
If you’re anything like me, you’re less intrigued by the polished ‘shop fronts’ of Instagram grids or slick websites, and far more interested in what goes on behind the scenes. Be it the interior life of a colleague you admire or the inner workings of a studio you’re following from afar, the making of the work or the person, has far more of an allure than the final product. Inside a design studio, from early morning rituals to late-night industry gatherings, no two days are ever the same.
This week, we spoke to some designers at four practices, Tola Ojuolape, Clemence Pirajean and James Lees, Brian Woulfe, and Philippa Thorp, to ask them to offer a glimpse into their daily routines and what it takes to bring their projects to life.

Founder, Tola Ojuolape Studio
Tola Ojuolape
For studio founder, Tola Ojuolape, the foundation for a successful day is built in the morning. “I believe in starting the day with intention,” she says. “I set aside time for personal reflection and faith, often through a devotional, which helps center my mindset. Three days a week, I integrate HIIT workouts and running, which are essential for both my physical and mental resilience.”
Life in the studio can be busy, so Ojuolape believes it's important to “focus on high-priority tasks and key decisions before the day gains momentum.”
Her key responsibilities involve creative direction, project oversight and strategic growth. “This includes reviewing design work, engaging with clients, and ensuring seamless coordination between consultants and suppliers,” she says, adding that “every decision impacts the overall vision of our projects and the evolution of the studio.”
Pirajean Lees
Clemence Pirajean and James Lees, co-founders of Pirajean Lees, run their studio in a converted workshop off London’s Kings Road. Their studio is an immersive environment filled with bespoke objects, rich textiles, and artisanal furniture. “By day,” the duo says, “the studio thrives with clients, friends and colleagues who are welcomed with warm pastries, charcoal-filtered water and design savoir-faire. By night it is repurposed as a hub for design industry happenings. Vinyl is played, the wine is poured and industry friends and thought leaders congregate to collaborate, discuss and invigorate the design industry.”

Co-founders of Pirajean Lees
The overall concept for their office space informs working life at Pirajean Lees. “It’s our day-to-day workspace,” they say, “so it has to be functionally designed to fulfil our team and any guests with calm and curiosity, offering a breath of fresh air from predictable design.”

Founder, Designed by Woulfe
Brian Woulfe
At Designed by Woulfe, founder Brian Woulfe starts his day long before sunrise. Arriving at the studio by 5:30am, he takes advantage of the quiet hours to tackle emails and administrative tasks. Once his team arrives, the morning kicks off with a round of strong coffees and a quick project review meeting before diving into concept development and sketching layouts. “We all feel more creative in the morning,” he says, “so it’s a great time for working on concepts, sketching layouts, and refining mood boards.”
Woulfe’s day is divided between office-based design work and site visits, often travelling between locations in the UK and abroad to ensure there is tangible progress on-site at the studio’s projects. “Balancing creativity with the practical demands of client briefs and project timelines is one of the most important aspects of being an interior designer,” he says. Woulfe is in touch with international clients via Whatsapp or in person almost all hours of the day, so “understanding the client’s needs and setting clear expectations is paramount.”
Philippa Thorp
“No two days are ever the same in my studio, and that’s exactly how I like it,” says Philippa Thorp. Mornings at her studio, Thorp, on Sloane Street generally start with a walk through Hyde Park with her Labrador. “Once I’m in, I catch up with the team over coffee before diving into meetings - whether it’s refining details on a project, reviewing architectural plans, or sitting down with clients to discuss the vision for their home.”

Founder and Director, Thorp
A significant and very enjoyable part of her role involves working closely with clients outside the studio. “One of my favourite tasks is visiting art galleries to help them select the right artwork that will resonate with them, bring them joy every day, and enhance their home.” Thorp is deeply involved in sourcing bespoke items, collaborating with trusted artisans and manufacturers to create beautiful pieces, such as bespoke furniture or a unique lighting fixture.
Thorp’s work requires a hands-on approach, and much of her time is spent on-site, ensuring that contractors execute designs to the highest standards. Negotiating with contractors, selecting materials, and sourcing one-of-a-kind furniture are all part of her daily responsibilities. “It’s not just about ensuring that the work is done,” she says, “it's about making sure every detail aligns with the vision we've created.”
Anya Cooklin-Lofting
Anya Cooklin-Lofting is a freelance journalist specialising in design, culture, and the arts.