The Designers Using Their Skills To Help Charities

In 2020 Bunny Turner and Emma Pocock of interior design studio Turner Pocock launched registered charity TP Caring Spaces. With a profound conviction about the power of design, Emma and BIID Registered Interior Designer Bunny wanted to employ their skills to transform environments for different charities and groups. We asked Bunny and Emma to tell us more about how they came to launch the charity, the projects they’ve completed so far, and their plans for the future of TP Caring Spaces.

What prompted you to launch TP Caring Spaces?

We had been talking about establishing a charity for some time and knew we were keen to do something that utilised our skills and united all the wonderful design world people we had met over the years and continue to work with. When the COVID pandemic hit the UK, the impact of our environment and the need for comfortable spaces in which workers, patients, and carers could relax and recuperate was highlighted. A special request from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital to transform a staff room presented us with our first project, and so TP Caring Spaces was born: a charity focused on transforming charity spaces into havens that enable their communities to thrive.

Can you tell us about your vision for the charity?

Our vision is simple: the environments we create for different charities and groups of people will change lives. We are focused on bringing joy to utilitarian spaces and ensuring that the functional space feels valued, and the environment becomes restorative and a source of joy and comfort. We are focused on being open and welcoming in our outreach, working on a truly diverse selection of projects, and dispelling any sense of exclusivity. As the charity grows, we hope to embrace an increasing number of partners allowing us to take on larger projects and welcome guest design teams. In years to come, we would love Caring Spaces to be known as the charity for the design industry – a collaboration of all the brilliant brands and businesses in our industry.

How many projects have you completed so far?

We have completed four projects so far with another due to finish this summer. These include a retreat for cancer patients and their families, a women's refuge, a hospital staff room, a Mencap overnight facility, and the communal spaces within a drop-in centre for the homeless and those struggling with mental health issues. This autumn we will begin work on our largest project to date; the total redesign of two huge multifunctional spaces in a community centre.

What are the criteria that must be fulfilled for you to take on a project?

We are open to all suggestions in terms of what the charity or initiative supports, but it must be an officially registered charity. At the moment the majority of our projects are based in London, relieving any issues with accessibility, but as we grow, we very much hope to be able to widen the net and embrace projects all over the UK.

Could you give us an example of one or two of your completed projects?

Hestia is a charity supporting more than 15,000 adults and children in crisis every year. From victims of abuse to modern slavery, their work includes counselling and extensive practical help, as well as the provision of refuges for those in need. We worked on a refuge in South London transforming their communal spaces, creating a playroom and sitting room where the ladies and their children could relax, play, socialise, and feel a sense of home. Our project with the mental health charity Mencap focused on the total redesign of their staff overnight room. This space had to include a practical office area, a comfortable and easily maintained bedroom area and a clean, functional bathroom. We also wanted it to be a calm and comfortable space for those who worked there: somewhere they could retreat for breaks and feel rested and re-energised.

How did those you have undertaken projects for find TP Caring Spaces when you first started?

Word of mouth is invaluable. Our very first project at Guy’s and St Thomas’ was provoked by a speculative and understandably desperate call from the ward sister. Other projects have been discovered, recommended by friends and generated from our website.

How have TP Caring Spaces’ partners become involved and are you looking for more?

We don't think we could ever have too many partners. Our goal was to unite the design world and beyond and give everyone an opportunity to support diverse causes over the course of a year. Initially we approached many of our key suppliers or contacts directly, but then we started to receive calls and enquiries and now we are keen to expand our reach, welcoming project partners who perhaps wish to take ownership of or fund an entire project. There are no specified requirements or strict commitments when one becomes a partner; you must simply show a willingness to contribute in some way to our projects via donations, fundraising, supplying products, helping with events, etc. No-one is expected to donate to every project. We also need people to spread the word beyond our industry.

Are you looking for volunteers and, if so, in what roles?

Yes, we are always on the lookout for brilliant, proactive volunteers in the following areas:

• Fundraising
• Carpentry
• Plumbing
• Decorating/painting
• Electricians
• Tilers
• Artists
• Interior photographers
• Graphic designers

We do not currently need designers for our projects.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us about TP Caring Spaces?

If you would like to do something jolly impressive such as run a marathon for TP Caring Spaces, we would be delighted. We are also looking for fabulous, senior people with a charitable background who might consider donating an hour or two of their time to discussing the growth of the charity and helping us create an achievable business plan for the next five years. We are a really fun little team, who are passionate about what we do and are open to new ideas and fresh perspectives, so please do contact us any time.