I was delighted to be a guest at the BIID Interior Design Awards again this year, held in the truly fabulous Drapers’ Hall
The British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) announced the winners of the 2025 BIID Interior Design Awards, celebrating design excellence across the UK, on Thursday 23 October at the iconic Drapers’ Hall in London. Marking its fourth consecutive year, the event was hosted by Irish broadcaster, author and podcaster Angela Scanlon and welcomed 200 leading design professionals for an afternoon of recognition and celebration.
Amongst the day’s highlights, Kate Bingham Interior Design took home the coveted Interior of the Year Prize, recognising the UK’s standout interior design project of the year. The ceremony also honoured winners across eight regional categories, including the brand new international category award, as well as the Anna Whitehead Prize for Sustainability.
BIID President Liz Bell said “It’s a privilege to celebrate the extraordinary creativity and skill showcased at this year’s BIID Interior Design Awards. The winning projects reflect the incredible dedication and diversity of projects that define our profession. The awards provide a platform for visibility and recognition to designers across the UK, regardless of their budget or project scale. Congratulations to all the winners for this exceptional achievement.”
Scotland & Northern Ireland winner
Kate Bingham Interior Design – Taymouth Castle Kate Bingham Interior Design proposed a full restoration and renovation of a Neo-Gothic listed Castle located in the Scottish Highlands, incorporating Club facilities into the design.
The judges were impressed by the ‘sensitive restoration and redesign’ that respects the historical significance of the Neo-Gothic Castle while carefully navigating the requirements of Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and its Grade A listing.’
This project also won the Interior of The Year category
Central London winner
Uncommon – Uncommon Holborn Uncommon Holborn is a retrofitted ten-storey building, redesigned with productivity and wellbeing at the forefront of the client’s brief, which additionally noted the need for Biophilic design within a high-quality workspace.
The judges praised the ‘abundant daylight, air quality, and seamless integration of planting, textures, and biophilic elements, alongside clever use of technology that remains human-centric and inclusive’
Greater London winner
The Vawdrey House – West Side Common The Vawdrey House worked with the client to develop a sustainably redesigned, retrofitted space in their 1980s-style home. They introduced a triple-height atrium, garden-facing rooms and flexible living spaces, working to create a home that balances refined design and comfort with environmental integrity.
The judges highlighted ‘the difficulty of achieving this level of sustainability in a retrofit’, stating ‘the result is both luxurious and purposeful, a rare pairing in contemporary homes.’
This project also won the Anna Whitehead Prize for Sustainability
International winner
Studio 502 – Mokosh Restaurant Studio 502 was briefed to create a revitalising design that honoured the villa’s heritage while establishing a light, welcoming atmosphere to the Secession-era landmark restaurant in Villa Tončić, in Split. The finished interiors now feature protected wood panelling, contemporary Croatian art, and bespoke local furnishings.
The judges praised the ‘creative balance of heritage and freshness’ within the design, noting their admiration for ‘the use of local art and craft’ and ‘the bold, unapologetic colour and pattern, and the maximalist yet artisanal approach that made full use of every space.’
Midlands & East Anglia winner
Rendall & Wright – Marquis Suffolk Rendall & Wright thoughtfully expanded this hospitality venue, transforming it from a renovated village pub into a boutique hotel and spa destination. They introduced seamlessly integrated function spaces, a spa, a lounge bar and landscaped gardens using traditional materials.
The judges described this project as ‘a transformative restoration that combines exquisite detailing and traditional materials with thoughtful innovation’, and admired ‘the beautiful colour palette, exceptional craftsmanship, and attention to detail.’
North & North West winner
Keyhole Interiors – Eskdale Retreat The brief for this project involved developing a space designed as a luxurious, comfortable and stylish retreat to host up to sixteen guests in Cumbria.
The judges were unanimous in their praise, highlighting it as ‘a clear standout and noting how it successfully balances contemporary design with thoughtful integration into the Cumbrian landscape. They commended the project for its careful consideration of sustainable principles, functional design, and sensitivity to the original property. Every detail, from fixtures and fittings to colours, was carefully considered, making a comprehensive response’
South East winner
Studio 9 Design – West Sussex – Private Residence Studio 9 Design worked with the clients to sensitively reimagine this mansion as a warm and contemporary family home. The brief focused on softening the mansion’s scale and improving areas of natural light to balance the darker rear areas of the main house.
The judges praised the ‘sensitive and thoughtful design approach’ and how ‘the use of natural, earthy colours and careful interventions were highlighted as enhancing the property’s historic character while improving functionality and reducing environmental impact.’
South West & Wales winner
Simple Simon Design Ltd – The Neeld Community & Arts Centre Simple Simon Design sought to transform this listed community centre into a welcoming entrance and cafe-bar for the locals in The Neeld, helping the venue become a viable commercial hub.
The judges praised the ‘bold and creative approach to transforming a tired and largely redundant entrance into a vibrant, functional space’.
You can find further details and images of all the winning and highly commended projects here
