Transforming a London landmark: the next generation of design at Arding & Hobbs
“This is the kind of project you dream about working on. Being part of something so high-profile, so early in my career, is a huge privilege. It’s been exciting, challenging, and a huge learning experience all at once.”
For Hannah, one of Interaction’s Graduate Designers, being part of the transformation of Arding & Hobbs has been a career-defining opportunity. Once a bustling drapery and fabric emporium, the Grade II listed former department store has stood as a Clapham Junction landmark for over a century. Now, led by flex space operator x+why, it’s being reimagined as a stunning flexible workspace and private members’ club – blending history with high-end contemporary design.
With its vast domed roof light, intricate mouldings, and the iconic clocktower – soon to be repurposed as a bar – every element of the building is being carefully considered to honour its past while shaping its future. Interaction is proud to be working alongside x+why and a talented team of architects, consultants, and engineers to ensure that the craftsmanship and design celebrate the building’s heritage while delivering a world-class workspace. And for Hannah, it’s a chance to be at the heart of something truly special: an experience that will shape her career for years to come.
Delivering the vision
As the fit-out partner, Interaction is bringing the x+why design team’s vision to life – ensuring that the intricate details and high-end finishes meet the exacting standards of this landmark project. Two of our talented designers are leading Interaction’s team on the project: Martha, a Creative Lead with over a decade of experience, and Hannah, who – despite being fresh from her architecture degree – is already proving herself on one of London’s most prestigious fitouts.
At 21,000 sq ft, this is a project with major industry attention, requiring collaboration between some of the best minds in workplace design. Hannah has stepped up to the challenge, supporting the lead designer across technical detailing, buildability reviews, and problem-solving on-site. Her architectural degree, which included an integrated year in industry at two architectural practices, has proved invaluable in navigating the complexities of working with a listed building, understanding structural constraints, and adapting modern interventions to fit seamlessly within the historic fabric of the space. Hannah’s ability to interpret architectural drawings, assess buildability, and liaise with subcontractors has helped ensure that design decisions respect the building’s historic character while meeting contemporary workspace needs.
Sketching, problem-solving, and fast learning
Honed during her architecture degree, one of Hannah’s unique skills is her ability to produce beautiful design sketches quickly, allowing her to convey ideas in real time and refine designs on-site, rather than relying on digital CAD tools. In a fast-moving project like Arding & Hobbs, this has been invaluable, allowing her to make real-time adjustments and speed up decision-making. From site visits to design discussions, Hannah has been instrumental in resolving practical challenges – whether refining partition setting out, developing joinery designs, or being involved in reviewing finishes.
A career-defining opportunity
For any designer, working on a project of this scale and prestige is a career milestone. For Hannah, it’s an experience that has accelerated her learning in ways few first-year designers get to experience. Collaborating with Interaction’s team, x+why’s leadership, and a range of industry experts, she’s gaining first-hand insight into what it takes to deliver a truly high-end, heritage-sensitive workspace.
If you told Hannah a year ago she’d be playing a key role in one of London’s most exciting workspace transformations, she wouldn’t have believed it. But with the right mix of opportunity, support, and ambition, she’s proving that young designers can make a serious impact from day one.
Want to work on career-defining projects like this? We’re always looking for talented designers to join our team. Check out our careers page and be part of something amazing.
