In Conversation with Ardo

What was the moment you knew it was time to start Ardo? Was it a single catalyst or a gradual pull?

Ardo was an idea that had been in my mind for a long time, so it was more of a gradual pull than a single moment. I’d reached a point in my career where I wanted to be closer to the work and to the people I was designing for. After years in larger practices and in the development space, I realised how much I valued being across the finer details and the scale where every decision directly shapes how someone lives. Ardo was born of a desire to work more intentionally, creating spaces that feel grounded, thoughtful, and genuinely connected to the people who live in them.

Your motto is “Design that lives with you.” How does that translate into day-to-day choices?

For me, this means designing for longevity and the rhythms of everyday living. It guides everyday decisions, from choosing natural materials that age well, planning rooms around real routines and prioritising proportion and light through considered spatial planning. For me, it’s about creating homes people grow into.

What does a “boutique” client experience look like at Ardo, from first conversation to handover?

The client experience is everything. It’s personal, consistent and hands-on. Clients work directly with me throughout the entire process, rather than through layers of teams. We take time to understand how they want to live, what matters to them and how they want their home to feel. From there, every step is guided and transparent, enforcing thoughtful design, clear communication and attention to detail right through to handover.

Tell us about a first “signature” Ardo moment that feels distinctly yours.

There’s usually a moment in every project where everything softens, where the proportions feel right, the light is controlled, and the materials sit quietly together. It’s rarely a big gesture. It’s the restrained transition or subtle shift in tone, or the way natural light moves across a surface that changes how a space feels. Those quiet, deliberate moments feel distinctly Ardo to me, understated but grounding, and something you only truly experience when you’re in the space.

What’s next for Ardo in the coming year?

The focus is on continuing to deepen our residential work while taking on a few select wellness and boutique retail projects, all of which are areas that naturally align with how we

think about atmosphere and experience. Renovations, new homes and heritage transformations will remain a core part of the studio. Across all of these, the emphasis remains on thoughtful planning and a restrained material palette, showcasing elements that elevate how a space feels day-to-day. Whatever comes next, the priority is to keep our designs thoughtful, refined, and closely connected to each client.

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