You want someone to share your excitement with - someone who cares about aesthetics as much as functionality.
Someone who will get shit done. Properly.
Because you don’t know how to specify a lintel…and actually, you don’t need to find out how it works. You care about the quality of the space and how the drawers open. I get that.
Worried that the builder will care more about avoiding existing pipes than line of sight? That there will be conversations interrupted by teeth sucking and tutting? That they will knock knowingly on walls -and wince when you mention marble.
The practicalities of building are obviously crucial. And I get a kick out of running a smooth project with due respect for each person’s area of expertise.
But like you, my passion is how things function and feel.
Working out where you can sit to enjoy the view, and how the lights will dim. These are the things we’ll focus on, and I’ll manage the component parts and break down the technical information you need to know to make good decisions.
NB. The builder may still tut. But I am qualified to tut back…or find one that doesn’t.
The studio is a welcoming place where I concentrate on design work for dream clients whose vision excites me. I have a small expert team and my Nespresso machine working (particularly) hard alongside me.
Together we ensure each element of your project is detailed meticulously and meets the required standards. I personally handle all the key elements of the design and the relationship with you.
About the Business
Before I set up KVIST I had worked in corporate design offices with over 200 staff, and one-person studios with a bread maker and barista-quality coffee. I’ve been on and led both traditional architectural and interiors teams. All have their benefits.
Most practices out there offer either architectural services or interior design. They may have both in-house, but they are generally considered separate appointments despite their numerous overlaps. I started off and completed several projects the same way.
I soon realised though that the grey area grew as the conversations became more similar regardless of what was written on my appointment document.
There is not a single project I have come across that doesn’t consider both the structure and the furniture. Every decision has an implication on something. To exclude myself from these discussions or charge extra when I am itching to contribute because it is ‘out of scope’ just takes the fun away. I believe both need to be developed simultaneously to be harmonious. But I go further than that - I actually want to order the cushions and hang the mirrors.
My niche is renovations and any adaptation/extension work that compliments it. I do this for people who are passionate and creative, who wear many hats -like I do. Because we ‘get’ each other.
KV-IST
KVIST (pronounced kv-ist) is a Scandinavian word meaning “twig”, as in thin, slender tree branch, or a knot in timber. It is also used to refer to a dormer or a loft room.
What we do:
bespoke Interiors & architecture
Enthusiastically support your dream!
Offer clear & considered advice
Work hard & honestly
helpful resources & guidance
What we don’t do:
Say 'that's not my job'
waste your time and money
work with anyone and everyone
copy & paste ideas/solutions
Rush and get it wrong
Our Mission
What we’re aboutWe are here to make your fit-out journey an enjoyable creative process, centered around the experiential quality you imagined.
I will guide you through making chronological and well-informed decisions, together, so you feel confident and at the heart of the design.
A bit about me
I’m a chronically happy Scandinavian with a little half-viking sidekick (Oskar) who may occasionally answer the phone. I have a very British Earl Grey-drinking husband who makes me laugh every day but shouldn’t be offering design advice. If he tries, hang up - I’ll call you back!
I love jumping in puddles and fishing upriver in the woods. An off-grid cabin with a proper fire is my happy place (check out Ylvis’ Cabin song*) and I love it when I have pen ink or chalk up to my elbows. I wish I did life drawing as often as I used to and that I was more dedicated to yoga.
*this video may be a bit weird for Brits. Sorry. It’s a normal Scandi thing to escape to the woods from our otherwise civilised & beautifully designed lives.
Kind Words
Resource Gallery
Free Resource!
Grab a cuppa and get my folder index system to use for your project. There is an eye watering amount of information to keep track of on a building or renovation project. And questions and disagreements can happen.
Your first line of defence is knowing what was issued, by who, what and when! I’ve got it covered.
Christine is an interior designer and experienced Architect. She works with creative professionals and independent business owners to design and deliver their dream projects, enjoyably.
Christine trained at internationally renowned Wilkinson Eyre Architects and Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios where she worked on public and higher education building schemes before joining more intimate design offices. She has delivered architectural and interiors appointments for the award-winning Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall Hotel, creative recording complexes for TEN87 Studios and The Qube in London, as well as domestic projects across England.
Christine is an ARB registered RIBA Chartered Architect and an Associate of the British Institute of Interior Design.
