The Craft and Vision Behind SHEPEL'
EXPERTS 15.10.24
Q: What inspired you and Helen to establish SHEPEL' over 15 years ago?
The inception of SHEPEL’ is deeply rooted in our passion for craftsmanship and a commitment to delivering exceptional design experiences. Over 15 years ago, in Ukraine, my wife Helen and I embarked on a journey to establish an architecture and interior design company. As our reputation grew and our vision expanded, we recognised the need for a comprehensive approach that not only encompassed design but also the manufacturing of furniture. As a result, the idea of creating our own full-cycle furniture production was born, allowing us to offer our clients a complete service, from concept to creation, ensuring the utmost quality in every aspect of their project.
Q: How has your Ukrainian heritage influenced your designs?
Our Ukrainian heritage is part of our brand DNA. Through each design piece, our Ukrainian heritage comes through, prioritising artisanal techniques and traditions. Much like our international client base, we are inspired by diverse global references. Our bespoke approach allows us to tailor each creation to the unique lifestyle and taste of our clients, ensuring that our designs truly reflect their individuality.
Q: Could you share insights into one of your most challenging collaborative projects and what made it successful?
Last November, we opened the doors of our SHEPEL’ showroom at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. It is our first showroom in the UK, so it was an incredibly exciting moment for me, Helen and our fantastic team at SHEPEL’. We wanted the showroom to illustrate our design philosophy at SHEPEL’ – quality craftsmanship, high design, and understated luxury. Every element of the space has been designed in our signature style, featuring bespoke details and handcrafted furniture.
Since opening, we have received such a positive response. The Harbour is internationally renowned as a hub for its interior design and furniture excellence, offering exposure to some of the world’s best interior designers, architects and fellow design brands. Residence in this institution has allowed us to strengthen our international presence, further establishing SHEPEL' as a global leader in luxury furniture and design.
Q: Please tell us more about the distinct styles and characteristics of your furniture collections under SHEPEL’?
SHEPEL’s design style is a harmonious blend of refined elegance and understated luxury. Each creation is designed to enhance the unique character of a space while meeting the lifestyle needs and reflecting the distinctive taste of its occupants. Drawing inspiration from a global perspective, our designs showcase a cosmopolitan flair, incorporating diverse influences that resonate with discerning clientele worldwide.
Our family of brands include Atelier Helen, Studio Shepel, Shepel Furniture, and S-Contract. Atelier Helen offers personalised joinery and custom kitchens for residential properties. Studio Shepel is a global interior design studio that specialises in curating luxury homes and commercial spaces. Shepel Furniture handcrafts elegant bespoke furniture, whilst S-Contract manufactures pieces tailored for commercial interiors and our trade clients.
Q: Can you elaborate on the process and significance of sourcing the finest materials from around the world for your creations?
I always start developing a design by sketching out several concepts. Once I’ve fallen in love with an idea, I move onto thinking about the materials and manufacturing techniques needed to bring it to life. Once the concept has progressed, we have a technical department where we implement multiple rounds of prototyping to develop the piece. Due to the bespoke nature of all of our pieces, there is a technical design process involved for every project no matter the size.
Q: Can you elaborate on the process and significance of sourcing the finest materials from around the world for your creations?
At SHEPEL’, we use only the finest materials sourced from around the world. Each of our pieces is designed to last a lifetime in the home. By selecting the very best materials from around the world, we are ensuring the best quality and longevity of our furniture pieces. Although these may be a financial investment, we can promise they will be passed down from generation to generation.
Q: What role does traditional craftsmanship play in your design and manufacturing process, and how do you balance it with modern techniques?
Each piece from SHEPEL’ is meticulously handcrafted by our in-house design team using the finest techniques. Quality and attention to detail are at the heart of our brand philosophy. Traditional craftsmanship is paired with innovation and our progressive design team is constantly inspired by new techniques and methods. Each design from SHEPEL’ is bespoke and tailored to our client’s vision, requirements and lifestyle.
Q: What advantages and challenges have you experienced as a family-owned business in the luxury interior design industry?
SHEPEL’ was a dream born from myself and my wife Helen over 15 years ago. We are a collaborative team and every day it is a privilege to work together. In the luxury interior design industry, we only see our partnership as an advantage that has built up the trust of our international client base over the years.
Q: How does SHEPEL' adapt its design approach to cater to diverse markets and cultural preferences globally?
Our bespoke approach gives us utter flexibility to tailor each design to suit our client’s needs. Over the years, we have built up an international client base and each request is utterly individual, making it completely unique. Every new project is a collaborative journey with the client to bring their dreams into reality and transform a space into a reflection of their individual style and personality.
Q: How does SHEPEL' adapt its design approach to cater to diverse markets and cultural preferences globally?
Our bespoke approach gives us utter flexibility to tailor each design to suit our client’s needs. Over the years, we have built up an international client base and each request is utterly individual, making it completely unique. Every new project is a collaborative journey with the client to bring their dreams into reality and transform a space into a reflection of their individual style and personality.
Q: What sets SHEPEL' apart from other luxury furniture and interior design brands?
At SHEPEL', we understand that true luxury lies in the ability to tailor our creations to the unique preferences and lifestyle of each client. Through personalised consultations and in-depth discussions, we strive to gain a comprehensive understanding of the client's personality, tastes, and functional needs. This allows us to design bespoke pieces that not only reflect their distinct character but also seamlessly integrate into their daily lives. Whether it's customising dimensions, selecting specific materials, or incorporating meaningful details, we work closely with each client to ensure that every aspect of the design reflects their individuality and enhances their living environment in a meaningful way.
Luxury, to us, is synonymous with superior craftsmanship, detail and comfort. The notion of individualised luxury has become favourable in recent years as clients look for bespoke, one-of-a-kind pieces, unique to their scheme. SHEPEL' upholds these principles by meticulously handcrafting each piece with the utmost attention to detail and using only exceptional materials sourced internationally.
Q: If you weren’t running SHEPEL’, what would you do?
If I weren’t running SHEPEL’, I would love to be an art consultant. Having enjoyed art from a young age, I have always wanted to surround myself with artistic pieces.
To find out more about the world of SHEPEL', click here.