Although the terms are often used interchangeably, each role focuses on a different aspect of a space.

Interior Architect
An interior architect focuses on the structural and spatial planning of interiors, including layouts, built-in elements, lighting plans, technical detailing, and how a space functions architecturally. Their work often overlaps with architecture and construction.

Interior Designer
An interior designer considers both the functionality and aesthetics of a space. This includes layout planning, material selection, lighting, furniture, colour palettes, and how a space supports the wellbeing and lifestyle of the people using it.

Interior Decorator
An interior decorator focuses primarily on the visual appearance of a space, including furniture, styling, accessories, paint colours, and decorative finishes, usually without altering the structure or layout.

At Verda Living Studio, our approach combines spatial thinking with wellness-led interior design to create spaces that are both functional and deeply meaningful.

Not at all. Even smaller projects can benefit from professional guidance, especially when the goal is a more cohesive, functional, or healthier space. Whether it is a single room refresh or a full renovation, thoughtful design decisions help avoid costly mistakes and create a home that works better for everyday life.

This is something we are happy to help you work out, and we will never oversell you on something you do not need.

A design consultation works well if you have a clear sense of direction and simply need expert input, a second opinion, or help troubleshooting a specific challenge such as colour choices, spatial flow, or a furniture layout that is not quite working.

Full-service design makes most sense when you are undertaking a significant renovation or new build, working across multiple rooms, or want the project managed professionally so you do not have to hold all the details yourself.

Start by reaching out. An initial conversation costs nothing, and we can quickly help you understand what would serve you best.

In most cases, purely cosmetic or decorative work such as new furniture, flooring, paint, or lighting does not require planning permission. However, if your project involves structural changes (removing walls, altering windows or doors), changes to a listed building, or significant extensions, you are likely to need either planning permission, listed building consent, or building regulations approval.

Verda Living Studio works on wellness-focused residential interiors as well as selected commercial and exhibition spaces. Projects may include renovations, room redesigns, concept development, material selection, furniture sourcing, and spatial planning. Each project is approached with a focus on wellbeing, sustainability, and creating spaces that feel deeply connected to the people who use them.

Yes. Whether you are a homeowner, a business creating a workspace that supports your team’s wellbeing, a retailer looking to strengthen your brand experience, or an institution planning an exhibition environment, our approach remains the same: deeply considered, people-centred design that connects with the natural world.

Commercial spaces particularly benefit from biophilic and inclusive design thinking. The evidence for improved staff wellbeing, productivity, and visitor experience is compelling, and we love helping organisations see their spaces through that lens.

Yes. Incorporating existing furniture or materials where possible is both sustainable and meaningful. Not everything needs to be replaced to transform a space. Part of our process involves identifying what can be retained, refreshed, or reimagined to reduce waste while achieving a cohesive final design.

Every project is different, but our process typically follows these stages:

• Discovery: An initial conversation to understand your project, your needs, and whether we are the right fit. No pressure, no obligation.
• Brief and Survey: We listen carefully to how you use your space, what is not working, and what you are hoping to achieve, alongside a thorough site survey.
• Concept Design: We develop a design direction including mood boards, spatial plans, and material palettes, then share it with you for feedback.
• Developed Design: Once the concept is agreed, we refine every detail including furniture specifications, lighting plans, finishes schedules, and technical drawings.
• Procurement and Project Management: We manage supplier relationships, deliveries, and tradespeople on your behalf.
• Installation and Styling: The finishing touches that bring a space to life.

We offer both full-service design and lighter-touch consultancy, so we can find the level of support that suits your project and your budget.

Every client receives access to a personalised project portal through Notion, which acts as a central hub for the entire project. It includes contracts, presentations, drawings, material selections, invoices, timelines, and all project communication in one easily accessible place.

The goal is to make the experience feel clear, collaborative, and stress-free, with a streamlined and professional project journey from beginning to end.

Biophilic design is rooted in the idea that human beings have an innate need to connect with the natural world, and that our built environments can either support or suppress that need. In practice, it means designing spaces that incorporate:

• Natural light and views of nature
• Plants, greenery, and living walls
• Natural materials such as stone, timber, linen, and clay
• Organic forms, textures, and patterns found in nature
• Water features and natural soundscapes
• Good ventilation and connection to fresh air

Research consistently shows that biophilic spaces reduce stress, improve focus, support sleep, and lift mood. It is not just an aesthetic choice — it is a wellbeing choice.

Absolutely, and this is one of the most important applications of biophilic design. Urban living often means limited space and reduced natural light, which is precisely where thoughtful biophilic principles can make the biggest difference. Even modest spaces can benefit from:

• Careful maximisation of natural light through mirror placement, lighter surfaces, and considered window treatments
• Strategically placed plants that purify air and add a sense of life
• Natural textures such as rattan, jute, linen, and raw wood that bring warmth without bulk
• Nature-inspired colour palettes that create calm and groundedness
• Scent, through essential oils or natural candles, to gently engage the senses

You do not need a garden or a vast budget. Biophilic design scales beautifully to any space.

Sustainable design means making decisions that consider the full lifecycle of a space — not just how it looks on day one, but how it will age, what it is made from, where those materials came from, and what happens to them eventually. In our projects, this looks like:

• Sourcing responsibly: choosing suppliers with ethical and environmental credentials, preferring locally made or reclaimed options wherever possible
• Prioritising durability over disposability: investing in quality pieces that last decades rather than trends that burn out in two years
• Reducing waste: careful planning to avoid over-ordering, and finding new uses for existing materials and furniture
• Improving energy efficiency: recommending glazing, insulation, and lighting upgrades that reduce running costs and carbon footprint
• Working with existing structures: particularly in heritage buildings, preserving what is already there is often the most sustainable choice of all

This is a myth worth addressing honestly. Some sustainable choices do carry a higher upfront cost, but many do not. When you factor in longevity, running costs, and the value of avoiding replacement, the picture shifts considerably.

Sustainable design is also about working smarter: sourcing vintage and reclaimed pieces, retrofitting rather than replacing, and prioritising investment in what matters most. In our experience, the most sustainable interiors are often the most timeless — and that has real financial value over time.

They are related, but not identical. Accessible design typically refers to ensuring spaces meet the needs of people with physical disabilities, such as step-free access, wider doorways, or grab rails. Inclusive design goes further — it asks who might be excluded by a design decision and how we can change that. In practice, inclusive design considers:

• Sensory sensitivity — avoiding harsh lighting, overwhelming patterns, or acoustically stressful spaces
• Cognitive clarity through layouts and wayfinding that feel intuitive rather than confusing
• Flexibility in furniture and spaces that adapt as needs change over time
• Safety and ease of movement for children, older adults, and people with mobility differences
• Cultural sensitivity in material choices and spatial organisation

Yes, and this is something we feel strongly about. For individuals with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, anxiety, or chronic fatigue conditions, the interior environment can have a profound impact on daily life and wellbeing. This might mean:

• Careful control of artificial lighting using warm, dimmable sources rather than cool or flickering light
• Acoustic management to reduce echo or noise bleed between rooms
• Colour psychology to create calm, grounded palettes rather than visually stimulating schemes
• Clear, uncluttered spaces with good storage so the environment feels manageable rather than overwhelming
• Dedicated decompression spaces such as a quiet corner, a window seat, or a room that feels like a retreat

We take the time to understand who lives in a space and how they experience it, and we design from that understanding.

The first step is a complimentary discovery call — a relaxed phone or video conversation to discuss your project, lifestyle, goals, timeline, and overall vision. It is also an opportunity to see whether we are the right fit to work together.

If you would like to move forward, a more in-depth paid consultation can then be arranged in-home or on-site. This allows for a deeper review of the space and may cover layout and functionality, biophilic and wellness-focused design opportunities, sustainability goals, budget guidance, and initial design direction.

For larger projects, the consultation fee may be deducted from the overall project fee should the project proceed.

Every project is different, so pricing depends on the size of the space, the scope of work, and the level of design support required. Following an initial consultation, a tailored proposal is provided outlining the recommended services and associated fees. The aim is always to create a design approach aligned with both your goals and your investment level.

Verda Living Studio offers both bespoke design services and selected fixed-fee packages depending on the project type. Some clients require full-service support; others may need help only with layouts, materials, furnishings, or wellness-led design guidance. This flexible approach allows services to be tailored to the specific needs of each client and space.

Project budgets vary depending on the scale and requirements of the design. During the consultation stage, budget expectations are discussed openly to ensure the proposed approach is realistic, thoughtful, and aligned with your priorities. The focus is always on creating intentional, lasting spaces rather than unnecessary spending.

This depends on the service selected, but may include concept development, space planning, material selections, furniture sourcing, mood boards, layouts, presentations, technical drawings, and ongoing project support.

Clients also receive access to a personalised project portal through Notion where all documents, updates, invoices, timelines, and communication are organised in one place. A detailed breakdown of deliverables is always provided before work begins so expectations remain clear throughout.