In Profile:
Birch House

How would you describe your personal design style?:
Our design style is deeply contextual and narrative-led. We don’t approach projects with a fixed aesthetic, instead, we respond to the architecture, location and the client’s lifestyle to create something entirely bespoke. There’s often a sense of quiet luxury – rich in materiality, craftsmanship and detail – layered with global influences and a refined, contemporary sensibility. We aim to create interiors that feel timeless yet current, combining comfort with a sense of understated luxury. It’s about thoughtful layering, beautiful materials and a cohesive vision that enhances the way our clients live. We love mixing periods, textures and influences to create interiors that feel collected rather than decorated. There’s always a sense of individuality and warmth – spaces that evolve naturally and reflect the personalities and stories of the people who live in them.

Where does your design inspiration come from?:
Inspiration comes from everywhere – art, vintage finds, travel, even unexpected combinations you come across in everyday life. As a starting point we look to the architecture, the history of the building and its surroundings, which we then layer with an understanding of our client’s lifestyle, aspirations and how they want to feel in a space. We’re particularly drawn to the interplay of materials, such as stone, wood and textiles, and how they can be combined to create depth and subtle contrast. Ultimately, it’s about creating spaces that feel layered, personal, maybe a little bit unexpected, and enduring in their appeal.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?:
There’s definitely a move towards more individual, expressive interiors. There’s a clear shift away from formulaic aesthetics towards spaces that reflect individuality, culture and context. At the same time, there’s a growing emphasis on craftsmanship, sustainability and longevity – creating interiors that are not only beautiful, but meaningful and enduring. Our clients are looking for more relaxed, liveable luxury. They still want elegance, but with a softer, more informal feel – spaces that are comfortable, calming and easy to live in. Meanwhile, homes are expected to work harder – supporting wellbeing, flexibility and longevity. Design is becoming less about perfection and more about character, comfort and authenticity.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?:
Our Beaconsfield Residence has been a particularly rewarding project for the studio. Conceived as a Neo-Georgian new build, it offered the rare opportunity to create a home with a strong architectural narrative from the ground up. Classical references are reinterpreted through a contemporary lens, ensuring the home feels rooted in its surroundings while remaining relevant to modern family living. The project is defined by a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, with a wide range of specialist and artisan skills employed to achieve a highly resolved and cohesive result. Together, these artisan contributions underpin the project’s success, elevating it beyond standard specification and resulting in a home that is rich in material integrity, precision, and enduring quality.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?:
It would probably have to be the restoration of a Grade II–listed townhouse we completed a number of years ago. The property had remained largely untouched for over half a century, which presented both an extraordinary opportunity and a complex set of constraints. The principal challenge lay in sensitively introducing modern-day comforts, such as considered task lighting and sufficient storage, without compromising the integrity of the original architecture. Working within the limitations of a listed building requires a highly nuanced approach, and every intervention had to feel entirely in keeping with the fabric of the house. It was a rigorous process, but ultimately one that was incredibly rewarding, resulting in a home that feels both timeless and entirely liveable.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing? E.g. Lighting companies, furniture companies:
Through our close collaboration with a trusted network of architects, contractors, skilled craftsmen and respected suppliers, combined with our own depth of interior design expertise, Birch House is able to deliver considered, highly individual interiors tailored to each client, setting and budget. Among the many partners we value, we are particularly drawn to the refined practicality of Perennials fabrics, whose textiles offer both elegance and durability. Our schemes are often elevated by the distinctive wallcoverings of Phillip Jeffries, while the handcrafted lighting by Porta Romana brings a uniquely British artistry and character to our projects.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?:
Over the next twelve months, our focus is on continuing to refine and evolve our portfolio, with an emphasis on delivering deeply considered, design-led homes that feel both timeless and highly personal. Ultimately, our goal is not growth for its own sake, but to continue creating meaningful, enduring interiors that resonate with our clients and stand the test of time.