28th March 2025 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBIDSandra Korka, Founder of Square Design Interiors, has given her insights into the industry.
I studied architecture at the University of Greenwich and upon my return to Greece I worked at a few architectural practices and interiors companies while at the same time taught interior design at a local higher education institution delivering UK university courses.
Having gained valuable knowledge of the market and experience working in studio and on site, I decided to embark on my own creative journey and founded Square Design Interiors, working with passion and dedication, structuring and following a personal approach. Over the two decades of running the studio and focusing on delivering bespoke design and build projects from concept to creation at the highest standards, we have established collaborations with excellent manufacturers, suppliers, technicians and technology experts internationally, ensuring quality control and impeccable results.
Collaborating with an international clientele, we create environments that are complete spaces designed effectively for the interaction of people within them and the creation of life-long experiences and wonderful memories. The Square Design Interiors main studio is in Thessalonoiki, Greece, with operating studios in Athens and London, too.
Why did you want to work in the interior design profession?
Coming from an architectural background, the creation of interiors, where the main interaction of people take place in terms of lifestyle in residential projects or brand development in commercial projects, fascinated me. It feels like creating an overall story, a unique environment created based on particular needs and requirements, a sanctuary for personal or family decompression or the unfolding of a brand story. And this comes as a very inspiring complete scheme where you get initially introduced into the life of people or their business and you must translate and transform this introduction into an emerging series of fully functional spaces that communicate distinct aesthetics.
Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?
The versatility of the projects I get introduced to. Every project, every space and its parameters, every client, every place is so uniquely different that make my job so intriguingly expressive. The fact that I take on projects internationally, as well as the fact that I collaborate with international clients all over Greece, provides an exquisite variety of options to learn new things and apply my expertise on an ever-evolving landscape. I have the chance to interact with inspiring people, get accustomed to their life, their habits and their cultures and consequently I must stay constantly initiative taking to explore all aspects of a project and be creative.
What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year?
Actually, there are two memorable career highlights from the past year. One of the most recent projects I designed and built, the Garage Transformation into a Micro-Residence, received a Gold Award at the Greek Interiors 2024. And a few months later, the same project received a Big See Architecture Award 2025, the South-East Europe Awards. I feel extremely honoured for both awards. I am very proud of the work produced by my building collaborators on this project and on every project. I constantly push them (and myself) to stay motivated and step a little bit further each time, to produce an impeccable result with the highest attention to details. And of course, I am very thankful to my client, who has been a recurring client and consequently, a good friend, for introducing to me this idea at first, that evolved in such a wonderfully creatively rewarding experience.
What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why?
I absolutely enjoy all projects I work on, as all of them are different and this is a remarkably high motive to research, explore, design, create and build so many different environments for so many unique people. However, I do enjoy most the projects that I coordinate with all aspects from the very beginning to the very end. That is, produce an overall bespoke design on a particular brief and build the creative outcome ready to be used by the owners. The whole creative process brings in so many experiences and highlights in its own way, new paths to my professional and personal journey.
What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design?
The set of challenges of working in interior design can assess both technical and people skills. You must balance creativity and functionality, as you come to create spaces that are visually appealing while remaining functional and liveable. This balance often requires innovative solutions to merge artistic vision with everyday usability.
Furthermore, managing client expectations is very important and a whole new challenge, as clients may have an initial vague vision, but it is up to the designer to comprehend this vision and translate it into a coherent design plan that involves active listening, clear communication, and sometimes negotiation.
In this equation one must add the budget constraints, as well as the time management and the project coordination aspects that are especially important so that the original creative solution is applied seamlessly. And of course, you must be educated on current technical elements that enhance and most of the times, complex the design, yet provide a whole new level of facilitation to the users of your designed space.
What do you wish you knew before working in the field?
I wish I knew how to run a business. In no way do you know everything right after your studies. Yet, you have a good foundation on which you continuously work on, shaping and structuring your creative aspects, while working with so many kinds of people. However, at the same time, you are running a business and this is a world you just dive into. And, among other things, you are expected to find ways to balance your creativity within a rigid, impersonal and unknown environment.
If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be?
To embrace a mindset of continuous learning. The design world is ever-evolving, so never stop exploring contemporary trends, techniques, and technologies. Staying curious not only helps you develop your unique style but also keeps you adaptable in a dynamic industry. In this way, I believe that a designer sets the foundations to produce uniquely created environments that correspond effectively to the needs and requirements of their clients or the end user of these environments.
How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?
The interior design industry is evolving rapidly, influenced by sustainability, technology, and changing lifestyle needs. In the year ahead, I believe we will see even more sustainable and eco-friendly design, emphasising further on biophilic design and using natural materials. Also, in terms of technology, planning and visualisation will be easier thanks to AI powered interior design tools in conjunction with smart-designed furniture, AR and VR.
The transitional style is getting more popular, mixing old and modern style to create a distinctive touch and bled vintage aesthetics with modern design elements. Layered textures, bold patterns and unique art pieces are on the frontline, while moving away from neutral tones, rich, moody hues like deep blues, terracotta and forest greens are here to stay.
In addition to the above, I believe there will be greater appreciation for handcrafted and locally made furniture and décor, as well as a rise in cultural and traditional influences, incorporating global design elements into modern homes, thus, supporting small designers and craftsmen.
What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you?
Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer means embodying a commitment to excellence, innovation, and ethical practice in every project. It signifies that I have met rigorous industry standards and continually strive to elevate the quality of my work. It is a mark of trust that reassures clients and peers alike that my design approach is grounded in proven expertise and a commitment to ambitious standards.
Also, the accreditation reflects my dedication to ongoing education, staying abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and sustainable practices in interior design. At the same time, I retain a commitment to ethical design practices. I am happy that being part of the SBID community connects me with a network of like-minded professionals, fostering collaboration and shared insights that drive the industry forward. My accreditation is a celebration of creative problem-solving and the ability to transform spaces in ways that are both beautiful and functional.
For me, this accreditation is more than just a title. It is a constant reminder of the responsibility I carry as a designer to inspire, innovate, and create environments that enhance everyday life.
About Square Design Interiors
We work on our projects with great passion and dedication, structuring and following a personal approach. The process of our work balances a highly creative perspective with driven project coordination. The finished environments we create are complete spaces designed effectively for the interaction of people within them and the creation of life-long experiences and wonderful memories. We work closely with our clients and form strong ties, as most of our clients have become repeat customers and eventually good friends. Our studio is located in Thessaloniki, Greece and we work globally.
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