The International Interior Design Studio To Know: Taylor Howes

Taylor Howes is an entry in our Great British Brands 2024 book. 

Taylor Howes: Great British Brand 2024

‘We grew our business slowly and persistently, building up contacts, trust and knowledge. Taylor Howes is now one of the UK’s largest high-end interior studios. Our focus lies in creating refined, highly customised residential, commercial and hospitality environments, which make people feel happy.

Technology has changed the industry hugely in the last 20 years, and is an invaluable tool in delivering increasingly complex projects. We used to do everything by hand; now we can easily alter a CAD [computer-aided design] layout 20 times until we get it right, which helps eliminate any doubts the client may have.

The use of AI in design is easily debatable. On one hand it absorbs tedious tasks, allowing creative companies more time for creativity and improves accuracy, but it’s not emotional, nor intrinsically intelligent, despite its name. CGI which has pathed the way for AI in the design process is readily used, though they still rely on human input, CGIs have become part of a client’s design journey. From our Swiss Alps project, to our recent hospitality project, Chateau Denmark, we used CGIs throughout. You will never get AI to be able to read the temperature in the room, pick up the nuances, which is what we do.We are yet to see how it interprets individualised taste – something you learn through experience.

Groundwork aside, AI is never going to be able to make really high-end luxury interiors. We must consider the human cost. One of the founders of AI, in an interview with Steven Bartlett, said, ‘It’s terrifying. It has to be regulated.’ I’m concerned about employment in future generations. Going to work gives human beings meaning and purpose, and prevents isolation. My team is my second family, and looking after each other is something AI can’t do. We are all about people and communication. Is the client going to trust a robot for that? I can’t see it happening in my time.’

Karen Howes, CEO

Five Proudest Moments

1. My directors, collectively, have been with me for nearly 50 years, and Jane, the creative head, for over 20 of those. 
2. We have worked on many major London developments, with 60 percent repeat business. My first-ever client, 30 years ago, is now one of my best friends – we’ve completed over 1,000 projects. 
3. We’ve supported Place2Be for 20 years, training counsellors for underprivileged schools. For Rest Nest we’ve completed 18 rooms for nurses. 
4. Winning International Interior Designer of the Year 2023, and also Project of the Year.
5. In June 2023 we celebrated 30 years in business and I’m still as passionate about it as the day I started.

What I’ve Learnt

• Involve your team in setting the business tone and goals. Our team decided our core values – be kind, honest and passionate.
• The old adage ‘You’re only as good as your last piece of work’ is true. Never, ever rest on your laurels – strive to be the best.
• Love what you do. Your passion needs to shine through.

TAYLOR HOWES DESIGNS

49-51 Cheval Place, Knightsbridge, London, SW7 1EW

+44 (0)20 7349 9017

taylorhowes.co.uk

@taylorhowesdesigns