The Brit List Awards 2025, held on 5th November at Ministry of Sound, saw 13 individual winners awarded for categories ranging from Best in British Product Design to Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry.
The ceremony also marked the launch of The Brit List 2025 – Hotel Design’s annual print publication listing the top 25 Architects, Hoteliers, and Interior Designers of the year.
Kicking off a three-part editorial series revealing the top 25 in each category, we’re taking a look at the profiles of this year’s winning interior designers…
Winner: Interior Designer of the Year 2025
Camilla Clarke, Creative Director, Albion Nord
Across her formative years, Camilla turned a love of art and sketching into a passion for interior design – and, since then, she has worked on everything from contemporary penthouses to Georgian homes. Her strong relationships with suppliers and craftsmen, coupled with her deep knowledge of art and antiques, allow her to craft compelling and unique identities for all kinds of interiors.
Camilla’s impressive grounding in art includes not only a qualification in Fine Art and Photography from City & Guilds of London and a History of Art Degree in Oxford, but also a Diploma in Architectural Interior Design at the prestigious Inchbald School of Design. Her knowledge and love for her subject, along with her dedication to her craft, is apparent in every project.
Speaking about recent project, Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, Camilla said she enjoyed the opportunity to tell a new story of British luxury – one rooted in craft, landscape and character with interiors that were refined yet bold, timeless yet unexpected – much like Britain itself.
Highly Commended: Interior Designer of the Year 2025
Alex Dauley, Owner, Dauley Design
Alex is a storyteller, a visionary, and a passionate advocate for inclusivity in the design world. With a keen eye for detail and an innate ability to understand her client’s desires, Alex transforms spaces into sanctuaries that resonate deeply with those who inhabit them.
Her journey into interior design is unique, marked by her fearless creativity, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to breaking barriers. As a champion for diversity and representation, Alex’s leadership and dedication shine through in every project, creating innovation and change in the industry.
Alex is not only a talented designer, but also dedicates her time to helping young talent from underrepresented backgrounds enter the industry via United in Design – a British diversity, equity, and inclusion charity to create pathways for underrepresented talent in the design industry.
Andy Goodwin, Director and Co-founder, Fettle
Andy Goodwin and Tom Parker founded Fettle in 2015 and are excited to be celebrating the studio’s tenth anniversary this year.
From their offices in London (led by Andy) and Los Angeles (led by Tom), they provide a full spectrum of services, from space planning and project feasibility studies, to bespoke lighting and furniture design.
Andy believes in a very honest, direct, design-led approach, based around the functional aspects of the spaces he designs. his intrinsic understanding of the requirements and operations of hospitality venues around the globe allows him and his team to work with clients in a structured, efficient way, from the initial concept stages through to the construction process. By balancing the importance of design work with the understanding of the process, Fettle is able to deliver stunning spaces that are both economically viable and functional.
James Thurstan Waterworth, Founder, Thurstan
James Thurstan Waterworth founded Thurstan with a mission to create eclectic and original interiors true to the client brief and in keeping with their architecture and surroundings.
The former European Design Director at Soho House, James worked on houses in Istanbul, Miami, Barcelona and London giving a strong emphasis to comfort, practicality and the origins and history of a building. In 2018, he left Soho House to set up Thurstan with a goal of creating beautiful hospitality projects across Europe and further afield using the knowledge he had built but also with a new creative mindset.
Thurstan offers a design-led practical based offering to hospitality clients – and although there are similarities in the approach James takes in researching the local area, the history of the building and the product on offer, Thurstan’s ethos is all about creating a strong DNA for each individual project.
Una Barac, Founder and Executive Director, Atellior
Una leads the creative design process within Atellior and is currently working on a large number of luxury residential and hospitality schemes across the UK and Europe, ranging from the refurbishment and restoration of existing listed buildings to the design, fit out and dressing of spectacular new builds.
Una has led award-winning design projects for Hampton by Hilton Park Royal which was shortlisted in Hotel Public Space Design category at SBID International Design Awards and Atellior’s residential project Saffron Wharf at London Dock which won the Gold Award for Best Interior Design at the 2021 WhatHouse? The project was also shortlisted at British Homes Awards 2022, alongside Royal Arsenal Riverside luxury apartment. Additionally, Le Meridien Lav hotel won the award for Best Hotel Suite Interior at the European Property Awards 2023-2024.
Tom Thorogood, Partner and Co-head of Interiors, Studio Moren
As part of the leadership team at Studio Moren, Tom’s versatility shines through. He has a natural ability to seamlessly adapt to various design elements and effortlessly infuses projects with inspiration tailored to each project.
Since joining Studio Moren, Tom’s unique impact on projects has been unmistakable. His influence is evident in the chic Hyde London City and a range of 5-star luxury hotels and resorts in Stratford-upon-Avon, Portugal, and Nigeria, leaving an enduring mark on each space.
Recently, Tom led the interior design team in the renovation of the 111-room Hyde London City. The design draws inspiration from the Victorian Era, encompassing everything from colour palettes and architectural details to the era’s discoveries and inventions, all while honouring the building’s heritage. The hotel opened last year and is the first UK outpost of the Hyde brand.
Toni Black, Interior Director & Partner, Blacksheep
With more than 25 years of industry experience working with world-class brands across the globe, Toni Black leads the interior design team at Blacksheep, specialising in directing hotel and luxury hospitality projects. Across her career, her diverse and impressive portfolio ranges from luxury palaces and private residencies through to shopping outlets, restaurants and unique hotel destinations.
Her highly acclaimed projects at Blacksheep include Montcalm East Hotel London, St. Regis San Francisco, Noxe at the W Barcelona and Prince De Galles Luxury Collection Hotel in Paris, among many others.
Toni Black is an avid storyteller with the kind of energy that steers, inspires and encourages her designers to always push the bar on their creative output and design thinking. Her impeccable eye for detail ensures each interior narrative is uniquely expressed and followed through in every aspect of the design scheme.
Matt Hulme, Design Director, Dynargh Design
Falmouth School of Art graduate Matt Hulme cut his design teeth at Urban Outfitters, Hotel du Vin and Malmaison before establishing his own practice, Dynargh Design, in 2011.
The team have designed and decorated some of the most desirable hotels in the UK, most notably Another Place in the Lake District and Cornwall’s Watergate Bay Hotel.
Matt’s most recent work on SeaScape has rewritten the rulebook for typical seaside hotel design in the UK. The building, its structure, design and functionality have made this possible; bold design-led interiors, community-enriching spaces, fully equipped apartments, and accessible units to serve all audiences.
John Paul Pederson, Creative Director, Wimberly Interiors
Since graduating from Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, John Paul has conceptualised, presented, designed and implemented hospitality projects all across the globe, ranging from small boutique hotels to large-scale resorts and casinos. He has worked on all phases of the design process from the initial client pitch and presentation through to final installation and on-site coordination.
Having worked extensively on international projects prior to joining Wimberly Interiors London, John Paul has developed and strategised with design teams on the demographic, locale and sociopolitical aspects of a particular project before the implementation – something which is demonstrated clearly in his work throughout the United States, Europe and the Middle East.
John Paul’s focus, aside from the conceptualisation and management of a project, has been on the space planning and FF+E design, utilising his passion for detail.
Tolù Adẹ̀kọ́, Founder & Creative Director, Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co
Tolù Adèkó, the visionary behind Adèkó & Co Studio, takes a holistic approach to design management, collaborating with artisans, craftsmen, and makers who are renowned in their respective fields, resulting in a unified aesthetic that’s both timeless and innovative.
With roots that lie in designing major hotels and luxury cruise ships, Tolù is best known for his work in the hospitality sector but takes on a select number of residential commissions too. “Storytelling is at the heart of everything: I’m always exploring how space can communicate memory, heritage and identity, whether that’s through an unexpected material pairing or the quiet elegance of a considered detail.” As part of the studio’s ten-year celebrations, Tolù is creating a ‘dramatic and immersive’ VIP Lounge at Decorex in October.
Tolù is dedicated to creating immersive experiences for everyone, and believes great design is inclusive in every respect. Currently, Tolù and his team are working with IHG on a research project to ensure accessible design is implemented across the group’s global portfolio.
Caitriona McGachy, Head of Design, The July
Caitriona McGachy currently serves as the Head of Design at The July since January 2021. Prior to this role, Caitriona held the position of Associate at Martin Brudnizki Design Studio from March 2014 to January 2021.
Her experience in the hospitality design industry and previous work at leading interior design studios has equipped her with the vision alongside a passion to bring beautiful design to every project she works on.
The July London Victoria, Caitriona’s most recent project, opened in June and has already received a lot of positive attention from the press and design critics alike. Under her guidance and collaboration with interior design studio Fettle, the hotel’s design has helped bring vibrancy to the capital and a popular European brand to the UK’s lifestyle market for the first time.
Rachael Gowridge, Founder, Rachael Gowridge
Rachael Gowdridge is a London-based interior designer whose hospitality work sets a new standard for creativity, emotional depth, and guest-centric design. With a background that includes high-profile roles at The Hoxton Hotels, Gleneagles, and separately under the creative direction of Martin Brudnizki, Rachael honed her skills in narrative-led interiors, strategic storytelling, and experiential design before establishing her own studio in 2022.
Since then, she has applied that foundation to a portfolio of bold, soulful, and distinctive hospitality projects that reimagine how spaces can engage, delight and move guests. Her ethos is rooted in emotional intelligence, craft, and contextual relevance. Rachael’s studio does not chase trends; it builds stories. Her interiors are designed to feel lived-in, layered and grounded – each one responding uniquely to the spirit of its architecture and surroundings.
Sameena Singh, Founder, Littlemore Design
Littlemore is a London based interior design studio founded by Sameena Singh. Empowered by travel that has informed our design, our projects also reach many continents. Our ethos is an elusive harmony between seemingly opposing forces, be it tradition and modernity, minimalism and embellishment, or indeed ‘little’ and ‘more’.
Design led by a process of curiosity, with meticulous research into history, narrative and adventure. You will find our spaces in the world of hospitality, F&B, residential, wellness and all the sectors in between.
Having designed luxury hotels and residences for over 15 years with leading hospitality brands such as Fairmont, Ritz Carlton, Jumeirah, Capella and Four Seasons worldwide, Sameena has honed an ability to conceive complex projects as a whole and ensure the concept is nurtured through the completed design.
Karen Taylor, Founder, Pattern Haus
Pattern Haus has emerged as a prominent force in the interior design industry, led by the visionary Karen Taylor, whose extensive experience and collaborative ethos set the studio apart. The firm embodies the belief that design is inherently a collaborative process, bringing together a diverse array of specialists for each project – including project managers, planning experts, materials connoisseurs, and talented designers – to achieve one goal: delivering exceptional results tailored to client needs.
Founded in January 2023, Pattern Haus is the culmination of Karen’s rich career that spans over 25 years in the creative realm. Previously a creative director at DesignLSM, Karen has collaborated with top global design agencies such as Landor and Fitch, accumulating a profound understanding of the nuances in various sectors, including retail, hospitality, and private residential design. Her portfolio boasts an impressive array of projects that span the globe, with notable work in London, the Middle East, and Europe, and includes interiors for high-profile clients and celebrities.
Mark Bithrey, Founder, B3 Designers
Mark Bithrey founded B3 Designers in 2002, and has spent over two decades shaping the hospitality industry through thoughtful branding and interior design. B3 Designers’ portfolio includes some of the world’s most iconic hospitality destinations, from Michelin-starred restaurants to visionary hotels and inspiring entrepreneurs who are redefining the dining and travel experience.
Mark’s vision at B3 Designers is to deliver authentic experiences that align design, brand, and ROI. Across the studio’s F&B design, style follows substance. Every space is built on a deep understanding of our clients’ vision, market realities, and guest expectations. Mark leads the team to craft places that are as commercially successful as they are visually remarkable.
Clare McDonald, Founder, Design Command
As Founder of Design Command, Clare has created an environment where her team feel empowered to be genuinely creative, knowing they always have her professional and knowledgeable support behind them. Her leadership skills have built a culture where the team feels trusted, valued and excited about the work they do and the projects they deliver.
Over the last 18 months, Clare has led a range of exciting projects; including working closely with two restaurant brands to develop and roll out cohesive interior concepts across multiple sites. Design Command has also been involved in a major hotel transformation, due to reopen in September which Clare has managed with full team collaboration. She combines creative vision with commercial insight, delivering spaces that are not only visually compelling but also deeply aligned with each client’s brand identity.
Kiara Jefferies, Founder & Principal Designer, Tone Interiors
For over ten years, Kiara has worked on construction projects in the retail and hospitality sectors. This hands-on experience has taught her how to take a project from concept to completion. She understands both the creative and the technical sides of design, and enjoys working closely with contractors to achieve the best build possible. She now leads projects that reflect both tradition and new ideas.
In 2022, Kiara lost her brother to suicide. This personal loss made mental health a key focus in her life and work. She is now partnering with charities that support mental health and crisis centres. She is designing spaces that support recovery and wellbeing. Her aim is to make these places feel safe, calm, and respectful. Kiara believes that design can support healing through your environment. She brings together strong values and practical skill. Her work is rooted in real-life experience and driven by a desire to help others.
Leanne Armstrong, Founder & Creative Director, Black Ivy Design
In just five years owning her own studio, Leanne Armstrong has established herself as one of the UK’s most exciting and original forces in hospitality design. As Founder and Creative Director of Black Ivy Design, Leanne launched her practice in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic – against the odds and ahead of the curve. What began as a bold leap of creative independence has grown into a multi-disciplinary design studio whose work is defining the visual language of modern British hospitality and retail.
Leanne’s work is united by a deep respect for place, character and experience. Her signature lies not in repetition, but reinvention. This year alone, she has delivered three projects across different sectors – each with a distinct narrative, but all underscored by her studio’s hallmarks: evocative lighting, layered materiality, and an intuitive understanding of how people move through and feel in a space.
Alex Holloway, Founding Director, Holloway Li
Holloway Li are Interior Architects with an established reputation for providing innovative architecture and interior design direction to a growing network of international clients across hospitality, co-living, retail, and private residential sectors. The practice was founded in 2018, and is fronted by Alex Holloway and Na Li.
Alex is responsible for the overall creative output and design direction of the company, and manages the studio’s London and North American projects. Alex has over ten years of professional experience of working on London-based projects – on his own ventures as well as multi-unit projects at large architecture practices.
Alex is a guest critic at a number of leading academic institutions, including The Royal College of Art, The Bartlett School of Architecture, Central Saint Martins, and Chelsea College of Art.
Natalia Miyar, Founder, Natalia Miyar Atelier
Natalia is grounded in materiality, her understanding of proportion, structure, and spatial flow is matched by an instinctive feel for colour, texture, and contrast. As founder of Natalia Miyar Atelier, a globally recognised studio with offices in London and Miami, she leads a team working across high-end residential, boutique hospitality, and bespoke product design.
Her portfolio spans a wide spectrum, from a grand English villa and a Manhattan penthouse to a St. Moritz chalet, a beachside retreat in the Bahamas, and boutique hotels in London and the West Indies. Regardless of location or scale, each project reflects Natalia’s commitment to craftsmanship, context, and character.
In addition to her interiors practice, she has launched collections of furniture, wallpaper, and rugs, each rooted in her signature blend of architectural discipline and layered luxury.
Joanne Aitken, Associate Designer & Procurement Specialist, LXA
Joanne Aitken’s background in Technical Theatre and Theatre Design at Rose Bruford College brings a unique spatial and material sensitivity to her work. Her early experience as a stage designer gave her a strong command of mood, storytelling, and detail qualities that still define her interior design approach today. Since joining LXA, Jo has brought that same creative discipline to the interior environments she crafts, consistently delivering intelligent, elegant spaces that respond closely to client briefs.
She has been an integral part of LXA since 2011, shaping the creative heart of the studio for over a decade. Her influence has touched every part of the business, from concept development through to procurement and delivery, across a wide range of sectors including hospitality, private education, high end residential and hotels. She is a consistently outstanding designer, a generous mentor, and one of the key voices behind LXA’s evolving creative direction.
Ramona Bittere, Founder, Monce Designs
Latvian-born designer Ramona Bittere is known for her immersive and sensory approach to spatial design. She holds degrees in Interior Architecture from London Metropolitan University and Architecture from the University of Greenwich. Before founding her own studio, she honed her craft as Senior Interior Designer at Muza Lab, where she contributed to high-end hospitality and residential projects across the globe.
In early 2025, Ramona established Monce Designs, a creative studio driven by the belief that design should engage all five senses. Her work moves beyond traditional notions of interior design – expanding it into an exploration of perception, emotion, and experience.
Ramona views her practice as a multidisciplinary dialogue between art, architecture, and storytelling. She describes herself as a sense stimulator, detail-obsessed enthusiast, visual storyteller, sound architect, and curator of experience. Through Monce Designs, she aims to redefine the relationship between people and space – not simply shaping walls, floors, and ceilings, but crafting environments that resonate on a sensory and emotional level.
Beverly Bayes, Creative Director, Sparcstudio
As creative Director, Beverly Bayes is the creative driving force within award-winning Sparcstudio. An expert on spa and hotel design, she has extensive knowledge of spa and wellness operations and requirements.
Opened last year, Sparcstudio designed the stunning eco-lodges that make up The Reeds at South Lodge in Sussex – in collaboration with Felce and Guy Architects. Perfectly placed on the edge of the lake, the eight eco-lodges are double-height sanctuaries with their own private decks cantilevered over the water’s edge. Biophillic design principles have been used throughout to immerse guests in the restorative power of the surrounding landscape, whilst following sustainable construction processes, materials and finishes.
Main image credit: Hotel Designs
