In Profile:
Alison Henry Design

Name: Alison Henry

Company Name: Alison Henry Design Ltd

Position Within Company: Founder & Creative Director

Website: www.alisonhenry.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:
As a child, my family travelled extensively, and we lived in various parts of the world. I was inspired and influenced by the magical places, cultures, lifestyles, art and fashion. I started working in London Grand Lux Hotels internationally for a hospitality design company before setting up their asian office in Hong Kong. After my work on the design of The Peninsula Hotel and other projects in the region, I established my own office working out of Hong Kong specialising in the design of clubs and hotels. We quickly expanded to work on residential developments and other design projects including yachts before moving to London where I based the new Alison Henry Design Studio.

How would you describe your personal design style?
I have a deep respect for the original architecture, attention to fine detail and a reverence for historical and cultural influences. All of this, combined with my architectural design experience makes for interiors that speak to the building they inhibit while remaining fresh, comfortable and inviting for modern, everyday living.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Design
The focus on environmental responsibility is growing. Future designs will prioritize sustainable materials, energy efficiency, and minimal environmental impact, integrating green solutions into both aesthetics and function.

Health and Wellbeing
Designs will increasingly focus on promoting physical and mental health, with features like biophilic design, natural light, better air quality, and spaces that support mindfulness and relaxation.

Smart and Adaptive Spaces
As technology continues to advance, smart homes and adaptable spaces will become more prevalent. Interior design will incorporate automation, AI, and IoT to create spaces that adjust to individual needs and optimize comfort and functionality.

Inclusive and Universal Design
Future interior design will be more inclusive, focusing on creating spaces that are accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background. This theme includes designs that cater to diverse cultural needs, physical limitations, and universal accessibility.

Hybrid and Multi-Functional Spaces
As lifestyles become more fluid, especially with remote work trends, interiors will adapt to serve multiple purposes. Spaces will need to be versatile, easily reconfigurable, and tailored for both work and leisure, accommodating a range of activities and user needs.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
The International Design & Architecture Awards are crucial for interior designers, offering global recognition, credibility, and exposure. Winning or being nominated highlights your creativity and expertise, elevating your reputation within the industry.

What projects are you currently working on?
We are currently working on a couple of projects, including a development in Chelsea which we are excited to start work on site in the next couple of months. Plus consulting on a number of high end residential development’s.
Also as part of our brand development we are initial stages of designed a new collection of homeware that we plan to launch later this year.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
My favourite project to work on was my home in Belgravia, a villa with a mews house and garden in between. It was also one of the most testing projects, as we faced numerous planning issues and obstacles that had to be overcome to achieve my vision. It gave me the opportunity to take risks and experiment with design, while working to preserve the property’s historic charm. We focused on blending modern amenities with the traditional elements, creating a home that is not only elegant but also highly functional, making it an incredibly rewarding project. As the stunned positive reaction along with the enthusiastic response about what we had created was inspiring and it made it worth the time and effort that had gone into achieving it.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
One of my most challenging projects was The Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong. Ensuring quality and attention to detail on such a large-scale, influential project was demanding, as these couldn’t be sacrificed for the sake of time or budget. It was crucial to work with contractors I had previously collaborated with, as they understood our high expectations. Additionally, making sure each design stage was fully approved before moving forward was essential to maintain cohesion across the entire project. Any misstep could have affected the layout, services, finishes, and FF&E, creating a ripple effect on the overall design integrity.