9th May 2024 | IN EXPERT INSIGHT | BY SBID ShareTweetPinterestLinkedIn Allison Lynch, Senior Designer at Roundhouse Design has given her insights into the industry. What are the origins of the business? Founded by architects over 27 years ago, Roundhouse is a multi-award-winning British company, creating beautiful bespoke kitchens and furniture. Our designs feature a signature understated aesthetic, influenced by contemporary and traditional design, using innovative materials, texture and colour. Each project is made to measure from a wide range of stunning finishes. Expertly crafted by skilled designers and makers in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Malvern, Worcestershire. Roundhouse Design Roundhouse Design How do your products and services enhance interior design projects? As we specialise in bespoke kitchens and furniture, we can accommodate any project, regardless of size or complexity. Our custom approach means we’re not restricted to standard sizes, finishes, or details, allowing us to tailor each design to clients’ exact specifications. Furthermore, all Roundhouse kitchens are meticulously made to order by skilled makers, giving us complete control over every aspect of the process, from design conception to production and installation. What value does your specialist sector add to the industry? Our sector allows for boundless creativity in space design, with no constraints on our imagination. Our commitment to precise joinery and all-British craftsmanship sets us apart in the market. At Roundhouse, we understand that everyday essentials like kitchens must cater to individual needs, and that’s precisely what we deliver. Roundhouse Design Roundhouse Design How do you work with interior designers? We start by inviting interior designers to discuss their initial concepts for the kitchen and surrounding areas. This allows us to ensure that the materials, style, and budget align with our offerings. We would then move to an initial design meeting with the client present in which we showcase our displays, providing insight into how we build our cabinetry, company ethos, and service process. It’s important that they see the value in using a bespoke British company and the steps we take to ensure they will be looked after and the kitchen will meet if not exceed their expectations. We feel too that the client needs to appreciate the quality and not just selecting their kitchen supplier from a directory. Afterall it’s a bespoke kitchen so speaking to them directly along with their interior designer will keep the lines of communication open. We pay close attention to the detail so all parties involved are on the same page. Subsequently, we schedule another meeting to present the designs and quote. Prior to this, we involve the interior designer to address any design queries and costings. Often, interior designers join clients at this meeting to provide their approval once they see the designs and understand the costs. This collaborative approach extends to liaising with architects and builders when necessary. It’s a collaborative effort with the same goal! Roundhouse Design Roundhouse Design What has been your most significant company highlight or success from the past year? It’s challenging to pinpoint a single highlight because my role at Roundhouse Design is constantly evolving. With each project we explore new styles, materials, and layouts, ensuring that every endeavour is unique. However, one moment stands out: the opportunity to open the Cambridge showroom. After 18 years with the company it was a proud moment to be entrusted with such a responsibility and to be recognised for my strengths. This experience has kept my work dynamic, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. In the first month of opening, I had the pleasure of selling a kitchen to a couple seeking a unique style. I even had the chance to integrate a large fridge/freezer with Antique Copper metal doors – an exciting first in my tenure! Roundhouse Design Roundhouse Design What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests? I find the most excitement in incorporating a standout island into the design. It’s an opportunity to explore unique materials, whether it’s in the stone or the cabinet door finish. At Roundhouse, we offer a range of options, from metal wraps to textured veneers and our own metallic paint finishes. The island is where the “wow” factor truly shines! Vented hobs integrated into the island have become increasingly popular and are now a staple in nearly every kitchen design. Additionally, prioritising storage solutions is crucial. Including a spacious pantry like our Fulham pantry is essential for functionality and organisation. How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead? We aren’t interior designers, so we can only speak from our recent experiences with clients. Their desire to refurbish their homes needs to be carefully considered for a timeless look, rather than just following current trends. With the rising costs of materials and services, clients are increasingly mindful of their budgets when investing in their homes, their most significant asset. They seek a cohesive design that flows seamlessly throughout the house, avoiding any elements that may quickly become dated. The kitchen in particular should not stand out in isolation but should blend harmoniously with the rest of the home. Therefore, interior designers face the challenge of selecting furniture and pieces that offer a classic aesthetic, durability, and suitability for family life. Design shows offer valuable inspiration and innovative solutions for storage and practical gadgets, enabling designers to incorporate useful and enduring elements into their projects. Roundhouse Design Is there anything new you are excited to be working on? I’m currently juggling several projects that are stretching my creative boundaries as the spaces feature expansive, open-plan layouts, with the focal point being the kitchen island. By incorporating a diverse mix of materials, we’re able to craft kitchens that truly stand out. We are fortunate at Roundhouse to be able to meet this kind of brief as there’s such a range of options, from colour choices to unique finishes. It’s all very exciting! We are finding the attention to detail is playing a huge role in the design and decisions of the clients. The style and finish of a handle has meant we have gone beyond our usual specifiers to look for something different. The way we play with stone worktops in the kitchen makes it another area where clients are keen to go beyond the norm, mitring stone edges to appear thicker, split level islands and textures in stone are all being implemented. I love that every kitchen I am designing at present is unique and no two are the same, which keeps it interesting and fun! What does being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner mean to you? Being part of an extensive and diverse design community and building relationships. To be recognised for our high level of service, our design aesthetic and sustainability as a brand. With the accreditation of the SBID clients and interior designers have complete confidence when commissioning Roundhouse. Allison Lynch, Senior Designer at Roundhouse Design About Roundhouse Design Ltd Founded by architects, Roundhouse is a multi-award-winning British company, creating beautiful bespoke kitchens and furniture. Their stunning kitchen designs feature a signature understated aesthetic, influenced by contemporary and traditional design, using innovative materials, texture and colour. Each project is made to measure from a wide range of stunning finishes. Expertly crafted by skilled designers and makers in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Malvern, Worcestershire. Visit Profile If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.