Meet the Winners - Midlands and East Anglia

Now open for 2025, the BIID Interior Design Awards returns for a fourth year and the search is on for this year’s winners. The awards celebrate exceptional design projects by UK based designers with both residential and commercial projects previously receiving the accolade for the Midlands and East Anglia region. DesignLSM won in  2023  for their ambitious Heythrop Park project, followed by Chantel Elshout Studio, in 2024, for their sensitive Dutch Barn project.

Rustic Family Home

The project involved transforming a Dutch barn into a family home, blending modern and rustic elements while respecting the site's natural and historical context. Key features included repurposing traditional materials, integrating bespoke design elements like oak-framed windows and a circular shower, and using sustainable products to enhance energy efficiency. 

Chantel Elshout, Founder of Chantel Elshout Studio said on their win;"It was really the highlight of my year and career. I joined the BIID about 14 years ago when I first started, and I never could have imagined that I would win one of the awards. Especially given how many talented designers and projects were featured." 

The judges admired how well the design made use of the space, highlighting the clever flow between rooms and the unique, curved ceiling that adds character and intimacy to the home. The playful yet practical design elements make it a truly special place to live.

Luxury Hospitality

The prestigious Heythrop Park Hotel, is a stunning Grade II* listed property on the outskirts of the Cotswolds, which has undergone a large scale transformation. DesignLSM honoured heritage elements, enhancing them through thoughtful material choices, lighting, and unique design statements that convey the building’s narrative and history effectively.

The judges commented that the project was a masterful restoration with striking, colourful and impressive design detail. The judges felt that the project's cohesive, elegant, and functional transformation is a remarkable and impressive achievement on an ambitious scale. DesignLSM’s ability to create a harmonious array of spaces, reflects the project's success in this category.

DesignLSM’s team comments; “Winning the BIID Interior Design Awards was a very special moment for us. The recognition of our work on the Heythrop Park Hotel project was a fantastic achievement, marking a culmination of over a year and a half of dedicated effort. This project was one of the most significant for our studio, and to have it acknowledged celebrates the passion, hard work, and creativity that our team poured into every aspect of the design.

The response from our peers and the design community has been overwhelmingly positive. Being recognised by the BIID Interior Design Awards has not only elevated our profile within the industry but has also reinforced our commitment to excellence. The Heythrop Park Hotel project, with its inspired design elements and meticulous storytelling, has garnered admiration and praise from our indstury counterparts, further validating the success of our creative approach. We are grateful for the support and acknowledgment received, and this prestigious award serves as a testament to the dedication and innovation that define our approach to hospitality design and strategy."

"While projects in London inevitably receive significant attention, it’s important to acknowledge the abundance of remarkable work taking place across the UK. Interior design is intricately tied to the local culture, history, and traditions of a region. By spotlighting projects beyond the capital, we can celebrate a more comprehensive representation of the rich cultural diversity that defines the UK. Each region contributes unique perspectives and influences on the design landscape, creating a tapestry of creativity that deserves recognition.”

Entering the BIID Interior Design Awards

2025 sees the introduction of the International regional category. The winners will be awarded across 8 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 overall and the Anna Whitehead Prize, which is awarded to the best achievement in sustainable interior design. 10 awards will be given out in total, along with acknowledgements of Highly Commended projects.