In Conversation with Project Duke

We sat down with Hannah from Project Duke, an interior design studio that is redefining what it means to craft truly personal spaces. Along with her co-founder and childhood best friend Daisy, they have turned a preschool friendship into a thriving interior design business based on trust, intuition, and a shared love for thoughtful spaces.

What inspired you and Daisy to establish Project Duke, and how did your partnership come about?

Daisy and I have been best friends since we met in preschool at the age of four. Years later, we both studied Interior Design - I studied first, and Daisy followed soon after. I still remember her saying, “Let’s start a business when I finish studying,” and that’s exactly what we did. We shared the same vision, values, and creative drive, so it just naturally happened. We both wanted the freedom that comes with building something of our own, and we had no fear of anything failing and just went for it.

How do you ensure that each design reflects the unique personality and needs of your clients?

Interior design is an incredibly personal service, and building a genuine connection with each client is not just essential; it’s one of our favourite parts of the process. Every project begins with getting to know the client - their lifestyle, their story, and how they want to feel in their space. We’re constantly inspired by the people we meet. Being invited into someone’s home and hearing about their experiences allows us to design in a way that feels deeply personal and completely tailored. These connections fuel our creativity and ensure that every design is a true reflection of the individual, not just in how the space looks but also in how it feels, functions, and supports their daily life.

What trends in interior design are you currently excited about, and how do they influence your work?

We’re currently loving the return to warmth and softness in interiors: rich, layered textures, tonal palettes, and organic forms that bring a real sense of calm and depth to a space. There’s a growing appreciation for timeless design done well, where quality and intention matter more than fleeting trends. These movements resonate with our belief that design should feel effortless and personal. While we stay aware of trends, we use them as inspiration - not direction. Our focus is on creating spaces that feel authentic to the client, and that stand the test of time.

What advice would you give to someone looking to create a cohesive and inviting space in their home or business?

I would begin by focusing on a consistent colour palette or choosing a few colours that you’d like to work with. This anchors the space and ties everything together. From there, choose a few key pieces that reflect your personality and style, and allow them to guide the rest of your design choices. For a truly inviting atmosphere, think about layering textures and materials - natural elements like wood, stone, or soft textiles can make a space feel warm and welcoming. It’s also important to consider the flow and layout of the space, ensuring that it’s not only beautiful but functional for how you live or work.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of Project Duke and its impact on the interior design industry?

Our journey is always evolving, and there’s so much we’d love to explore with Project Duke. Designing or furnishing a boutique hotel is high on our wish list - we’re drawn to the idea of creating a complete, immersive experience through interiors. We’d also love to step into furniture design. Collaborating on a tile range, developing product ranges, working within property development - the list goes on. We’re genuinely open to wherever the work takes us, as long as it feels aligned with us. We rarely ever say no to a new opportunity, so I guess you’ll just have to wait and see where we end up - which is the exciting part.

LEARN MORE: https://www.theprojectduke.com/

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