Some people arrive in interior design through university portfolios and carefully mapped-out career plans. Sophie Downing arrived through independent coffee shops, double shifts and the sort of work ethic that quietly prepares you for almost anything.

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Born in Croydon and raised in Eastbourne, Sophie joined Ward & Co at the beginning of 2025 as a junior interior designer. Before that, her world revolved around the culture of speciality coffee. After finishing school and her A Levels, she immersed herself in the independent cafe scene, quickly working her way into management while learning every detail of the trade. “They teach you everything from how to steam milk to the coffee tasting notes”, she laughs, “You can go anywhere and get a job as a barista.”

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Useful perhaps, but not quite enough.

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The long hours and relentless pace eventually pushed her towards something more creative. “You needed a pretty strong work ethic to do the long hours” she says. Determined to shift direction, Sophie enrolled with the British Academy of Interior Design before securing an internship at the Kelly Hoppen Interiors studio in Hammersmith. “I wanted to soak up everything they had to offer.”

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Then came ten months travelling across Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia. Australia briefly pulled her back into coffee culture on the Sunshine Coast, where, according to Sophie, people “take it very seriously, it’s a real art” Some habits travel well.

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Returning to the UK, Sophie secured a role at Ward & Co after three rounds of interviews that left her convinced, she probably had not got the job. Then came the phone call from Sarah Ward telling her otherwise.

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Everyone is so supportive, from juniors to the senior designers, and it’s so nice being able to grow with a company.”

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One of her earliest highlights was Project Catharine, where installation days and managing parts of the process on-site gave her a significant boost in confidence. It also confirmed something important about herself. She enjoys being hands-on. Not simply designing spaces but helping bring them to life.

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There is still plenty to learn, she admits. Fabrics, furniture, spatial planning and, perhaps most importantly, not taking rejection personally. But that learning curve is exactly what appeals to her. The smaller structure of Ward & Co means every person contributes. “I feel vital even if I’m doing the smallest of jobs” she says. She also appreciates the family dynamic of the studio, led by Sarah and Rosie Ward.

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Her design influences are varied. Cath Kidston first caught her attention when she was younger, while Martin Brudnizki inspires her with bold maximalism and fearless layering. She also admires Sims Hilditch for their elegant country homes and cottages, something that reflects her own preference for rustic, farmhouse-inspired interiors rich in natural materials and warmth.

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Q&A with Sophie Downing

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1- What do you think is the most misunderstood aspect of being an interior designer?

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“How technical it is. I didn’t study Interior Design so it came as a shock to me. There’s a lot of problem solving behind the scenes that people don’t always see.”

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2- Do you have a favourite design era? What draws you to it?

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“If I had to pick, it would probably be Country or Farmhouse chic. Natural materials, lots of timber that creates a cosy and rustic charm.”

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3- What skills do you feel are most important in your role within the studio?

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“I think organisation is one of my biggest strengths. It allows me to be more efficient and proactive which is essential in a fast-paced studio.”

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4- How do you collaborate with the wider team to bring a concept through to completion?

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“When a new project comes in, we usually sit down as a team and brainstorm, sharing imagery or materials that have inspired us.”

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5- Which stage of a project do you enjoy most, concept, sourcing, installation, or the final reveal?

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“I love installation. Being hands on and getting stuck in. It’s so magical when you can see your design finally coming together.”

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6- From a design perspective, what’s one thing you couldn’t live without, and why?

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“Good lighting and more importantly, natural lighting. It completely transforms a space.”

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For someone still relatively early in her career, Sophie Downing speaks less like somebody testing the waters and more like someone steadily building foundations. There is ambition there, certainly, but also practicality. A willingness to learn the trade properly, absorb knowledge from those around her and grow alongside the studio itself. Between the installations, and the sourcing she is quietly carving out her place within Ward & Co.

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And yes, for the record, her coffee order is an oat flat white. Some things remain non-negotiable.