Meet the Winners - South West and Wales

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 South West and Wales region. Frank and Faber won in 2023 with their Somerset hotel project, Number One Bruton - The Forge, followed by Studio 9 in 2024 for their sustainable Cwm Tawel Estate.

Sustainable Living  

The design journey celebrated Welsh heritage, blending traditional and contemporary elements inspired by Pembrokeshire's landscapes. Restoring four properties, the focus was on preserving rustic allure with modern comforts, creating serene retreats immersed in nature. Challenges included balancing restoration with contemporary touches, optimising space, and maintaining harmony across properties.

The judges were impressed by the project's effortless fusion of traditional and contemporary elements, with inviting textures and a focus on local craftsmanship. It stands out as an exceptional example of how regional heritage can be elegantly woven into a modern design.

“It’s an estate in the Navern Valley in Pembrokeshire and there are four buildings. When our clients initially came to us, it was just one project and one house, and then they managed to buy the other properties on the estate, so the project grew rapidly. It meant we were able to do something so different with each of the buildings because they’re all so unique. It was important to us to be true to what’s on-site and to work with local products. We wanted to understand the nature of the architecture and be respectful to what’s existing, whilst bringing contemporary living into the spaces.” explains Alice Adamczewski, a founding director of Studio 9 Design.

Boutique Beauty

The Forge at Number 1 Bruton forms part of an acclaimed boutique hotel, located in Bruton, Somerset. The Frank and Faber design team were commissioned to oversee the transformation of this historic building into 4 additional luxurious boutique hotel bedrooms, which would be in keeping with the aesthetic of the existing hotel, whilst staying true to the character of the building.

The team developed an aesthetic concept that was inspired by the heritage of the building and underpinned by a rustic simplicity. Existing features and finishes were intentionally highlighted and enhanced with warmth and texture introduced consistently.

“To have our work acknowledged was very gratifying. We work so hard on our projects (as all designers do) so to be recognised by industry experts and peers is an amazing stamp of recognition. I was keen to raise the profile of the company as well as network with other designers and this provided that opportunity. As the main industry body, the BIID is highly respected and it provides a real mark of quality” says Sarah Ellison, Interior Designer, Founder of Frank & Faber.

The judges admired how the design maintains consistency across the diverse architectural buildings, blending rustic simplicity with a range of playful elements. The project’s resourceful use of vintage and reclaimed furniture added notable character and sustainability, while skilled resourcefulness, room planning, and a harmonious blend of materials and craftsmanship create a cohesive and award-worthy environment.

“It’s most definitely important to recognise and reward the great interior design projects that are happening outside of London. There are amazing practices all over the country and we can tend to be very London centric. The response from our peers and community has been so wonderful; really thrilling and an honour. Pretty much all our previous clients congratulated us and commented on the award being very well deserved, so that was lovely. It has been really well received on social media too.” explains Sarah.

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.