Frank & Faber Ltd have been Shortlisted for Interior Design Scheme – London Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2022. Read more about Founder/Creative Director, Sarah Ellison below:

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Name: Sarah Ellison

Company: Frank & Faber

Position within company: Founder/ Creative Director

Website: https://www.frankandfaber.co.uk/

Tell us a little about your background in design:

Having previously had a successful career in marketing and events within the music industry and media and following the refurbishment and transformation of my first home I decided to pursue my lifelong passion for Interiors. I studied at KLC, graduating with a diploma in 2014.

Frustrated by the lack of transparency in the interior design process and fuelled by a passion for people-centred design Frank & Faber was established in 2015. Early clients included flagship spaces for internationally esteemed hairdresser George Northwood,  and wellness practitioners Bodyism. We have gone on to design homes, hotels, restaurants and boutique commercial spaces.

How would you describe your personal design style?

My personal design style is synonymous with the approach we take at Frank & Faber. Although not slavish to a period or aesthetic, our projects are unified by an innate warmth and character. Our spaces feature an eclectic mix of old and new with a curated collection of hand-picked pieces which bring our client’s narrative to life. Whilst attention is paid to every detail the culminating look is intentionally uncontrived, lived-in and evolved rather than overtly designed.

Intentionally contrasting textures include warn timbers, aged metals and characterful stones alongside the softness of a textile mix which bring bold colour accents and a pattern-on-pattern mix.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

First and foremost, inspiration comes from people. I truly believe that our job is to get to know and understand our clients and create spaces which reflect their personalities, aesthetic preferences, and lifestyle needs. We have the privilege of working with brilliant, talented and often creative individuals who are usually experts in their own fields, getting to know and understand them is endlessly inspiring.

As well as the people the buildings themselves and the locale they inhabit, we work on a lot of period properties, and many have a story to tell which we love to uncover.

If ever I am feeling devoid of inspiration a walk usually sets that right. It can be a walk in the city where the endless assault on the senses cannot help but ignite creative thought. But my preference is always an escape to the countryside. Growing up in Yorkshire the countryside is in my bones, and I need to get back to open green space to recalibrate and regenerate.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

I think it’s fair to say the idea of a high-end luxury is evolving alongside the evolution of our sense of luxury across all sectors. Luxury used to be associated with grandeur and formality, whereas now we want the quality of service and aspirational interiors without the intimidating, formality. In a commercial setting that could be great service, cocktails on tap, quality of produce and materials but we also want to feel relaxed and a sense of home from home comfort which puts us at ease to kick of our shoes. We want a sense of escapism with stunning setting and aspirational environments but to feel welcome to kick off our shoes, curl up on a big sofa and relax. We want the opposite of ubiquitous, sterile, face-less formality we want personality, a unique story, warmth and a sense of belonging, to feel part of a community. We have seen this in hotels – such as the one we designed Number One Bruton, as well as within the residential sector.

This was a beautiful factor in our Hampstead project, which we are nominated for. This was a high-end project but our clients wanted a space which felt comfortable, authentic to them and brought their personalities and history to life and an intentional lack of ostentation.

It is about quality, authenticity, provenance and comfort.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2022 and beyond.

Sustainability – critical to us all across every walk of life.

Authenticity – in materials, to people’s stories and the properties they inhabit.

Discernment – With increasing prices and on-going shortages clients at all levels and designers will need to be increasingly selective in their choices and effective use of budgets, materials as well as FF&E to ensure quality, longevity and value.

Multi-functionality & flexibility – Although the impact of the pandemic is easing its legacy lives on. People have established a new way of living and working with many wanting to continue to work from home at least part of the time. Home-offices will be a must have as well as spaces which lend themselves to multi-functional activities.

Comfort – People are spending more time in the home and want their spaces to be inviting, warm and comfortable.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

Do not just dive straight into the detail. Take time to consider your tastes and functional requirements and work out as many of the details in advance of starting any construction work. If may delay things initially but it will help exponentially in the long run. Whilst social media – Pinterest, Instagram etc can be incredibly helpful as a source of inspiration it can also be overwhelming. Try not to be lead too much by trends and work out your own design personality, the scheme that is right for you, your family and your space.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

The Internatioial Design & Architecture Awards provide a fantastic platform to promote great design across different sectors and locations. It is a great way of raising the profile of designers and opening them up to new audiences.

What projects are you currently working on?

We are working on some great residential and hospitality projects:

A Georgian estate in Essex, a listed property in St John’s Wood, an old mill in Dorset, a continuation of the hotel we designed in Somerset and a family home in Blackheath.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

So many many favourites it’s hard to pick one. Our favourite projects involve brilliant clients and fantastically characterful buildings.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

They are all challenging in different ways but the project we are nominated for brough fascinating and unique challenges. The property was uniquely designed as a shared dwelling for 2 brothers and their families, containing 2 homes which can be used independently or opened up and used together. Two sets of clients with very different tastes and sensibilities sharing a single dwelling not only doubles the workload – client management/ presentation materials/ sourcing, it also creates a fascinating design challenge of how reflect the different tastes in a single harmonious scheme.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?

Autocad, Pinterest, Excel

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

To continue to on projects which inspire us creatively and people who value the work we do, take pride in their homes, make us laugh along the way and share our appreciation for a good cup of tea and a biscuit!

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession?

A William Packer painting. The artist is not only brilliant but the father of one of my best friends.

Your favourite holiday destination?

Greece

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

For food – Morito London

For interior – Le CouCou New York

Your favourite book, film & song?

Book- Very difficult so I am going to one I enjoyed recently Sorry And Bliss – Meg Mason

Film – True Romance

Song – Tiny Dancer Elton John

Your favourite food and drink?

Food – Everything offered at Morito or by Ottolenghi

Drink – Tea

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

Sunny day, walking in the countryside followed by dinner and too many drinks with a group of close friends in a lovely pub garden.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

I’ve always fancied being a dog walker.

Frank & Faber Ltd have been Shortlisted for Interior Design Scheme – London Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2022.

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