TOLÙ ADẸ̀KỌ́
ICON OF TOMORROW
Tolù Adẹ̀kọ́ founded his London-based, multidisciplinary studio Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co in 2014 after gaining senior-level experience at United Designers and David Collins Studio. Drawing from his Nigerian heritage and upbringing, he brings a deeply narrative-driven approach to design that channels tradition, craftsmanship and storytelling into modern, luxurious interiors. The studio is recognised for its work across hospitality, residential and cruise projects, including restaurants, hotels and bespoke cabins for cruise ships.
Recent commissions include the interiors for a fleet of luxury cruise ships and an intimate, socially centred scullery in a London men’s hostel. Tolù’s emphasis on inclusion and collaborative craftsmanship, working closely with artisans, makers and cultural voices, has positioned him as a progressive voice in the future of global design.
Dive into our conversation with Tolù below.
Q: Tolu you’re stunning WOW! House 2024 design a luxurious bedroom suite in collaboration with Zimmer + Rohde was inspired by the Orient Express. What drew you to this concept, and how did you bring that sense of nostalgia and grandeur to life?
I’ve always been captivated by travel - not just the act of it, but the emotions it evokes. Design is about creating spaces people can feel, not just see. Travel is something we all have in common: we move through time, and that movement carries emotional weight. For me, the Orient Express symbolises that romance of travel. It’s not just about the aesthetic but about crafting a full experience.
We worked to make the space immersive, layering in multi-sensory elements, sound, scent and texture to transport visitors into a bygone era. We collaborated with a specialist sound company to create a soundtrack that spans decades, while the scent carried warm notes of oud and tobacco bringing that vintage cabin vibe to life. Zimmer + Rohde’s rich fabrics helped tie everything together, offering luxurious materiality with an evocative atmosphere.
Q: The power of WOW! House brings together some of the industry’s best artisans and brands. How did collaboration elevate your design, and how does it shape your wider work?
Collaboration is everything - it’s the “Co” in Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co. As designers, we’re not just creators but curators. Collaborating with artisans elevates a project’s depth and quality. For example, we worked with Jalou in Paris to create a bespoke mirror made from hand-dyed straw marquetry. Their expertise in dyeing and construction gave the piece nuance and meaning that we wouldn’t have achieved otherwise.
In every project, we rely on others’ skill and wisdom. We believe in shared ownership of the creative process. It’s what makes the work stronger. It’s not just about our vision but about bringing together diverse minds to create something truly extraordinary.
Q: We must say, whether designing for Michelin-starred restaurants, hotels, or luxury cruise liners, your spaces always feel so immersive. What are the key elements that make a design truly unforgettable?
Lighting is fundamental. It shapes the way people experience a space, from dawn till dusk. A space with thoughtful lighting isn’t just memorable in the moment, it stays with you.
Materiality is also crucial. Using the right textures and finishes can transform a room. For example, cladding a ceiling in leather or using marble in unconventional ways can breathe fresh life into a design.
But the heart of it all is functionality. A space that works seamlessly becomes part of people’s lives, and that’s what makes it unforgettable. A beautiful space that doesn’t function well will always fall short.
Q: How do you foster creativity within your studio, and what do you look for when building a strong design team?
Our team lives and breathes design. It’s not just a job; it’s their passion. I look for creatives who sketch, paint, and explore ideas beyond the screen. People who are inspired by the world around them.
We encourage site visits, museum trips, and moments of inspiration outside the studio. We’ve built a culture where curiosity is celebrated, and creativity is nurtured.
Q: From Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Grill to The Ritz and luxury cruise lines, you’ve worked on some iconic projects. What have been the defining moments of your career? Have there been any challenges along the way, and how did you overcome them?
Starting my own studio was a defining moment. I’d learned so much from working with incredible creative directors butlaunching Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co allowed me to apply everything I’d absorbed and shape something that reflected my values.
The biggest challenge? Constantly proving ourselves. As a young studio, we must go the extra mile. But we embrace it, it’s all part of the journey.
Another personal challenge has been being in spaces where few people look like me. While that’s been daunting, I focus on the work. When the design speaks for itself, it bridges every gap.
Q: With your experience in luxury hospitality and residential design, can you tell OLISE readers what trends are you seeing emerge in interiors? Are there any shifts in materials, aesthetics, or client expectations that excite you?
I’m excited by the shift away from minimalism; especially the kind that lacks real understanding. We’re seeing a return to spaces with character, charm, and strong narratives.
In hospitality, there’s a strong push to design spaces that reflect their locality. People want their homes to feel like that, too. Clients now crave interiors that tell personal stories, and that excites us because it gives us the room to create meaningful, evocative designs.
Q: How do you integrate current trends into your designs while maintaining your unique style?
We don’t follow trends. We focus on what’s timeless, intentional, and rooted in context. Trends don’t guide our decisions. Instead, we look at a space’s history and think about how we can reinterpret it in a way that feels fresh and relevant for the client.
Q: We would love to hear about what projects you are currently working on, and how you see your studio evolving over the next few years?
We’re currently working on luxury hospitality projects and ultra-prime residences. Many of them are confidential, but they’re some of the most exciting briefs we’ve received.
Looking ahead, we see the studio expanding, not just in size but in our reach. We want to do more international work while staying true to our ethos: designing with meaning and intention.
Q: We often say ‘if I knew then what I know now’, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Keep going, no matter how hard it gets. Don’t give up. And don’t rush.
I’d remind myself that success doesn’t come on a set timeline. Some people don’t find their stride until later in life. There’s no expiry date on discovering your path.
Enjoy the journey. Life is a story, and it’s worth celebrating, one page at a time.
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