The Evolving Landscape of UK Design
Interior design and architecture in the UK have always been more than just aesthetics — they are reflections of cultural shifts, technological progress, and the way we live our daily lives. Over the past century, British design has transitioned from the ornate formality of pre-war houses to the open-plan minimalism of the early 2000s, and now toward a rich fusion of heritage and contemporary creativity.
While global influences shape the way spaces look, there is still something distinctly British about the work of the country’s best designers: a sensitivity to history, a deep respect for craft, and an instinct for creating interiors that feel both timeless and alive.
Every year, a select group of studios stands out for their innovation, professionalism, and ability to capture the spirit of the times. For 2025, these ten designers and architects represent the best of that balance — blending tradition with forward-thinking ideas, and producing spaces that are not just beautiful, but meaningful.
Adam Architecture
Grade II–listed Oxfordshire interior.
Masters of the Modern Country House
Adam Architecture has become synonymous with high-quality, Neoclassical-inspired homes. Their work often features grand proportions, symmetrical facades, and intricate detailing, but these classical elements are always adapted to suit 21st-century life. The firm’s projects range from sprawling countryside estates to elegant urban residences, each one deeply informed by architectural history.
Notable project: A recently completed Hampshire estate that blends Palladian proportions with discreet eco-technologies, including ground-source heating and rainwater harvesting.
Why watch in 2025: With rural living once again on the rise, Adam Architecture is perfectly positioned to lead the charge in building new country houses that feel timeless yet modern.
Adam Bray
Inside Adam Bray’s Maida Vale flat, where antique suzani textiles, vintage designer fabrics, rich textures, and mid-century pieces create a bold, lived-in sense of luxury.
The Alchemist of Glamour and Wit
Adam Bray’s interiors are like a well-mixed cocktail: a little sparkle, a lot of sophistication, and a twist of the unexpected. His palette often includes lacquered walls, velvet-upholstered panels, and bold colour pairings, but these are balanced with antiques and found objects that add character and warmth.
Notable project: A Belgravia townhouse transformed into a moody, jewel-toned sanctuary, featuring a custom silk wall covering and curated mid-century lighting.
Why watch in 2025: Bray’s approach to combining high-glamour finishes with intelligent restraint is in growing demand, particularly among clients who want luxury without ostentation.
Adam Richards Architecture
Material harmony: concrete bones softened by warm textiles, timber details, and carefully curated art.
Where Narrative Meets Structure
Adam Richards brings a literary quality to architecture — his buildings tell stories. Nithurst Farm, his own home in West Sussex, has been hailed as one of the most original English country houses in decades, with its brutalist exterior softened by richly textured interiors.
Notable project: A cultural centre in the South Downs that fuses modernist geometry with traditional flint masonry, paying homage to the region’s landscape.
Why watch in 2025: Richards’s work appeals to clients who see architecture as art. His portfolio is expanding to include both private residences and cultural institutions, blurring the line between personal and public space.
Alex Dauley
Elegance in the everyday: graceful architecture meets timeless design in this Edwardian hallway.
Design with Purpose
Alex Dauley’s style is understated yet deeply considered. Her interiors have a quiet elegance, balancing minimalism with warmth and texture. Beyond her design work, she co-founded United in Design, a charity addressing the lack of diversity in the UK interiors industry.
Notable project: An Edwardian family home redesigned with muted tones, natural materials, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Why watch in 2025: As sustainability and inclusivity become central to design conversations, Dauley’s voice — and her interiors — feel more relevant than ever.
Anna Haines
Comfort meets heritage — a welcoming, quietly elegant living room that feels like an old friend, beautifully curated.
The Art of Comfort
Anna Haines creates interiors that feel as welcoming as they are beautiful. Her spaces often feature natural light, tactile fabrics, and a lived-in charm that makes them instantly relatable. Whether she’s working on a Cornish coastal retreat or a New York State estate, her designs reflect the lifestyle and personality of her clients.
Notable project: A seaside home in Cornwall with a palette inspired by local cliffs and seagrass, complete with handwoven rugs and reclaimed wood accents.
