Episode 36: Trusting Your Instincts and Building a Distinctive Design Studio With Phoebe Hollond

In this episode, I sit down with Phoebe Hollond, founder of Studio Hollond, to explore her unconventional route into interior design and the realities of building a creative business from the ground up.

Phoebe’s journey began with a philosophy degree at King’s College London, followed by a career in advertising and seven formative years working alongside Beata Heuman. She launched Studio Hollond in 2023 just two months before the birth of her daughter and while renovating her own home.

We talk honestly about the early pressure to accept every opportunity, learning to recognise when a client is not the right fit and finding the confidence to trust your instincts. Phoebe also shares how her residential practice naturally developed into a growing collection of fabrics, wallpapers, lighting and furniture, inspired by historical references, archive discoveries and the bespoke pieces originally created for her clients.

It is a candid conversation about creativity, leadership and the lessons that come with running a small but ambitious design studio from protecting your team and setting better boundaries to pricing projects profitably and making space for a life beyond the business.

In this episode, we discuss:

Phoebe’s journey from philosophy and advertising into interior design The creative and commercial lessons she learned during seven years with Beata Heuman Launching Studio Hollond alongside motherhood and the renovation of her own home Why publicity and word of mouth have both played an important role in the studio’s growth Learning to trust your instincts when a prospective client does not feel like the right fit Protecting your team and creating clear, non-negotiable boundaries around client behaviour The pressures of being constantly available and the importance of separating work from family life How Phoebe approaches fixed design fees, sourcing, procurement and project profitability The bespoke chairs that became the starting point for Studio Hollond’s product collection Finding creative freedom through fabrics, wallpapers, lighting and furniture Using historical references and archive research to create something distinctive and contemporary The commercial decisions involved in moving from made-to-order products to holding stock Phoebe’s cautious approach to AI and where she believes it could support, rather than replace, creative thinking Her ambition to build a considered boutique studio while remaining closely involved in every project

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This episode is sponsored by eba Interiors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.