KWD - Kate Walker Design

The design team had the incredible opportunity to step out of the studio and into the hot shop last Saturday, after being kindly invited by Leisa Wharington to take part in a hot glass workshop at The Studio & Co. with the talented Danielle.

We have long admired Leisa’s creativity and craftsmanship, and learning firsthand about the skill, precision and patience behind the art of glassblowing gave us an entirely new appreciation for the process.

From understanding how molten glass moves and responds, to shaping our own pieces, it was such a special experience to learn more about a craft where material, technique and creativity are so closely intertwined.

A wonderful Saturday spent learning, experimenting and gaining an even deeper appreciation for this incredible craft.

We were also fortunate to view Elana Zhao’s Elena Zhao current exhibition at The Studio & Co. which was a beautiful addition to a day centred around creativity and craft.

Thank you Leisa Wharington for the generous invitation, and to Danielle and The Studio & Co. for such a memorable experience. 🤍

Not every week makes it into the feed. Most days move too fast to document, and honestly, that’s how it should be. But every so often, some things are worth pausing for, a detail, a finished piece, a moment mid-process that says more than a polished shot ever could. This is a handful of those, gathered from recent weeks at KWD.

We had the pleasure of supporting the wonderful owners of this Mount Eliza home, via our KWD&Co. Access program, our express online design service.

Our sessions focused on guiding design decisions pertaining to space planning, joinery design and materiality that helped elevate the interiors of this very special home.

I am always astounded at the profound impact that providing solid design advice can have on the uplift of a property. Particularly when trusting clients execute with precision.

It’s always particularly notable when a client relationship continues beyond the design process. We are delighted to showcase this home which is now for sale.

7 Barton Drive,
Mount Eliza

ON THE DRAWING BOARD

An exciting new Mediterranean inspired home. The brain child of KWD, .studioarchitects and .

Breaking ground soon.

BROADWICK SOHO | Winter reflections.

Winter has a way of reminding me of the places that changed the way I think about design.

This year, while in London, I spent a few days at Broadwick Soho. I left with pages of notes, countless photographs and a renewed appreciation for interiors that are unapologetically expressive.

Some places inspire because they’re beautiful. Others inspire because they challenge the way you see.

Designed by Martin Brudnizki, Broadwick Soho is layered with confidence. Colour, pattern, lacquer, upholstery and beautifully crafted details coexist effortlessly, creating interiors that feel joyful, immersive and deeply considered.

It reinforced something I often return to in my own work. Maximalism isn’t about adding more. It’s about ensuring every layer has purpose, every detail contributes to the whole and every decision creates feeling.

But what stayed with me most wasn’t just the interiors. It was the experience.

From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by Sherwin, Broadwick Soho’s doorman, whose warmth and professionalism set the tone for our stay. Impeccably dressed and quietly attentive, he embodied everything Broadwick Soho represents, making every guest feel genuinely cared for without ever overstepping.

That same level of consideration extended throughout the hotel. The service felt intentional, the food was exceptional and every interaction reflected the same attention to detail as the interiors.

As designers, we often speak about creating homes that make people feel something. Broadwick Soho was a reminder that memorable design extends beyond what we see. It lives in the atmosphere, craftsmanship, rituals and the people who quietly shape the experience.

Travelling isn’t about collecting ideas to replicate. It’s about broadening your perspective and refining your eye, and of course, coming home full of inspiration and energy to incorporate not only into your designs, but into your lives.

ON THE DRAWING BOARD

Every considered interior begins long before construction.

Good design isn’t defined by the materials you select, but by the relationships between them.

A stone can feel entirely different depending on the timber beside it, the light that falls across it and the architecture that frames it. That’s why we spend so much time refining before anything is specified.

At this stage, no decision is made in isolation. Floor plans are challenged, materials are layered, furniture is refined and every decision is rigorously tested against the overall design vision. It’s a process that requires restraint as much as creativity, ensuring each element contributes to the experience of the finished home.

The work behind every completed home is rarely seen.

It exists in the early mornings on site, the tables covered in samples, the conversations with clients and suppliers, and the countless decisions that shape not just how a home looks, but how it will be experienced for years to come.

Recent weeks have been filled with exactly that. Refining, resolving and bringing together the many layers that transform an idea into something deeply considered.

A glimpse into life at KWD.

COMBE MARTIN | Progress on site.

Designing your own home has a way of reinforcing the importance of every decision.

It reminds you that creating a family home isn’t about making decisions quickly. It’s about allowing ideas to evolve, questioning every detail and taking the time to ensure each decision contributes to the whole.

As designers, we’re often encouraging our clients to trust the process. Experiencing the design and build program via my own home has only strengthened that belief.

The most enduring homes are rarely the result of haste. They’re the ones that have been thoughtfully resolved over time, creating spaces that not only look beautiful, but support the way a family lives, gathers and grows.