Hamish Brown, 35, is a partner at the interior design practice 1508 London, which is overseeing the Old War Office development in Whitehall. It was also one of the main designers involved in the £3 billion transformation of Chelsea Barracks. Overseas the company has designed prime properties in Istanbul, St Petersburg and Dubai.
After studying interior architecture Brown worked for a property development company before joining 1508 London in 2010, when the practice was in its infancy. His favourite room at home, he says, is the kitchen: “It’s the hub of a busy home, which meets practical needs with entertaining space and seating areas. Every detail in the room involves bespoke design, from kitchen fittings to individually designed taps. That level of design detail delivers a feeling of elegance throughout.”
What is your biggest source of design inspiration?
The client, geography and the vernacular of the architecture tell us where to begin. They are the storytellers and ensure that every project is unique.
Chintz or minimalism?
That depends on the building, its history and the character of the owner. What works in a palace in the Middle East could look quite odd in a townhouse in Belgravia.
What is your design essential?
The right kind of lighting can dramatically improve a room. If you get mood lighting correct it creates a sense of warmth.
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The design pitfall to avoid?
Not sticking to your principles. When we take on a project we create three design principles around, for example, craftsmanship, light and tone. Every design element is tested against this.
If you could live in anyone’s house whose would it be and why?
A palatial Kensington Palace Gardens house that I helped restore. It is an example of where intricate detailing goes beyond any definition of luxury.
When decorating what do you splurge on?
The areas of the home that get the most use. For a family home in London, for example, the kitchen is usually the most important room and deserves the most attention.
What would you save on?
It’s possible to make kids’ rooms fun and stylish without a massive budget.
The best piece of design advice you have received?
Don’t use fake materials because they will never do your space justice. That includes over-embellishing natural materials, which is equally wrong.