Meet the Designers - North and North West Projects

Now open for 2024, the BIID Interior Design Awards returns with its new North & North West regional award and the search is on for this year’s winners. The awards celebrate exceptional design projects across the UK, with both residential and commercial projects previously receiving the accolade for the North and North West region. Yorkshire-based Design by Jo Bee received the inaugural regional award for its beautiful Howgill Lodge project in the Yorkshire Dales, followed by The Artistry House Interiors in 2023 for its impressive commercial project at Manchester Museum.

Urban Masterpiece

As part of Manchester Museum’s ambitious ‘Hello Future’ project, its team and Wilson Mason Architects engaged The Artistry House Interiors to deliver a selection of crucial non-gallery spaces, with a multitude of purposes, including retail and learning spaces. The objective for the project was to create a visual through-line across these spaces, showcasing high impact objects, whilst being mindful of the functionality, visitor experience and flow.

This impressive design successfully creates a warm, inclusive environment that perfectly reflects the aim of reimagining the museum for the people of Manchester. It encourages frequent visits and longer stays, fostering community engagement and learning, and the key spaces are designed with multi-sensory experiences and accessibility in mind.

“It feels incredible to have won this award. We poured so much passion and energy into the Manchester Museum project, it was always such an honour to have the opportunity to work on a historical building of this magnitude, sharing this with a larger audience and having our achievements validated by the BIID community was really important to us” comments Rose Peploe, Interior & Spatial Designer at The Artistry House.

The BIID judges said that the design for the rejuvenated Manchester Museum delivers a flexible and coherent space which shows careful attention to detail, reflecting ‘a focus on sustainability, inclusivity and imagination’. Noteworthy features include the inviting book matched reception desk and adaptable, ethically sourced furniture. They summarised that this is a remarkable public space, designed with high-quality accessibility and versatility, which is appealing for all ages.

“I realised that our Manchester Museum project seemed quite unique and felt this could be an opportunity to share our work with a larger audience. The idea of having our project viewed on a national platform was really exciting! Being a relatively new design practice based in the North West we are always looking for opportunities to expand our network.” explains Rose.

Countryside Colour

Howgill Lodge is a picturesque campsite set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, on the Duke of Devonshire’s Chatsworth Estate. The site was acquired during lockdown and the owners were eager to get it ready for when the gates could re-open. Four tired and old-fashioned lodges needed to be transformed into colourful country retreats with a real wow factor. Designer Jo Duerden took on the challenge of totally refurbishing these characterful lodges to transform them into highly desirable colourful country retreats.

The project won due to its clever use of space and the impactful and imaginative use of colour and textures. The addition of the wood-burning stoves and clever layering of textiles has helped to create an ambience of relaxation and calm. The judges commented that it was a ‘fun and inventive project’ with clever use of panelling, savvy sourcing, repurposed furniture and upcycling to successfully meet the brief.

Jo Duerden, founder of Design by Jo Bee comments; “Winning the North Region BIID award feels like a huge achievement amongst a year of great success for my Interior Design business, Design by Jo Bee. I have worked alone until recently when I took on a design apprentice. Having two young children, I wasn't sure how much was possible with juggling family life and running a business, but it just goes to show how much you can accomplish if you really set your heart on something and I look forward to the exciting future ahead. Having accolades to back up your work and portfolio is a great way to instil confidence in your future clients and I am super proud to have won such a prestigious award at the inaugural BIID awards.” 

Entering the BIID Interior Design Awards

The winners will be awarded across 7 regional categories, celebrating every type of interior design, from the largest commercial project to the smallest residential dwelling. In addition we award 2 landmark prizes – the Interior of the Year Prize, which is awarded to the best interior design project in the UK and the Anna Whitehead Prize, which is awarded to the best achievement in sustainable interior design. 9 awards will be given out in total, along with acknowledgements of Highly Commended projects.