In Profile:
RK Studio

Name: Ra-ees Khaidoo
Company Name: RK Studio
Position Within Company: Director & Designer/Maker
Website: https://www.rk-studio.co.uk

Tell us a little about your background in design:
My background combines architectural design, interior design and bespoke furniture design. I studied architecture before establishing RK Studio, where we take a multidisciplinary approach to residential design. Over the past few years, we’ve worked on projects ranging from bespoke furniture and individual interior spaces to complete private residences, remaining involved from the earliest stages of design through to construction and installation.

How would you describe your personal design style?:
I would describe our design style as contemporary, warm and understated. We enjoy combining rich natural materials such as timber and stone with subtle detailing, integrated lighting and bespoke furniture that feels like a natural extension of the architecture. Our aim is always to create spaces that feel effortless, comfortable and beautifully resolved.

Where does your design inspiration come from?:
We find inspiration in materials as much as buildings – how timber ages, the texture of natural stone, the way light changes throughout the day or how subtle curves can soften an architectural space. Every project is also inspired by the client themselves. Listening carefully to how they live often leads to the most meaningful design decisions.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?:
The Blackwood Project has undoubtedly been our favourite project to date. It gave us the opportunity to contribute at every stage, from developing the architecture and internal layouts through to the interior design, bespoke furniture, lighting, bathrooms, garden and leisure outbuilding. Projects of this nature are rare because they allow every design decision to support the next. Rather than designing individual rooms, we were able to create a home where the architecture, interiors and bespoke furniture feel naturally connected. Seeing that vision realised over almost two years was incredibly rewarding.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?:
The Blackwood Project was also the most challenging. The scale of the project, the number of trades involved and the level of detail required meant every decision had implications elsewhere in the design. Remaining involved throughout construction allowed us to resolve challenges as they arose without compromising the overall vision. It reinforced our belief that the best residential projects come from close collaboration between designers, craftspeople and clients from start to finish.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?:
We regularly work with brands such as Lusso Stone, Roccia, Ultra LEDs, Orac, Tektura and Stoneleaf, alongside specialist local suppliers and manufacturers. Ultimately, our favourite suppliers are those who are as passionate about quality and attention to detail as we are.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?:
Over the next twelve months, we want to continue growing RK Studio as a multidisciplinary design studio, taking on more complete residential projects where we can influence both the architecture and interiors from the outset. Recognition through the International Design & Architecture Awards is an exciting milestone, and we’re looking forward to building on that momentum.