We have an exciting guest with us for the latest instalment of our interview series exploring the worlds of artists, designers and creative thinkers – the London-based interior designer, Rachael Gowdridge. She has created interiors for the likes of Fortnum & Mason, Hoxton Hotels, Big Mamma Group and Four Seasons Hotels.
In this edition, we learn what it’s like to run your own practice and team, designing beautiful, luxury spaces for clients across the UK. Rachael tells us how she cut her teeth working for leading designers such as David Collins and Martin Brudnizki. We start where the journey began, with art.
Could you tell us how your journey into interior design began?
I’d always known I wanted to be an interior designer, but I deliberately chose to study Contemporary Art Practice first to gain a broader understanding of different creative specialisms. It was a very hands-on course: lots of making art, exploring materials and understanding how things come together, which have really shaped how I approach design today. After that, I did a master’s in interior design to hone my skills and then landed an internship at David Collins Studio in West London which really opened a lot of doors and set me on the path I’m on now.
What was it like to work for esteemed designers such as David Collins and Martin Brudnizki before setting up your own practice?
Incredible and intense – I learned something new every day. The level of detail and dedication to craft was the golden thread. You learn very quickly that every choice matters, even the ones no one else might notice. It also taught me the importance of building relationships – with clients, craftspeople and within a design team. That collaborative spirit has definitely stayed with me.
Do you have guiding principles or creative rules you follow when designing spaces?
I always start with how a space feels before worrying about how it looks. That emotional connection is everything. I’m also a big believer in contrasts – mixing old with new, rough with smooth, bold with understated. And celebrating craftsmanship is of huge importance for me. Even the most relaxed, effortless spaces are underpinned by thoughtful details and quality materials.
Is it important to get to know your clients and the history of the buildings you work on to inform the design?
Absolutely – it’s the difference between a space that looks good and one that feels right. We like to research a building’s past, finding those little stories that can subtly inform the design. And getting to know clients on a deeper level means the space truly reflects them.
Best thing about your job?
No two days are ever the same, and that’s what I love about it. One moment we’re sketching concepts and playing with big-picture ideas, and the next we’re deep in the details – sourcing antique door handles, reviewing shop drawings, or collaborating with local craftspeople to create something completely bespoke. It’s a constant balance between creativity and problem-solving, imagination and practicality. And nothing beats the feeling of seeing all those tiny decisions and details come together as the project nears completion.
What would be your dream project to work on?
A small boutique hotel in a historic building – somewhere with layers of history and stories to unearth, but with room for bold, contemporary interventions. Or maybe a remote retreat surrounded by nature – designing spaces that help people truly switch off and reconnect.
Who are you inspired by? And do you have go-to books you look to for inspiration?
I’m constantly inspired by artisans and craftspeople – people who dedicate their lives to mastering a single material or technique. There’s beauty in people like that.
When we start a new project, particularly in a historic building, we’ll often dive into books and catalogues from the era the building was constructed. It’s fascinating to understand the original design principles – what made those spaces work and why so many of those ideas still feel relevant today. It’s less about following trends and more about creating something with a sense of permanence and authenticity.
What are you working on now?
An eclectic mix! We’re deep into the design for a restaurant in East London, which has been all about balancing drama with intimacy and creating moments of surprise. We’re also working on a hotel project in Berlin, where we’re exploring ways to thread local artists and their work throughout the design – bringing a sense of place and cultural connection to the interiors. And then there’s a Paragraph 84 house in Nottinghamshire, which is a completely different challenge – designing a contemporary home that feels rooted in its natural surroundings and stands the test of time. (Paragraph 84 refers to a planning policy that allows building new isolated homes in the countryside, provided certain criteria are met.)
See more beautiful interiors by Rachael Gowdridge at https://www.rachaelgowdridge.com/
Photo credits Christopher Horwood
