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SGS Design Client Spotlight

3 minute read time

 

Clean lines, tranquil tones, quiet luxury, and elegance inspired by classic contemporary design are all phrases synonymous with that of Sophie Stevens, Creative Director of SGS Design, who has been in the industry for over 18 years and has the portfolio and expertise to show for it. In 2010, Sophie founded SGS Design, a vibrant architectural interior design studio based in Tunbridge Wells, where she brings a highly personalised approach to every project. Each design is uniquely tailored to the client’s brief, with a shared commitment to seamlessly blending materials, textures, colours, and space.

 

We spoke with Sophie to explore the principles that define her work, including the significance of architectural space and the vital role natural lighting plays in the home. From her latest Art Deco-inspired project to her dedication to optimising raw materials, Sophie offers a fresh and insightful perspective on creating interiors that are as individual as her clients.

 

 

Q: How would you describe SGS’ aesthetic?

Our design approach is always guided by the project itself. Rather than imposing our aesthetic, we take a considered response to the client, their brief and the architecture and setting of the property.

 

Q: When creating a space or a home, it is as much about what the design looks like as it is about how it makes the client feel. What is your approach to creating this multi-sensory, emotional feeling in a space?

The emotional impact of our environment should not be underestimated. That's why I’m so passionate about good space planning as we can really add value at the start of a project by taking a forensic approach to the interior layouts. Walking the space, studying the client’s brief, and refining the design enhances both functionality and flow.

"Before considerations on the emotional impact of colour, texture and lighting, it’s essential to create a layout that maximises the quirks of the architecture, focuses on attractive outlooks and follows the natural light of the home."

Q: Does the studio have a specific focus when it comes to project selection?

At SGS, We are a small team of five designers and two admin and procurement staff. However, we are fortunate enough to work on a diverse range of residential and select commercial projects.

 

Q: From looking through your beautiful portfolio, you get the sense that light and lots of space play a big role in your design approach, would you agree that this is the case? And what is your approach to achieve a grand yet refined sense of luxury?

I’m delighted you sense that from our body of work. I’m a great believer in observing the natural circadian rhythm and we are constantly improving our understanding of lighting techniques and investing time into our lighting schemes to allow our clients maximum flexibility within their home at the push of a light switch!

Layering architectural task lighting with ambient decorative lighting is essential to any successful interior project. The right temperature lamp, with layered light sources and dimming control can transform a room - visually shrinking or enlarging a space and transitioning rooms for different purposes throughout the day. And of course, you can’t beat a beautiful feature pendant or table lamp to add texture to a scheme. 

 

 

Q: You share that your design concepts are individual to every brief but have the same underlying passion for blending materials, texture and colour. What is your approach when it comes to designing a space, and how do you marry these three important elements together?

Our designs really reflect the unique combination of client and home but as a studio I think we prefer working with natural materials, like marble, linen and metals. At SGS, we really value the amazing craftspeople we have the pleasure of working with. 

"Wherever possible, we will specify products which have human input and contact such as hand-painted silk wallpapers, ceramic lamps with hand-made shades and crafted bathroom brass-wear with live, unlacquered finishes. How we then layer these raw materials and artisan products always depends on the specific project design brief."

Q: Thinking back to your projects, I am sure each one is as special as the next. Have there been any standout moments or perhaps a bespoke piece that really stood out for you?

We're actually working on something very special at the moment. It's a fully clad mirrored box encasing the master ensuite and accessed by hidden doors. We've panelled it with Art Deco inspired antiqued glass so that the box will reflect the bespoke walnut dressing room on three sides, and form the headboard on the final face. It is full of challenges and is driving the contractor insane but we’re very excited to see the result.

 

Q: How is your approach to design changing in today’s industry?

At SGS, we benefit from all the opportunities provided by computer software, and we enjoy the luxury of being able to access specialists, materials and products from all over the world. But essentially the building industry still remains a hand-made process.

While every project follows the same process, it’s important to remind ourselves that each one is the first time we’ve worked with that specific and unique set of variables. This presents us with new challenges but also fantastic opportunities for a different outcome, so we try to embrace and celebrate that as much as possible.

Q: How does your trade account improve your work?

The infinite opportunity to bespoke your products allows us to explore our creativity, whilst providing the client with something distinctive and all with the comfort of consistent quality and service.

Q: As “the choice of the professional”, what do we offer the industry?

Choice, flexibility, luxury, consistency and quality.

 

 

As SGS continues to redefine boundaries, effortlessly blending aesthetics with emotion and function with artistry, the studio’s dedication to crafting interiors that are both visually captivating and deeply personal remains evident. With a forward-thinking approach, Sophie’s unwavering commitment to bespoke design and sustainability ensures that every project becomes a timeless expression of her clients' lifestyles while reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of luxury interiors.