.

She holds a BA from Barnard College where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa. She lives in the Bronx with her husband, David Steinberger, and their two children, Sofia and Stefan. Their homes have been published in House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Veranda, domino, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minnie Kemp

Minnie Kemp is a head designer at Firmdale Hotels, columnist for Livingetc, artist and embroidery maker.  With seven years’ experience in interior design working at Firmdale Hotels, including working from the ground up on new buildings, Ham Yard in London and The Whitby in New York.

She worked closely with Kit Kemp on textile collaborations with Christopher Farr, Andrew Martin and Chelsea Textiles.  She has also worked on furniture/lighting collections launched through Porta Romana, Bergdorf Goodman and Anthropologie. Minnie has exhibited her own designs and embroidered furniture pieces in London. Inspired by her mixed heritage of Native American, Chilean and English. An appreciation for a bold graphic style was born after a degree in Graphic Design at Leeds. She is currently working on an embroidered collection of furniture inspired by Conchita Cintron, a female bull fighter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lucy Hammond Giles

Following graduation from Edinburgh University with an MA in History of Art, time spent in the television industry, and establishing her own design practice, Lucy has worked frequently for Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler since first joining for work experience 25 years earlier.

Trained under Wendy Nicholls and Emma Burns, Lucy re-joined the company in 2016 as a full-time designer. Lucy has a wealth of experience and is retained by clients, both in the UK and abroad.

Inspired by the expertise and enthusiasm of colleagues, craftsmen and clients with whom she has worked, Lucy successfully engages in commissions in a variety of styles. Her collaborative approach can be seen to outstanding effect on recent projects including private houses in London, the Cotswolds, the South of France, and office locations in Savile Row, Mayfair.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Georgia Collett

Collett-Zarzycki is best known for its attention to detail and careful use of elegant and characterful materials. With a particular appreciation of fine craftsmanship and custom finishes, Collett-Zarzycki create bespoke fixtures, fittings and furniture, imbuing their projects with a sense of quality and individuality.

Its progressive, flexible and innovative design approach is informed and influenced by a deep-rooted understanding of classical architecture. This approach is evolutionary; the firm creates tailored homes that respect tradition whilst reflecting contemporary life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emilio Pimentel-Reid

Emilio Pimentel-Reid is an author and creative director working across the disciplines of design, events, retail and publishing.  He has over 20 years of experience collaborating with some of the world’s most recognized high-end interior style brands (Zoffany, Dedar, Savoir, de Le Cuona, Rubelli), retailers (Harrod’s, Heal’s), online platforms and large corporate organisations. His features and shoots have appeared in the pages of international editions of Architectural Digest, Sunday Times Style, Harper’s Bazaar and GQ, amongst others.

Emilio launched his own multidisciplinary studio in 2012 following many years as the decorating editor at ELLE Decoration (UK). An advocate for British design and manufacturing, he also consults with leading interior companies and emerging talent advising in the area of brand development. His projects blend his interest in contemporary design and historic interiors with a sense of playfulness, rigour and a colourful aesthetic. His new book Bold British Design (Quadrille) launched this summer and is available to order via Potterton Books at the Design Centre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Humaira Ikram

Humaira Ikram has been working as a professional garden designer at Redscape Design, for over 10 years and specialises in pollinator friendly and sustainable landscapes. She runs the Garden Design Diploma at KLC School of Design and over the last few years has cultivated a special interest in collaborating on show garden planting projects.

She is currently a regular contributor on Gardeners Question Time on BBC Radio 4, has been a guest judge on the Netflix Series The Big Flower Fight, is a gardens advisor to RHS Hyde Hall and on various selection and advisory panels for the RHS.

In her previous life, she read Environmental Science at Kings College and worked for Reuters, before retraining as a garden designer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matthew Childs

Matthew Childs is an award-winning British garden designer and has designed a diverse range of exciting landscapes. Matthew’s approach to garden design is to tailor gardens to each client and produce very human outdoor spaces which have a strong narrative, are a reflection of the people who use them and the surroundings in which they sit.

His conceptual garden at the 2012 RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show called ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ received a gold medal and has defined Matthew’s approach to design ever since. It became a vehicle for empathy allowing people to relate it to their own experiences of recovery in life and demonstrated how gardens have the power to touch emotions. Matthew strives to do this in all of his work. This garden has been followed by three gold and ‘best in show’ gardens at RHS Hampton Court and a silver gilt medal at RHS Chelsea.

Matthew believes in the power of gardens to have huge benefits for mental and physical wellbeing, but also as having an important role to play in tackling climate change and providing habitat for wildlife. His studio is passionate about creating gardens that lead to positive change.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Susie Atkinson

Susie Atkinson is a London-based designer who has worked on high profile commercial and private residential projects all over the world, including the Caribbean, Majorca, Greece, Scotland and Germany. Susie’s use of colour, combined with her passion for natural materials and different textures bring to life the interiors of private houses, hotels, clubs or boats.

The studio has created many well-known spaces including Lime Wood Hotel in the New Forest, Beaverbrook Hotel in Surrey, Dean Street Townhouse, Soho House Berlin, and Babington House in Somerset. Susie designs interiors and products, including furniture, upholstery, and lighting, which are all made in Britain. Recent awards include the House & Garden 2018 Pineapple Award for Hotel Design (Beaverbrook); Homes & Gardens Design Awards 2019 Best Commercial Project (Lime Wood Hotel Pavilion Suite), and the Craftmaker’s Chair was Highly Commended in the Best Furniture category; and Susie Atkinson Design was selected for House & Garden’s Top 100 list of interior designers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carole Annett

Carole Annett is interiors editor of Country & Town House magazine and host of The House Guest podcast where she chats to designers and makers. The podcast is a top ten design podcast on I-Tunes and was chosen for British Airways and Air Lingus inflight entertainment systems