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In Profile:
Robert London Design

In Profile:

Robert London Design

Shortlisted: Interior Design Scheme - London Award

The International Design & Architecture Awards 2025

IDA 2025
Robert London Design

Name: Robert Thake
Company Name: Robert London Design
Position Within Company:  Founder & Creative Director
Website: robertlondondesign.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:
I graduated in Interior & 3D Design at Leeds Metropolitan University in 2000.

With over 25 years in the residential, hospitality and the retail market, I began my career working on creative projects in luxury retail and high-end hospitality. These included large-scale projects such as The Mandarin Oriental Taipei, The Dolder Grand in Zurich, residential development projects with Canary Wharf Group, and retail spaces for Harvey Nichols.

The commercial design sector was fundamental to my growth as a designer. Instinctively drawn to high end residential work, where space planning plays a pivotal role and where I can channel creativity into something more personal and emotive, I founded Robert London Design in 2015.

How would you describe your personal design style?
My work is defined by a deep respect for space, structure and the integrity of materials. I create interiors, architecture and furniture that are not only timeless by deeply emotive. My work is deeply rooted in the relationship between form and feeling – crafting environments and objects that enhance the way we live, ove and interact with the world around us. My goal has always been to strip back the unnecessary and allow materials, form, and function to take centre stage. For those who appreciate timeless, considered design—where every detail is thought through and built for longevity—I offer an approach that’s both rigorous and intuitive, blending heritage with a modern sensibility.
I consider myself a three-dimensional designer who applies a distinct philosophy and approach to any brief, using principles of form, function and emotional resonance.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
My influences are tactile and honest. I’m inspired by the minimalist yet purposeful furniture of Donald Judd, the enduring quality of traditional techniques, and a contemporary eye for detail. I’m drawn to objects and spaces with a reason for being—where form and function exist in harmony. In my approach to architectural furniture, craftsmanship is everything. I celebrate natural materials and explore the interplay between light, shadow, and texture to create pieces that enrich their surroundings with authenticity and longevity.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I believe that people are looking for natural materials in their designs, and are becoming more aware of the impact their build choices make on the world.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future. :
• Source of materials used
• Waste created by demolition
• Proportion
• Natural light
• Longevity

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to designing, what would it be?
Ensure you learn from onsite experience.

Robert London Design
Robert London Design
Robert London Design
Robert London Design

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
I am proud to have been shortlisted for this award and it means a lot to be recognised beyond the UK, internationally.

What projects are you currently working on?
We have several high-end residential projects running concurrently in London and the Home Counties. A couple of highlights include a complete renovation of a heritage home in Ashdown Forest. As well as an architectural furniture project for an existing client in London – A Bespoke bar

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
Barrowgate Road gave us the chance to create a space that engages with proportioned bespoke furniture designed concurrently within the space.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?:
A Passivhaus in Bath. We were challenged by the sustainability issues we faced.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
It is key for us to work with a project manager who is able to understand and implement our designs.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To design and create more furniture pieces relative to the spaces and the people we design for.

Your most treasured possession?
Cycling Wheels

Your favourite holiday destination?
Palma, Mallorca

Your favourite hotel?
Vals 7132

Your favourite book, film & song?
Book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig
Film: Blade Runner
Song: Unfinished Sympathy by Massive Attack

Your favourite food and drink?
Food: Ribeye Steak
Drink: Red Wine

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Family dog walk in a remote forest

If you weren’t in this sector, what would you alternative profession be?
A Forester

Interior Designer: Robert London Design

Architect: Robert London Design

Photography: Ollie Tomlinson & Shinichi Adachi

Robert London Design has been shortlisted for Interior Design Scheme – London Award in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2025.

Robert London Design
Robert London Design

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