Winners 23
The British Institute of Interior Design is delighted to announce the winners of the second BIID Interior Design Awards. The accolades were awarded at the prestigious awards ceremony, which took place on 12th October 2023, at the stunning Drapers’ Hall, London. The magnificent interiors created a spectacular backdrop to celebrate the highly anticipated return of the BIID Interior Design Awards.
In front of an enthusiastic in-person audience of almost 200 industry professionals, the event proved to be an enjoyable and exciting day for all, especially for the winning interior designers who had gathered from all over the UK.
The winners of the 2023 BIID Interior Design Awards are:
CENTRAL LONDON WINNER:
Studio Found - The Libertine At The Royal Exchange
Located in the Grade-1 listed historic underground vaults of the Royal Exchange, The Libertine, designed by Studio Found, is one of London’s most exciting new hospitality venues.
Judges applauded the project for honouring the building's history and seamlessly merging old and new elements. Judges praised the imaginative upholstery, wall finishes, and material choices, creating a captivating atmosphere and enhancing functionality. The result respects the building's shape and history while breathing new life into the space.
GREATER LONDON WINNER:
House of Kin - Riverside
Riverside designed by House of Kin is a unique nursery that preserves the character of the original church building, whilst combining clean aesthetics, soft colours, and simple lines with homely and interactive touches. The result is a vibrant, holistic design which provides a calm and inspiring learning and play space.
Judges praised its harmonious and child-friendly design, emphasizing sustainability with cork-clad walls, wood waste flooring, and recycled plastic bottle tiles. The space offers various interactive areas tailored to different personalities, fostering engagement through adaptive units and play structures. Overall, the design is imaginative, thoughtful, and perfect for children's learning and growth.
GREATER LONDON HIGHLY COMMENDED:
TOLLGARD STUDIO – MAIDA VALE ARCADIA
Tollgard Studio’s design brief was for a green-focused, family-oriented contemporary home. The design successfully balances architectural integrity with a warm atmosphere transforming the property into a functional, aesthetically pleasing space.
Judges praised the well-crafted lighting scheme, tactile finishes, and furniture selection that embodies an "outside in" theme. The design adeptly addresses the brief, with impeccable attention to detail, harmoniously blending contemporary and historical elements. Sustainability was prioritized throughout, showcasing a luxury-eco-conscious blend.
MIDLANDS & EAST ANGLIA WINNER:
Design LSM - Heythrop Park Hotel
The prestigious 337-key Heythrop Park Hotel, is a stunning Grade II* listed property outside the Cotswolds, which has undergone a monumental transformation, creating an engaging aesthetic that connects the charming manor house and contemporary extension.
The judges agreed that the design impressively combines period aesthetics and local heritage, blending opulence with modernity to create a luxury experience. Notable for its restoration and striking design details, such as Chinoiserie-inspired tiles, the project showcases craftsmanship and attention to detail. It also excels in Design for Demographics, ensuring accessibility while maintaining style and cohesion.
NORTH & NORTH WEST WINNER:
The Artistry House Interiors - Manchester Museum
This impressive project features a selection of non-gallery spaces with a multitude of purposes, at Manchester Museum. The design successfully creates a warm, inclusive environment that reflects the aim of reimagining the Museum for the people of Manchester. It encourages frequent visits and longer stays, fostering community engagement and learning. Key spaces are designed with multi-sensory experiences and accessibility in mind.
The judges praised the transformation of non-gallery spaces into a warm, inclusive environment, encouraging community engagement and learning. Creatively blending old and new elements, and repurposing vintage museum furniture for shop displays. Skilful use of colour and lighting aids navigation, and sustainability principles are embraced through local collaborations and repurposing. The result is a flexible, coherent, and imaginatively designed public space with high-quality accessibility and appeal for all ages.
SCOTLAND, WALES AND NORTHERN IRELAND WINNER:
Pringle & Pringle - Isle of Arran
This detached family home is a sustainable new build on the Scottish island of Arran. The brief was to create a sociable yet tranquil multigenerational space, designed to optimize waterfront views, and durable for an outdoor lifestyle.
The judges’ commented that this sustainable multigenerational family home impressively integrates with its natural surroundings and caters to diverse needs, promoting togetherness while allowing for individual preferences. It skilfully mirrors outdoor hues, adapts to evolving conditions, and prioritizes durability and ease of cleaning. Despite remote challenges, the project delivers a functional, quirky, and peaceful home that is a "quiet triumph" of high-quality design.
SCOTLAND, WALES AND NORTHERN IRELAND HIGHLY COMMENDED:
Zebra Projects - Neom Organics
NEOM Flagship Store at St. James Quarter in Edinburgh presents refined quality natural products to give its customers true wellbeing benefits. The design is an experiential space that elevates the customer experience in an interactive and informative way and conveys the brand experience of NEOM incorporating an impressive retail design and immersive product trial areas.
NEOM's sustainable store design features innovative materials like recycled plastic worktops, lime-based clay render, and FSC-certified timber flooring. Their commitment to sustainability includes 100% renewable energy use and ethical material selection. The collaboration with Jungle Fit-out reflects shared values of B Corp certification and environmental responsibility.The judges liked the carefully considered design and noted the great use of lighting in this semi-subterranean space. They felt it was a well-executed scheme with excellent use of materials that really elevated this project.
SOUTH WEST WINNER:
Frank & Faber Ltd - No.1 Bruton - The Forge
The Forge at Number 1 Bruton forms part of an acclaimed boutique hotel, located in Bruton, Somerset. Faber & Faber were commissioned to oversee the transformation of this historic building into 4 additional luxurious boutique hotel bedrooms.
The judges admired how the design maintains consistency across diverse architectural buildings, blending rustic simplicity with playful elements. Resourceful use of vintage and reclaimed furniture adds character and sustainability. Skilled resourcefulness, room planning, and a harmonious blend of materials and craftsmanship create a cohesive and award-worthy environment.
SOUTH WEST HIGHLY COMMENDED
Sarah Southwell Design - Manor House
This unique project is the restoration of a Grade II listed Manor House, seamlessly blending old and new. The comprehensive renovation and room-by-room interior design has transformed the house into an enchanting family residence, while preserving its historic charm.
The project showcases creativity, resourcefulness, and sustainability. The design celebrates the English country house style while being functional and practical, with playful and vibrant additions that reflect the spaces' personalities.
SOUTH EAST WINNER
KAGU Interiors - Boys Hall
KAGU Interiors was commissioned to breathe new life into a 400-year-old Jacobean manor house by transforming it into a luxurious, bespoke hotel. The designer’s task was to renovate the manor, preserving its history while incorporating modern amenities. The design aimed to harmonize historic charm with contemporary comfort and luxury, while respecting the original architecture.
The judges awarded this project category winner 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 ensuring the project met concerns of comfort, practicality, and style. The judges summarised that the project was thoughtfully executed, with a respectful and caring touch.
THE ANNA WHITEHEAD PRIZE WINNER
Zebra Projects - Neom Organics
The Anna Whitehead Prize, is awarded for the best achievement in sustainable interior design, named in honour of late BIID member and sustainability champion, interior designer Anna Whitehead.
The judges have awarded the Anna Whitehead prize, for this project as it places sustainability at its core. The project incorporates innovative materials like recycled plastic worktops, lime-based clay render, and FSC-certified timber flooring, all powered by 100% renewable energy. Their partner collaboration aligns with shared B Corp certification and environmental values, emphasizing ethical sourcing, charity work, and resource donations. Thoughtful furniture design focuses on reusability and efficient material use, highlighting a commitment to sustainability and adaptability for future relocations. The judges were impressed with this retail model and expressed their desire for this to be the standard for all retail design.
INTERIOR OF THE YEAR PRIZE
Studio Found - The Libertine
Our prestigious prize awarded to the best overall interior from the seven winning regional categories
Despite complex design challenges and pandemic related delays, this captivating space has been designed with diverse and compelling zones, which thoughtfully incorporate historical elements while preserving the space's uniqueness. The judges felt this project showed great imagination, expertise, and creativity and commented that the design successfully creates an intoxicating sense of atmosphere and drama, and that all visitors would surely be cast under its spell of fun, glamour and effortless cool.
View all shortlisted projects here.
Feeling inspired? View the 2022 winning projects here.
Find out more about the BIID Interior Design Awards.