Redefining Urban Living: The Design Philosophy of Arcola Studio
people • DESIGNERS
Arcola Studio was founded in 2018 by Sami Jalili and Tom Mackenzie-Burrows. Known for their architecture-oriented approach, Arcola’s design philosophy emphasises responsiveness to a building’s inherent qualities. In this exclusive interview with the co-founders, we dive into their creative philosophy, exploring how they thoughtfully merge natural luxury with industrial aesthetics. Through their commitment to sustainable practices and keen eye for materiality, Arcola crafts environments that are visually striking and deeply connected to their context.
WEBSITE: arcola.studio INSTAGRAM: @arcola.studio
Words: designeers
APRIL 2025
DESIGNEERS
Can you tell us about the story behind Arcola Studio and what inspired its founding?
Arcola Studio
We began under another name in 2016 with a view to designing furniture—we had been friends for years and decided that the time was right to work on something together. That meeting led to our first architectural project, designing the label’s London office.
DESIGNEERS
Your Notting Hill project is stunning. Can you share the vision behind this design and the elements that make it unique?
Arcola Studio
Thank you. The building had good bones but needed unifying under a scheme that would make it livable-it was formerly mixed-use. We aimed to give each level of the house a distinct feel while carrying material references through to create some continuity. I think that the variety is something we’re very pleased with the results of, something reinforced by the fact that each level is connected by a staircase of totally different design and form. I think we’ve developed a look as a studio that works perfectly-a blend of very earthy, materially rich finishes and natural elements paired with highly engineered, hi-tech materials..
DESIGNEERS
How would you describe the design philosophy that guides your work at Arcola Studio?
Arcola Studio
We are very architecture-oriented, so our philosophy is a responsive one, extrapolating from the best features of the buildings we work with to create results that we hope are both new but also grounded in what came before.
DESIGNEERS
What role do materials play in your designs, and how do you go about selecting the right ones for a project?
Arcola Studio
I think materials carry a significance beyond the purely aesthetic—the processes involved in their production and their associations with things outside of the way in which we use them is inescapable. We consider how natural elements—like timber, stone, and other raw materials—can elevate a space through their inherent tactility and presence. We are a process-driven studio, and knowledge of production methods is central to that, so choosing the right materials for a project might involve a variety of considerations.
DESIGNEERS
Do you have a favourite type of space to design? What excites you most about working on residential projects like the one in Notting Hill?
Arcola Studio
Being entrusted with any building that is a fine example of its style is always a joy, whatever style that may be. Historic spaces whose architecture needs to be treated more sympathetically just present different but no less interesting challenges to those whose configuration can be radically altered. The client and their engagement is just as important. We are lucky to have had clients prepared to be patient with our process and receptive to our ideas. One always wants to feel like the work is going to become an integral and uplifting part of one’s clients’ lives.
“Our philosophy is a responsive one, extrapolating from the best features of the buildings we work with to create results that we hope are both new but also grounded in what came before.”
Arcola Studio
DESIGNEERS
What challenges do you often face during a project, and how do you overcome them to deliver a cohesive vision?
Arcola Studio
Since we undertake the management and production elements of our projects as well as the design, I’m afraid the principal answer to that isn’t a very interesting one—it’s budgets and schedules, planning permissions and quality control more than anything!
DESIGNEERS
Sustainability is becoming an essential aspect of design. How does Arcola Studio incorporate sustainable practices into its projects?
Arcola Studio
At Arcola, we ensure we have oversight of all manufacturing processes. We have a strong research ethos when it comes to materials and production methods, and we try to work with other producers who take similar care. This includes favouring natural elements and traditional materials where possible to support both performance and longevity Architecturally, we always upgrade the heat performance and energy efficiency of the buildings we renovate. When it comes to sourcing manufacturers, we always use UK-based companies, ideally as close to the project as possible.
DESIGNEERS
What’s your dream project, and why?
Arcola Studio
A small hotel; somewhere that can be made to feel like a home from home. The opportunity to work across rooms, lounges, a bar, a restaurant and a spa all under one philosophy would be exciting. We’d like to collaborate with young designers whose work exists between the functional and the sculptural to create unique elements for everyday use and to curate a collection of art that is more than simply decorative. It should feel like you’ve been invited into the home of a collector, with subtle surprises at every turn.
DESIGNEERS
Can you share three suppliers, artisans, or collaborators you love working with and why?
Arcola Studio
We source fabrics from Yarn Collective in London as often as we can. They focus on using natural and recycled materials, and their palette suits our style very well. We love Max Radford Gallery, from where we’ve sourced a number of pieces by young designers. London is a much harder place to create a sustainable, commercial scene for young design, but Max is tireless in his efforts to promote great new work. Beyond that, we have a great network of manufacturers working in wood, metal and fabric all over the country, so collectively they deserve recognition.
DESIGNEERS
What advice would you give to someone looking to create a truly timeless interior design?
Arcola Studio
Take the time to understand the space you’re working with, and once you’ve processed your first, instinctive ideas about what might work, set them aside and go wild. More often than not, a synthesis of instinct and experimentation will lead to the right result. This principle guides our approach across all architectural projects, ensuring each one is both intentional and deeply connected to its context.
