Meet the Designers - South East

Now open for 2024, the BIID Interior Design Awards returns with its new South East regional award and the search is on for this year’s winners. The awards celebrate exceptional design projects across the UK, with a range of projects previously receiving the accolade for the South East region. Pfeiffer Design received the inaugural regional award for its impressive design studio project, Chapel Barn on the Sussex South Downs, followed by Kagu Interiors with its bespoke boutique hotel project, Boys Hall in 2023.

Jacobean Joy

KAGU Interiors was commissioned to breathe new life into 400-year-old Jacobean manor house, Boys Hall in Ashford, Kent by transforming it into a luxurious, bespoke hotel. The design team were tasked with renovating the intriguing manor, ensuring to preserve its rich history while incorporating modern amenities. The design aimed to harmonize historic charm with contemporary comfort and luxury, while respecting the original historic architecture.

Blending historic charm with modern luxury design and amenities, KAGU transformed ten bedrooms, two reception rooms, two private dining areas, a ‘Pub’ and a 70-cover new dining area to complete the high-end hotel. The project was designed to provide guests with maximum comfort and convenience while honouring, where possible, the traditional Jacobean architecture of the manor.

“We believed that Boys Hall stood out as an exceptional project, encapsulating the core values of KAGU and exemplified our commitment to pushing the boundaries of design. When we initially entered the awards, we did so with no anticipation of winning. Being shortlisted alone filled us with a deep sense of honour, but winning elevated our pride to an entirely new level. Winning the award for the Southeast region has been an incredibly gratifying experience, as it has bestowed genuine credibility upon our business within the industry.” comments Ben Stokes, Founder of KAGU Interiors.

The judges awarded this project for successfully creating a design that respects the property’s classic heritage, whilst updating it with modern sensibilities. Sustainable and thrifty specifications, as well as clever design solutions ensured the project met the key concerns of comfort, practicality and style. The judges summarised that the project was thoughtfully executed, with a respectful and caring touch.

“Outstanding interior design should not be confined to central London. There are numerous remarkable projects taking place all across the UK, and it would be unjust to the industry not to acknowledge and celebrate them! Our foremost advice for entering is to maintain authenticity in the design you submit and make every effort to present it in the most compelling way possible. Securing the awards has had a significant positive impact on our business, enhancing our credibility and bolstering our standing within the industry.” explains Ben.

Studio Splendour

Taking the 2022 regional win, as well as the Anna Whitehead prize for best achievement in sustainable design, Pfeiffer Design created a brand-new purpose-built design studio, just a stone’s throw from Brighton and Hove. The brief was to design a space for its teams to work from on a day-to-day basis, that also worked as a showroom with regularly-changing finishes and displays. Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the exterior of the structure needed to be in-keeping with the adjacent agricultural buildings, as well as forward thinking with a contemporary feel.

Continuing the contemporary feel from exterior through to the interior, the design perfectly juxtaposes exposed steel-frames and open-plan design with the combination of bespoke, vintage and off-the-peg items, giving the studio a truly unique design.

“Reducing the environmental impact of the Studio was at the forefront of many design decisions. We specified and installed the latest sustainable technologies, including an air-source heat pump, enhanced insulation, rainwater harvesting system and a sedum roof which will soon be planted to reduce rainwater run-off and flood risk. The use of these sustainable technologies has not only improved the environmental impact of the studio but has instilled confidence in our clients and inspires them to use similar sustainable elements within their own homes.” comments Susie Pfeiffer, founder of Pfeiffer Design.

The project won thanks to its innovative design, thoughtful use of materials and great attention to detail, creating a space which is full of warmth and personality. With its clever use of space, the designers achieved a stunning result, whereby the building’s superb interior reflects the beautiful agricultural setting, whilst still being forward thinking and contemporary.

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.