Project Studio

The lounge spaces at Skyline were designed to create a series of relaxed social environments where students can gather, unwind, and spend time together, whether watching live sport, hosting movie nights, or simply escaping the pace of everyday study.

Rather than creating one large open-plan room, the spaces were carefully zoned to form smaller pockets for lounging and social interaction. Three-quarter height dividing walls were introduced to subtly define each area while maintaining visual openness and connectivity throughout the floorplate. Importantly, these elements were intentionally kept below full height to avoid triggering Gateway approval requirements, allowing the existing fire compartmentation and air handling strategy to remain intact.

Alongside the lounge areas, a residents' bar was introduced as a key social focal point within the scheme. Designed as a sculptural pill-shaped form and clad in deep green decorative tiling, the bar references the historic architectural language found throughout Bournemouth. This narrative is reinforced through the use of arched pendant lighting and softened geometries that continue the wider design language across the interior.

Acoustics also played a critical role in shaping the atmosphere of these spaces. Timber acoustic-backed wall panelling, heavy piled rugs, curtains, and layered planting were carefully integrated throughout to help soften sound and reduce reverberation, creating a calmer and more comfortable environment for students to socialise within.

The result is a collection of spaces that balance technical restraint with warmth, comfort, and a strong sense of identity.

At Skyline, the co-working space was designed as more than just a place to study, it was conceived as a social and creative environment that reflects Bournemouth’s architectural identity in a contemporary way.

Drawing inspiration from the historic arcades and colonnades found throughout the town, the design takes the arch motif and translates it across the interior in a series of subtle but consistent gestures. Curved forms have been integrated into bespoke joinery elements, from fitted desking and bookcases to collaborative seating areas, helping to create a softer and more welcoming working environment for students.

The repetition of these architectural forms establishes rhythm and cohesion throughout the space, allowing the interior language to feel both intentional and deeply connected to its local context. This approach extends beyond the fixed elements and into the loose furniture and decorative lighting, where rounded silhouettes and sculptural forms continue the narrative at every scale.

Materiality and tone were selected to complement these gestures, pairing warm natural finishes with a muted coastal palette inspired by Bournemouth’s beachfront landscape. Together, the spaces feel calm, tactile, and uplifting, supporting both focused study and informal interaction throughout the day.

The result is a co-working environment that feels rooted in place while delivering a contemporary student experience; one that balances functionality, comfort, and a strong sense of identity.

Recently, part of the team had the opportunity to visit Barcelona alongside David Village Lighting and Vibia; an inspiring few days centred around lighting, craftsmanship and design culture.

From exploring showrooms filled with immersive lighting installations to visiting factory spaces and seeing elements of the manufacturing process first-hand, the trip offered valuable insight into the level of detail, innovation and technical expertise behind contemporary lighting design.

As interior designers, lighting plays a fundamental role in how spaces are experienced. It has the ability to shape atmosphere, influence mood and completely transform the perception of a space. Spending time with brands who place such importance on design, materiality and user experience was incredibly insightful for the team.

Alongside the showroom visits, it was also a great opportunity to experience Barcelona itself, a city with such a strong architectural identity. Visiting landmarks such as Basílica de la Sagrada Família was a reminder of the impact that thoughtful design and craftsmanship can have on people and place.

A huge thank you to David Village Lighting and Vibia for the invitation and hospitality throughout the trip.

This is Skyline, our latest scheme in Bournemouth. Commissioned by Generation Partners, the studio where asked to upgrade the amenity provision across basement and ground floor levels to this existing portfolio asset, working closely with the client and the wider consultant team the studio looked to work within strict guidelines in order to not trigger Gateway approval.

Designing Skyline has been about creating a student living experience that feels deeply connected to Bournemouth’s identity and architectural heritage. From the very beginning, we wanted the scheme to reflect the character of the town, drawing inspiration from the historic arcades and colonnades that define so much of Bournemouth’s coastal charm.

The elegant arch forms found throughout the town became a key influence in shaping the building’s language. We reinterpreted these architectural details in a contemporary way, using rhythm, proportion, and soft geometry to create spaces that feel welcoming, timeless, and rooted in place. These references help Skyline sit naturally within its surroundings while still delivering a bold and modern PBSA environment.

Materiality and colour were equally important to the design process. We looked closely at the Bournemouth coastline, the warm sandy tones, muted seaside textures, and changing hues the sun setting on the horizon, look to inform the interior palette. Soft neutrals, natural finishes, and coastal-inspired accents work together to create a calm and uplifting atmosphere for students living and studying here.

For us, Skyline is more than accommodation; it is an interpretation of Bournemouth itself. A scheme shaped by its context, inspired by local history, and designed to bring a sense of place into everyday student life.

Commissioned by developer Manner and funded by BlackRock, The Store House sits at the heart of Leeds' retail and entertainment district on Briggate and its location is no coincidence. The site's heritage as a former Victorian department store became the creative foundation for the entire interior concept.

We were appointed as interior designer in 2022, delivering the full design scope across 5,300+ sqft of carefully curated amenity space. Drawing on in-depth research into Victorian department store detailing; concession stands, display cabinetry, heritage retail layouts, the team crafted a series of bespoke joinery elements that subtly map the ground floor, blending historical references with the needs of modern student life.

The result is a layered, hospitality-inspired environment that balances durability with warmth. Amenities include a fully equipped gym, games lounge, cinema room, private dining, rooftop terrace, wellness enclave, co-working and study spaces, and a quiet study room concealed behind a feature bookcase wall.

Sustainability was embedded as a core principle throughout, with every design decision aligned to BREEAM Excellent certification, UK Net Zero Carbon targets, and ESG criteria as part of the building's Article 8 Fund inclusion.

We also designed the wayfinding and signage, reinforcing each space's identity through graphic and tactile elements for seamless navigation throughout.

The Store House sets a new benchmark for purpose-built student accommodation in urban settings; where heritage, innovation, and wellbeing come together in one cohesive living experience.

Client: Manner
Project Type:
Project Status: completed 2025
Apartments: 369 bedrooms
Amenity Areas: 5381 sqft
Services: Fully Interior Design Services including Amenity Design RIBA Stages 1-6; Client Monitoring Services; FF&E; Signage & Wayfinding Design and Dressing

The distinction between private living space and shared amenity is becoming increasingly blurred. Residents now expect communal areas to function as genuine extensions of their homes; places where they can relax, work, and spend time comfortably.

This requires a shift away from overly corporate or transient design language, towards something more residential in feel.

We approach amenity spaces with the same level of care and consideration as we would a private interior. Materiality, lighting, and layout are all selected to create warmth, comfort, and familiarity.

By designing spaces that feel lived-in rather than staged, we enable residents to form a stronger connection to their environment.

Projects:
◾Vista River Gardens - dining
◾Bankside - lounge
◾Sunbeam Factory - lounge
◾Sunbeam Factory - kitchen

With over 20,000sqft of amenity space on offer across 3 buildings at One Eastside Block B, we looked to approach the amenity offer as an ecosystem, where every space plays a role in enhancing wellbeing, fostering community, and supporting everyday living.

The concept blends Birmingham’s industrial legacy with a contemporary, confident aesthetic, balancing layered textures, muted palettes, and tactile materials to bring warmth and identity to each space.

In the reception lobby, double-height lime rendered green walls with a stepped detail, look to frame views across a series of interlinked spaces, this paired with recycled stone-content tiled flooring, provide a contemporary nod to the neighbouring Victorian brickwork architecture.

Other materials include weathered brass and oak, along with Brazilian granite provide patina and solidity to the space.

Block B provides a state-of-the-art gym, studio, and wellness spa complete with steam room, sauna, whirlpool bath, plunge pool, treatment rooms and a juice bar, forming a dedicated destination for resident’s wellbeing.

Client: Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC)
Project Type: Build To Rent
Project Status: complete 2026
Apartments: 667
Amenity Areas- 20, 000 sqft
Services: Fully Interior Design Services including Amenity Design RIBA Stages 1-6; Client Monitoring Services; FF&E; Signage & Wayfinding Design and Dressing

A common challenge across the build to rent sector is the presence of beautifully designed amenity spaces that are, in reality, underutilised. While they may photograph well, they often fail to support real patterns of behaviour.

This disconnect typically comes from designing in isolation; prioritising aesthetics without fully considering how residents will engage with a space day-to-day.

We design resident amenity spaces with real life in mind. We interrogate every brief by asking practical questions:
◾How does this space function during peak times?
◾How does it adapt throughout the day?
◾Does it encourage dwell time, or simply act as a pass-through?

By grounding design decisions in behavioural insight, we create environments that feel natural to use with spaces that residents return to regularly, not just admire from a distance.

Projects pictured:
◾Bankside, Manchester
◾Store House, Leeds
◾Sunbeam Factory, Wolverhampton
◾Vista River Gardens, Manchester

Located near the former Midland Brewery and adjacent to Birmingham’s historic Law Courts, the design of One Eastside Block A draws inspiration from the area’s industrial past. This heritage narrative informed a material and detailing language that is both expressive and grounded.

Refined brass work and terracotta brick detailing became core features of the scheme. In the main reception lobby, double-height lime rendered terracotta arches frame the space, paired with recycled stone-content tiled flooring, a nod to the neighbouring Victorian architecture.

At level 49, a standout resident self-service bar is set within a brushed brass drum, a contemporary reference to the brewing vats of the former Midland Brewery. This careful layering of historical reference and modern design ensure that the interiors feel both authentic and forward-looking.

Amenity across Block A includes main reception and ground floor café lounge, whilst at level 49 the amenities include a dedicated co-working lounge with focus pods a pod-cast suite and content creation room. A private dining suite, games lounge, residents bar and roof terrace.

Client: Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC)
Project Type:
Project Status: complete 2026
Apartments: 667
Amenity Areas: 20, 000 sqft
Services: Fully Interior Design Services including Amenity Design RIBA Stages 1-6; Client Monitoring Services; FF&E; Signage & Wayfinding Design and Dressing

Multi-use spaces are becoming an integral part in the early planning stages of build to rent developments.

The Sunbeam Factory in has a deep history of motorcycle manufacturing and the team were keen to promote this rich history throughout the development.

Martin explains, "Material finishes and furnishings have been carefully considered to provide a reference back to the building’s previous factory usage and it’s motorcycle heritage.

Materials include hot-rolled steel to form the kitchen island with stainless steel handle details drawing reference from the manufacturing of Sunbeam motorcycles with their typical black metal frame and chrome detailing. Materials such as band-sawn timber for the floor and Georgian wire glass were used in reference to photos found of the factory floor offices, with various leathers and denim referencing motorcycle culture.

With all of our projects, we look to engage with local designer makers and manufacturers. In this particular area we've commissioned bespoke recycled timber terrazzo dining tables from a manufacturer called Finishing touches include oxidised pendant lighting from and design classic industrial chairs by Jean Prouve, This provides a space with a highly textured palette and warm patina."

Client: Paragon Living
Project Type: Build to Rent
Project Status: Appointment 2022 / Completion 2024
Apartments: 175
Services: Amenity Design RIBA Stages 1-6, Communal circulation area design, Apartment Design, Client Monitoring Services, FF&E, Dressing
Completion: 2024