Building a Better Future

From Excel spreadsheets and performing arts to award-winning interiors, Jonni Knight and Lia Gold have taken very different routes into design. Now, after appearing on Interior Design Masters, launching their own studios and teaming up for the Til Design Do Us Part podcast, the pair are building brands that blend bold creativity with business savvy. We sit down with Jonni and Lia to talk creative confidence, making great design accessible, and what’s next for the interiors industry.

What made you take the leap from your previous careers into design?
Lia: I was stuck in an Excel based desk job and desperately needed a creative outlet. I used to sit at my desk and create mood boards for imaginary rooms in my head! I needed somewhere to put all that energy, so I asked if I could redesign the staff rooms at our stores, and they said yes! Seeing firsthand the difference it made to the staff was literally the best feeling. I knew right then I had to take the leap and do it full time.
Jonni: When I left the performing industry, I realised I had a creative void in my life and still really needed to find a new passion. Interior design quickly became that new passion for me. I’d always loved interiors as a child, then I bought my first place and redid the whole thing, and eventually decided to stop treating it as something I just enjoyed and actually take the plunge and make it my life. Interior Design Masters gave me the confidence to believe that I really could do this, and now there’s no stopping me!

What did winning Interior Design Masters teach you about your creative voice?
Lia: The biggest thing it taught me was to trust my creative voice! I doubt myself internally a lot and really build things up in my head. I’m a true perfectionist and was always scared of making mistakes, but that’s literally how we grow as designers. Even since winning, I’ve gone on to create rooms that are so different from my first ever designs. I’m really proud of how far I’ve come already!

How are you turning your design style into a lasting brand?
Both of us have launched our own interior design studios, which was a huge step, and soon after that we jumped straight into launching the podcast. The aim has always been to build something that feels bigger than just individual projects, somewhere our personalities, opinions and approach to design can really come through. The podcast gives us a space to share advice, have a laugh and bring in brilliant industry guests, so there really is something for everyone. Lia has also launched a Supper Club moving between London and Glasgow, serving up her favourite Italian meals the good ole fashioned way.

What have you learned about creativity and commercial opportunity?
That they don’t have to compete with each other, the magic happens when they overlap! Creative risk taking is what makes a design stand out, but understanding the practical side is what turns a great idea into a sustainable business. Running our own studios and hosting the podcast has shown us that being commercially savvy actually gives you more freedom to be creative. When you know how to talk to clients, pitch ideas, or spot a gap in the market, your creativity finds an audience instead of just staying on a mood

How do you make bold design accessible to a wider audience?
Great design is accessible to everyone! It’s just hard knowing where to start sometimes, which is why we break it down and talk about it so much on our podcast. Bold design doesn’t have to mean luxury or high price tags; there are so many ways to achieve the look you want on any budget. We would highly recommend tuning in to the podcast to hear all our secret tips and trade tricks!

What does the future of the interior design industry look like?
So exciting! It’s probably the most dynamic industry out there, and so many retailers are tapping into it now. Who doesn’t want a beautiful home? More people are focusing on finding happiness in their spaces, including people who might not have cared about design before. Plus, with all the new technology coming out to support designers, the industry is truly booming and we’re thrilled to be a part of it!