World’s best interior designers: the 21 top designers today
Every year, the world’s best interior designers are honored by renowned design house, Andrew Martin, in the brand’s Interior Design Review. This year, a quarter of a century after the publication of the first review, global interior design heroes are documented in the Andrew Martin Interior Design Review Vol.25.
The Andrew Martin Interior Design Review has become a cultural bookmark, coined the Oscars of the Design World, celebrating the world’s 100 greatest interior designers on an international stage every year. Celebrating the high art of interior design, the review catalogues innovation in design across all seven continents.
Since 1996, the Andrew Martin Review has endeavored to capture the ever-changing refraction of the history, politics and zeitgeist of interior design highlighted in this year’s 25th anniversary timeline. In it, you can compare and contrast the work of just a few of the 25 winners of the award; from the ground-breaking East meets West mantra of Kelly Hoppen in 1996; the history making Zeynep Fadillioglu when she became the first woman ever to design a mosque; the supremely influential austerity of Axel Vervoordt; Stephen Falcke the evangelist of African tribal art; the exuberance of Kit Kemp; the celebrity circus of Martyn Lawrence Bullard; the poetic magic of Jorge Canete; and in 2020 the standard bearer of China’s golden generation of design, Ben Wu; not to mention, this year’s winner, Thomas Jayne of Jayne Design Studio.
‘For a quarter of a century, I have been lucky enough to have a front row seat at the theater of the world’s greatest designers – I have called this exhilarating mosaic of styles and influences the Kaleidoscope Age. The task of selecting a single award winner is always an agonizing assignment. Luckily, this year our judges were legendary Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood, iconic Stereophonics front man Kelly Jones, producer actress Sally Humphreys and talent director Jakki Jones.’
Below, we have chosen from Andrew Martin’s pick of the world’s best interior designers to bring you a select group that best represents the style ethos of Homes & Gardens – you can see the rest of the designers, and their extraordinary contemporary spaces, in Andrew Martin Interior Design Review Vol.25.
Albion Nord
(Image credit: Albion Nord)
Designers: Camilla Clarke, Ottalie Stride, Ben Johnson, Anthony Kooperman.
Company: Albion Nord, London, UK.
Design philosophy: authentic and curated, combining old and new.
(Image credit: Albion Nord)
This interior design studio specializes in high end residential properties and hospitality projects in the UK and overseas.
(Image credit: Albion Nord)
Recent works include a private country estate in Berkshire, two townhouses in Chelsea Barracks and a scheme of 25 apartments in Holland Park.
(Image credit: Albion Nord)
Current residential projects include a private country manor house in Oxfordshire, a family home in Maida Vale and a Landmark Hotel in London.
(Image credit: Albion Nord)
(Image credit: Albion Nord)
(Image credit: Albion Nord)
(Image credit: Albion Nord)
(Image credit: Albion Nord)
(Image credit: Albion Nord)
(Image credit: Albion Nord)
(Image credit: Albion Nord)
(Image credit: Albion Nord)
ARCC
(Image credit: ARRCC)
Designers: Mark Rielly, Jon Case, Michele Rhoda.
Company: ARRCC, Cape Town, South Africa.
Design philosophy: to create life enhancing interiors.
(Image credit: ARRCC)
An acclaimed studio, specializing in residential, hospitality and leisure interiors worldwide.
(Image credit: ARRCC)
Current work includes a 14,000 sq. m. family home in Dubai, an exclusive line of floating villas in collaboration with SAOTA and Admares, and the refurbishment of an existing townhouse in Belgravia, London.
(Image credit: ARRCC)
Recent projects include an opulent penthouse in the newly developed Zaha Hadid building, One Thousand Museum, Miami, a contemporary home in the pine woods on an island in the Moskva River, Moscow, and a luxury safari lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa.
(Image credit: ARRCC)
Colette van den Thillart
(Image credit: Colette van den Thillart)
Designer: Colette van den Thillart.
Company: Colette van den Thillart Interior Design, Toronto, Canada.
Design philosophy: uplifting and experiential.
(Image credit: Colette van den Thillart)
Current projects include a residence in Rome, private residences in Toronto, an oceanfront condo in Miami and a Mid Century modern heritage refurbishment.
(Image credit: Colette van den Thillart)
Recent work includes a number of apartments, family homes and an executive office in Toronto, as well as residences in the UK, New York, and Los Angeles.
(Image credit: Colette van den Thillart)
(Image credit: Colette van den Thillart)
(Image credit: Colette van den Thillart)
(Image credit: Colette van den Thillart)
(Image credit: Colette van den Thillart)
(Image credit: Colette van den Thillart)
Erin Martin
(Image credit: Erin Martin)
Designer: Erin Martin.
Company: Martin Design, St Helena, USA.
Design philosophy: keep going kindly.
(Image credit: Erin Martin)
2017 designer of the year, engaged in large homes, small homes, boutique hotels, bougie hotels, quonsets.
(Image credit: Erin Martin)
Recent projects include a 1940s Palm Springs bling house, the complete renovation of a home on The Strand in Manhattan Beach, into a Moorish, Gothic villa, and Knoll House, a new build boutique hotel nestled in a Napa vineyard.
(Image credit: Erin Martin)
(Image credit: Erin Martin)
Gracinha Viterbo
(Image credit: Gracinha Viterbo )
Designer: Gracinha Viterbo.
Company: Viterbo Interior Design, Lisbon, Portugal.
Design philosophy: personalized and unique.
(Image credit: Gracinha Viterbo)
Founded 40 years ago, Viterbo is a family-owned studio specialising in luxurious interiors for private homes and boutique hotels internationally.
(Image credit: Gracinha Viterbo)
Recent projects include a 19th century palace restoration in Lisbon, the décor of the most exclusive building in Lisbon, Castilho 203, and a beautiful estate in Tuscany.
(Image credit: Gracinha Viterbo)
Current work includes a 5 star hotel in the Azores, an exclusive beach house in Quinta do Lago, Algarve and another in Comporta.
(Image credit: Gracinha Viterbo)
(Image credit: Gracinha Viterbo)
(Image credit: Gracinha Viterbo)
(Image credit: Gracinha Viterbo)
(Image credit: Gracinha Viterbo )
(Image credit: Gracinha Viterbo )
(Image credit: Gracinha Viterbo )
(Image credit: Gracinha Viterbo )
(Image credit: Gracinha Viterbo )
(Image credit: Gracinha Viterbo )
(Image credit: Gracinha Viterbo )
(Image credit: Gracinha Viterbo )
(Image credit: Gracinha Viterbo )
Greg Natale
(Image credit: Greg Natale)
Designer: Greg Natale.
Company: Greg Natale Design, Sydney, Australia.
Design philosophy: tailored, sophisticated, layered, embracing bold color and pattern.
(Image credit: Greg Natale)
Specializing in architecture and interior design for luxury residential and commercial spaces in Australia as well as internationally.
(Image credit: Greg Natale)
Current projects include a harborside Mosman house inspired by Milan’s Villa Necchi Campiglio, a historic homestead in country Victoria, and the new Greg Natale Design headquarters and residence in inner city Darlinghurst, located in a former stable.
(Image credit: Greg Natale)
Recent work includes a sprawling staff headquarters for a major retail brand in regional Victoria, a modern palazzo style house on the Brisbane River, and a penthouse apartment beside the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
(Image credit: Greg Natale)
(Image credit: Greg Natale)
(Image credit: Greg Natale)
(Image credit: Greg Natale)
(Image credit: Greg Natale)
Joanna Wood
(Image credit: Joanna Wood)
Designer: Joanna Wood. (You can read our designer profile of Joanna Wood for more information about her career.)
Company: Joanna Wood International Design Practice, London, UK.
Design philosophy: classical design heritage for modern living.
(Image credit: Joanna Wood)
Joanna heads up a young, enthusiastic team experienced in creating bespoke interiors with a focus on the luxury residential market.
(Image credit: Joanna Wood)
Recent projects include the restoration of The Master’s Lodge, Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, a new build house on the Dublin coast and a penthouse in Covent Garden.
(Image credit: Joanna Wood)
Current work includes the total refurbishment of a Grade II Listed house in London’s oldest garden square, the conversion of a coach house in the Cotswolds and a development of nine apartments in Knightsbridge.
(Image credit: Joanna Wood)
(Image credit: Joanna Wood)
(Image credit: Joanna Wood)
(Image credit: Joanna Wood)
Katharine Pooley
(Image credit: Katharine Pooley)
Designer: Katharine Pooley.
Company: Katharine Pooley Ltd, London, UK.
Design philosophy: strive to be extraordinary.
(Image credit: Katharine Pooley)
Encompassing a multitude of architectural genres and locations, her designs are renowned for their beauty, luxurious eclecticism and originality.
(Image credit: Katharine Pooley)
Recent work includes a palatial villa in Kuwait, a sleek and contemporary private residence overlooking Discovery Bay in Hong Kong and a chalet in Zermatt.
(Image credit: Katharine Pooley)
Current projects include Chateau de la Croix des Gardes overlooking the bay of Cannes, a super yacht and a ground breaking residential development in Monaco.
(Image credit: Katharine Pooley)
(Image credit: Katharine Pooley)
(Image credit: Katharine Pooley)
(Image credit: Katharine Pooley)
K&H Design
(Image credit: K&H Design)
Designers: Katie Glaister & Henry Miller-Robinson.
Company: K&H Design, London, UK.
Design philosophy: meticulous and original, creating fun and beautiful homes.
(Image credit: K&H Design / Simon Brown)
A six year old practice, working closely with private clients, hotel operators and developers, on new builds and listed buildings in the UK and overseas.
(Image credit: K&H Design / Simon Brown)
Current projects Include the complete restoration and extension of a large semi detached Victorian house in Belsize Park, an old manor house from the Carolean period near Chichester and a classical 15,000 sq. ft. new build in Berkshire.
(Image credit: K&H Design / Paul Raeside)
Recent work includes the entire strip out of a rooftop apartment in Hong Kong, a five bedroom family home in Notting Hill, the entire reconfiguration of a listed duplex apartment in Eaton Square, Belgravia, entwining Brutalist interventions into the Neoclassical apartment.
(Image credit: K&H Design / Simon Brown)
(Image credit: K&H Design / Paul Raeside)
Katherine Hay Designs
(Image credit: Katherine Hay Designs )
Designer: Kathleen Hay.
Company: Kathleen Hay Designs, Nantucket, USA.
Design philosophy: filled with chic comfort.
(Image credit: Katherine Hay Designs / Matt Kisiday)
A full service interior design firm specializing in residential and commercial projects that tell stories through lives well lived.
(Image credit: Katherine Hay Designs / Matt Kisiday)
Recent projects include a popular restaurant hotspot in Charleston, South Carolina, several summer estates on Nantucket, and a family compound in Martha’s Vineyard.
(Image credit: Katherine Hay Designs / Matt Kisiday)
Current projects include a modern home in Miami Beach, a private estate in Greenwich, CT, a seaside compound on Nantucket Island, and a restaurant in a historic building in Frankfort, Kentucky.
(Image credit: Katherine Hay Designs / Matt Kisiday)
(Image credit: Katherine Hay Designs / Matt Kisiday)
(Image credit: Katherine Hay Designs / Matt Kisiday)
(Image credit: Katherine Hay Designs / Joe Keller)
Katie Ridder
(Image credit: Katie Ridder)
Designer: Katie Ridder.
Company: Katie Ridder Inc, New York City, USA.
Design philosophy: exuberantly colorful traditionalism.
(Image credit: Katie Ridder)
Specializing in uniquely imaginative residential interiors in the US, and designer of a signature line of wallpaper and fabrics.
(Image credit: Katie Ridder)
Current projects include an oceanfront house in New York, a family house in Dallas, in collaboration with Katie’s husband, architect Peter Pennoyer, and apartments on 5th Avenue and Central Park West in New York City.
(Image credit: Katie Ridder)
Recent work includes residences in Alabama and California, and the renovation of a 5th Avenue apartment in New York City.
(Image credit: Katie Ridder)
(Image credit: Katie Ridder)
(Image credit: Katie Ridder)
(Image credit: Katie Ridder)
(Image credit: Katie Ridder)
(Image credit: Katie Ridder)
(Image credit: Katie Ridder)
(Image credit: Katie Ridder)
(Image credit: Katie Ridder)
(Image credit: Katie Ridder)
(Image credit: Katie Ridder)
Maira Koutsoudakis
(Image credit: Maira Koutsoudakis/Life Interiors)
Designer: Maira Koutsoudakis.
Company: LIFE Interiors, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Design philosophy: island specialists in hospitality, heritage and sustainability, afficionados of contemporary organic chic.
(Image credit: Arijiju Dook)
Specializing in exclusive, sustainable design, in 20 countries, for over 20 years.
(Image credit: Arijiju Dook)
Current work includes listed finca homes, an eco retreat and art galleries in Segera and Arijiju in Kenya; the restoration of a 6 storey Bauhaus heritage home in Tel Aviv; a contemporary penthouse in Lagos and a sprawling villa in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa.
(Image credit: Arijiju Dook)
Recent work includes Islas Secas, an eco retreat peninsula of 14 private islands in Panama; North Island, a private development in the Seychelles; a cluster of luxury Greek island homes in Serifos; three desert oases in Namibia, and two eco camps in the jungles of the Congo.
(Image credit: Arijiju Dook)
(Image credit: Arijiju Dook)
(Image credit: Arijiju Dook)
(Image credit: Arijiju Dook)
Lucas/Eilers Design
(Image credit: Lucas/Eilers Design)
Designers: Sandra Lucas & Sarah Eilers.
Company: Lucas/Eilers Design Associates, Houston, USA.
Design philosophy: tailor made designs from inception to installation.
(Image credit: Lucas Ellers Design)
Creating timeless, thoughtful interiors relevant to their clients’ diverse tastes and personalities. Current projects include a substantial vacation home in Bristol, Rhode Island, a 1940s ranch compound in West Texas, and a multi level fishing cabin in Crested Butte.
(Image credit: Lucas Ellers Design)
Recent work includes an estate in Virginia, a vacation home on Kiawah Island, an art collector’s home in Houston, and homes around Houston, set amid rolling hills and endless sky.
(Image credit: Lucas Ellers Design)
(Image credit: Lucas Ellers Design)
(Image credit: Lucas Ellers Design)
(Image credit: Lucas Ellers Design)
(Image credit: Lucas Ellers Design)
(Image credit: Lucas Ellers Design)
(Image credit: Lucas Ellers Design)
(Image credit: Lucas Ellers Design)
(Image credit: Lucas Ellers Design)
(Image credit: Lucas Ellers Design)
(Image credit: Lucas Ellers Design)
Mary Douglas Drysdale
(Image credit: Mary Douglas Drysdale)
Designer: Mary Douglas Drysdale.
Company: Mary Douglas Drysdale Interiors, Washington, USA.
Design philosophy: the creation of beautiful and highly functional interiors in collaboration with our clients.
(Image credit: Mary Douglas Drysdale)
An architectural interiors practice with expertise in both historic and modern architecture, decoration and art placement.
(Image credit: Mary Douglas Drysdale)
Current projects include the interior design of a modern house by Dutch architect Piet Boone, developing and designing The Gate House Dupont, a luxury destination for art collectors and designers, and working on the design scheme for the house of a well known Washington artist.
(Image credit: Mary Douglas Drysdale)
Recent work includes a modern penthouse apartment in Boston, a penthouse apartment in Bethesda, Maryland, Design Chair of Aspire House McLean, Virginia, a Park Avenue apartment in New York, and an estate in Pebble Beach, California.
(Image credit: Mary Douglas Drysdale)
(Image credit: Mary Douglas Drysdale)
(Image credit: Mary Douglas Drysdale)
(Image credit: Mary Douglas Drysdale)
Meg Lonergan Interiors
(Image credit: Meg Lonergan Interiors)
Designer: Meg Lonergan.
Company: Meg Lonergan Interiors, Houston, USA.
Design philosophy: a playful yet timeless approach, rooted in antiques and fine art.
(Image credit: Meg Lonergan Interiors / Pär Bengtsson)
An award winning studio that embodies quintessential Southern style balanced by a vibrant international influence.
(Image credit: Meg Lonergan Interiors / Max B Photography)
Recent work includes a modern revamp of a historic residential estate in Houston, a substantial European modern country club home in Houston, and an art and antique driven second home on a Texas ranch. Offering full service residential interior design services to clientele nationwide.
(Image credit: Meg Lonergan Interiors / Jack Thompson Photography )
Offering full service residential interior design services to clientele nationwide. Current projects include a mid century historic riverfront estate in Austin, Texas, a newly constructed contemporary ocean view residence in Pacific Palisades, California and a New Orleans inspired oyster/cocktail bar concept in Houston.
(Image credit: Meg Lonergan Interiors / Pär Bengtsson)
(Image credit: Meg Lonergan Interiors / Pär Bengtsson)
(Image credit: Meg Lonergan Interiors / Pär Bengtsson)
(Image credit: Meg Lonergan Interiors)
Michelle Nussbaumer
(Image credit: Michelle Nussbaumer)
Designer: Michelle Nussbaumer.
Company: Ceylon et Cie, Dallas, USA.
Design philosophy: passionate about setting the stage for adventurous lives.
(Image credit: Michelle Nussbaumer)
Turning Old World inspiration into modern, soulful interiors, from private homes to boutique stores and luxury hotels. Current projects include a family compound in Laguna Beach, CA, a beach villa estate in Cabo, San Lucas, and a hacienda in West Texas.
(Image credit: Michelle Nussbaumer)
Recent work includes Slocum Warehouse in Dallas, San Miguel, Michelle’s own home in Mexico, and the Dallas Goop pop-up for Gwyneth Paltrow.
(Image credit: Michelle Nussbaumer)
(Image credit: Michelle Nussbaumer)
(Image credit: Michelle Nussbaumer)
(Image credit: Michelle Nussbaumer)
(Image credit: Michelle Nussbaumer)
(Image credit: Michelle Nussbaumer)
(Image credit: Michelle Nussbaumer)
(Image credit: Michelle Nussbaumer)
(Image credit: Michelle Nussbaumer)
Nikki Drummond
(Image credit: Nikki Drummond)
Designer: Nikki Drummond.
Company: Nikki Drummond Design, Cape Town, South Africa.
Design philosophy: to create individual sensory spaces, filled with character.
(Image credit: Nikki Drummond)
Offering an exclusive combination of interior architectural design and interior decoration, for both residential and commercial spaces. Current projects include a home in Constantia, Cape Town, a beach house in Hermanus, Western Cape and the conversion of a magnificent manor farmhouse into a co work space and offices in Hillcrest, Durban.
(Image credit: Nikki Drummond)
Recent work includes a farmhouse kitchen in Kloof, Durban, an apartment in Sea Point, Cape Town and a home in Constantia.
(Image credit: Nikki Drummond)
(Image credit: Nikki Drummond)
(Image credit: Nikki Drummond)
(Image credit: Nikki Drummond)
(Image credit: Nikki Drummond)
(Image credit: Nikki Drummond)
Patrick Sutton
(Image credit: Patrick Sutton)
Designer: Patrick Sutton.
Company: Patrick Sutton, Baltimore, USA.
Design philosophy: ‘to tell the story of our clients’ hopes, dreams and aspirations.’
(Image credit: Patrick Sutton)
A leader in the luxury interior design industry, Patrick opened the practice in 1994. His work has been widely published, his project Sagamore Pendry, was named the #1 Hotel in America by Conde Nast Traveler’s 2018 Readers Choice Awards.
(Image credit: Patrick Sutton)
Current work includes a new 15,000 sq. ft. ocean front shingle style home in Rehoboth, DE, a contemporary house renovation and addition for a design centric owner in Washington, DC, and an anchor restaurant interior for a new mixed use development project in Houston, TX.
(Image credit: Patrick Sutton)
Recent projects include Maximon, Latin American restaurant in The Four Seasons Hotel in Baltimore, Choptank seafood restaurant in the historic Broadway Market in Fells Point Maryland, and a private 25,000 sq. ft. residence in Potomac, Maryland.
(Image credit: Patrick Sutton)
(Image credit: Patrick Sutton)
Pippa Paton
(Image credit: Pippa Paton)
Designer: Pippa Paton.
Company: Pippa Paton Design, Oxfordshire, UK.
Design philosophy: respect the past to create the future.
(Image credit: Pippa Paton)
A boutique interior design and architecture studio specialising in the sympathetic transformation of period Cotswold homes for contemporary living. Current projects include a Grade II listed country house, a Grade II listed Edwardian farmhouse and a Grade II listed manor.
(Image credit: Pippa Paton)
Recent work includes a Grade II listed Palladian villa, a Grade II listed village house and a contemporary Oxfordshire house.
(Image credit: Pippa Paton)
(Image credit: Pippa Paton)
(Image credit: Pippa Paton)
(Image credit: Pippa Paton)
(Image credit: Pippa Paton)
(Image credit: Pippa Paton)
(Image credit: Pippa Paton)
(Image credit: Pippa Paton)
(Image credit: Pippa Paton)
(Image credit: Pippa Paton)
(Image credit: Pippa Paton)
Suzanne Lovell
(Image credit: Suzanne Lovell)
Designer: Suzanne Lovell.
Company: Suzanne Lovell Inc, Chicago, USA.
Design philosophy: couture residential environments for extraordinary living.
(Image credit: Suzanne Lovell)
Licensed architects, interior designers, art advisors and business professionals who deliver a fully integrated design experience. Current projects include a 15,000 sq. ft. penthouse with sweeping panoramic views of the Gulf Coast in Naples, FL, a multi generational compound spanning three lots in Highland Park, IL, and a Balinese inspired new build right on the water on Captiva Island, FL.
(Image credit: Suzanne Lovell)
Recent work includes a low country family residence on the ocean on Hilton Head Island, SC, a landmarked Howard Van Doren Shaw residence in Oak Park, IL, and a sprawling vacation residence atop the cliffs overlooking Lake Michigan in Lakeside, MI.
(Image credit: Suzanne Lovell)
(Image credit: Suzanne Lovell)
(Image credit: Suzanne Lovell)
(Image credit: Suzanne Lovell)
Thomas Jayne for Jayne Design Studio
(Image credit: Thomas Jayne)
Designer: Thomas Jayne.
Company: Jayne Design Studio, New York City, USA.
Design philosophy: tradition is now.
(Image credit: Thomas Jayne)
Creating personal, comfortable interiors that are grounded in the present and influenced by the past. Unifying ancient and modern for over three decades, the firm is known for inventive details and references to historical decoration.
(Image credit: Thomas Jayne)
Recent work includes The Directors House at the Winterthur Museum, a seaside cottage in Oyster Bay, and an important 18th century house in Charleston.
(Image credit: Thomas Jayne)
Current projects include a new house in Pacific Palisades, an early 20th century Spanish cottage in Santa Barbara, the restoration of a Colonial Revival house in Greenwich, a modern apartment overlooking Independence Hall in Philadelphia, and a pre-war duplex apartment in Manhattan.
(Image credit: Thomas Jayne)
(Image credit: Thomas Jayne)
(Image credit: Thomas Jayne)
(Image credit: Thomas Jayne)
(Image credit: Thomas Jayne)
(Image credit: Thomas Jayne)
