Helen: We always say Hill House is the result of a 25-year friendship as much as a business. What started as two friends with a shared love of design gradually grew into a vision of building something together.

Jenny: It all felt very organic. We naturally complemented each other’s strengths and had complete trust in one another. That foundation of friendship gave us the courage to take the leap and establish the studio, and it’s still at the heart of how we work today. Above all, our passion for creating beautiful spaces has never wavered, and that’s what continues to drive us.

Helen: Travel opened my eyes to so many different ways of living – the colours, textures, and traditions of each culture really resonated with me, and that still feeds into how we create palettes and stories within a home. My years in dance and the performing arts also taught me a lot: the discipline of showing up, the long hours, and the need to adapt quickly when things change. There are so many parallels with design – perseverance, creativity, and the ability to think on your feet.

Jenny: I’ve always had a keen eye for detail, which first drew me to fashion — the tailoring, the layering, and the way accessories can completely transform a look. That mindset naturally translated into interiors. I see a home much like a couture garment: it should be dressed with the same level of care, creativity, and individuality. My love of accessorising in fashion became a passion for the finishing touches in interiors — those details that bring personality and depth to a space.

Helen: Working internationally is endlessly inspiring. It constantly refreshes our creativity because we’re challenged to adapt our British design sensibilities to very different cultures and ways of living. Each region brings its own expectations – whether that’s sourcing local stones and collaborating with artisans, or ensuring materials are both beautiful and exceptionally hardwearing for the Middle Eastern climate. Those cultural nuances really shape the way we think about design and encourage us to keep pushing our vision forward.

Jenny: It’s also transformed our client relationships. Many of the people we design for are global citizens, with homes in LA, London, New York, Lake Como, or Dubai, and we’ve come to understand not only how a home should look, but how it needs to function in each context. Working internationally means truly listening to what matters most to each client. In some Middle Eastern residences, for example, no fabric can be repeated (even in another colourway) as every detail must feel entirely unique. That level of consideration drives us to create homes that are not only elegant, but deeply personal to the people who live in them.

Jenny: We’re both very detail-oriented and design with enormous passion, but our inspirations differ. I’m particularly drawn to natural elements; the textures, tones, and organic materials that bring a sense of authenticity and warmth. I love layering those details into a scheme so that every space feels tactile and inviting. How a home feels is just as important as how it looks, and for me, introducing precious crystals is a wonderful way to bring that extra layer of energy and serenity into a space.

Helen: And while I share that love of detail, I’m also more inclined to push the boundaries of design, whether that’s experimenting with new styles, genres, and material combinations, exploring the possibilities of AI, or driving the business forward commercially. That balance between creativity and progression keeps our work fresh and ensures the studio continues to evolve.

Jenny: We find that our different perspectives bring out the best in each project…the fine details are never missed, while the bigger vision is always moving forward. It means every home we design feels beautifully crafted, forward-thinking, and, most importantly, personal to the people who live there.

Jenny: Having worked on so many beautiful projects over the past 28 years, it’s hard to choose just one. However, a few years ago, we carried out the complete refurbishment of a large residence in the Surrey Hills, right down to the landscaping, which went on to win both UK and international awards and marked the start of a very special client relationship. Since then, we’ve created several more homes for the same family, including at Atlantis The Royal Residences in Dubai. That project was a real milestone –  not only for its iconic setting, but because it was their third home with us. Being trusted time and again is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.

Helen: It’s so difficult to choose just one. Looking back, a project on the Wentworth Estate about 20 years ago was pivotal for us. At the time it was the largest we’d undertaken, and it gave us the freedom to really stretch our creativity. One standout feature was a hydraulic pool that could rise to form a magnificent ballroom, which was incredibly ambitious then. Another very special project is a villa we designed in La Zagaleta, Spain, around sixteen years ago. We returned this year to refresh the design, and it was wonderful to see how timeless much of our original design still felt. Updating it to reflect the client’s current tastes was a joy, and their response has been overwhelming…moments like that are what make this work so rewarding.

Jenny: We’ve always believed it’s important to give back to the profession. Through mentoring younger designers, judging awards, and sharing our experiences, we’ve aimed to champion originality, quality, and longevity in design. Recognition is wonderful, but helping to nurture the next generation and encouraging them to develop their own voice feels just as rewarding.

Helen: And part of that ethos extends into how we work day to day. We love collaborating with artisans and supporting emerging artists, bringing their craft and creativity into our projects. It keeps our work fresh and layered with individuality. While we have a signature Hill House style, it’s never imposed – it’s interpreted uniquely for each client and each home, which we believe is what contemporary design should be: timeless, personal, and true to the people who live there.

Helen: For us, luxury has never been about excess; it’s about longevity, craftsmanship, and making thoughtful choices that endure. A hand-finished piece of joinery, a responsibly sourced natural stone, or a bespoke fabric woven by skilled artisans; these are the details that define true luxury.

Jenny: Exactly. When we select sustainable materials, work with artisans, and design with the long term in mind, the result is inherently elegant. A timeless piece that endures is the very essence of quiet luxury, and it naturally aligns with sustainability. By creating homes filled with quality craftsmanship and pieces that stand the test of time, we’re proving that the three don’t just coexist, they enhance one another.

Helen: Be brave enough to develop your own voice. Inspiration is everywhere, but authenticity is what will set you apart. Believe in yourself, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to try something new — even if no one else has done it before. Some of the most exciting design moments come from taking that leap.

Jenny: And nurture your relationships — with clients, colleagues, and suppliers. This industry is built on people as much as it is on design, and strong partnerships can truly last a lifetime. Also, don’t shy away from challenges just because they feel daunting; often those are the experiences that help you grow the most, both as a designer and as a person.