Rebecca Edmunds from RK Signature Interiors Discusses How Her Business Works

What range of services will your newly-formed venture, RK Signature Interiors, provide?

RK Signature Interiors provides a personalised, bespoke interior design service including concepts and room layouts, lighting, kitchen and bathroom design and soft furnishings. A typical project will involve input into internal plans, full design schematics, product sourcing, budget management and installation. Working with our clients at the earliest stages of a new build or renovation project allows us to gain a deep understanding of their requirements and the vision they have for their home. We are very much the care-takers of the design and ensure that all aspects are aligned to the client brief, from layout and space planning to finishes, fixtures and fittings.

Your venture operates as an independent division of the RK Group, how does this strengthen your offering?

Bringing together architectural, build and interiors services allows us to optimise our individual skillsets whilst working collaboratively. Having worked as an interior designer on previous projects where separate design and build companies had been commissioned, I was aware that each contractor would often work in silo which impacted budgets and ultimately design. We are able to provide a joined-up approach with the client’s vision at the heart of every decision.

What do you feel are the benefits to clients of providing such a wide range of services?

Our clients can be confident that they will have the same high level of quality and service throughout every stage of their project. Each company working together as part of a wider team means that there are no conflicts regarding client budget, timelines or communication. We are all working towards a shared vision.

Who do you envisage your services appealing to?

We love working with clients who value great design and exceptional service.

You work in central London and the Home Counties, what are some design preferences you need to consider in these two different geographical areas?

I would say that design preferences are based less on geographical location and more on personal style and the period of the property. We feel strongly that our designs should reflect our clients’ tastes and personalities authentically, which is why we do not have a house style. Our job is to inspire and provide direction to achieve our client’s vision. Increasingly, we are designing schemes that combine original features and classic pieces with contemporary items. The key is to create balance.   

You work with an innovative online app that allows close collaboration between you and your client; how does it work?

Key to all that we do is our commitment to collaborate and communicate in a way that engages the client throughout the entire design and build process. Using our cloud-based project management tool allows all project stakeholders to have access to real time information every step of the way. Tracking key metrics such as program, budget and selection choices has given us and our clients the ability to make timely decisions based on reality and not an out of date program and budget. Additional features such as change management and product selection put our clients in control from conception to completion. It is all available on an app or via their personal web portal, providing access from anywhere with an internet connection.

Are you noticing any particular lifestyle elements that are influencing how people are choosing to furnish their homes at the moment?

Our homes are our sanctuary, creating spaces that facilitate wellbeing and work with busy lifestyles is increasingly important. Sustainability is a big consideration for most people these days and this as relevant in our homes as anywhere. Clients are becoming more conscious of green living and including ethically sourced products. Environmental impact and financial outlay are now also key considerations in the design and build stage. Smart technology is becoming ubiquitous and has a significant impact on interiors. As designers we must now integrate technology whilst creating beautiful living spaces.

What are the interior trends you predict being big in 2020?

We prefer to look beyond fads and consider trends as evolving design that can be subtly incorporated into existing schemes with splashes of colour, print and accessories. Great design should be timeless; clients often invest a large amount of money in their interiors and ending up with a scheme that feels dated in a few years would not be a great investment. Your home should reflect you: be unique, be authentic and surround yourself with what makes you happy.

And finally, what’s in the pipeline for you in 2020?

We are working on a number of exciting new build projects which are currently in planning and large scale renovations, including two listed properties in Belgravia and South West London. In addition we will be launching our first showroom in Q2 this year. We are very excited to be able to showcase a wide variety of quality products and finishes, supporting our clients to make the perfect choices for their projects.

For more information visit RK Signature Living.