Reflecting on last week’s incredible Brit List Awards, I’ve been thinking about how much this experience has taught me…
It’s been a week since I won the Brit List ‘Rising Star’ 2025 Award, and the initial shock has been replaced by a feeling of confidence and achievement. I never in a million years expected to win; it’s a moment I will cherish forever, and I feel extremely honoured to be recognised in a category alongside such incredible designers who are shaping the future of British design.
Before winning the award, I must admit, I didn’t have much confidence in myself. Receiving this recognition has given me a huge boost, it’s shown me that the work I’m passionate about is valued and has inspired me to embrace challenges and opportunities with more belief in my own abilities.
Part of what’s helped me grow so much over the last couple of years is working on such a diverse portfolio of projects at Sibley Grove. Each project pushes me to step outside my comfort zone, try new ways of working and learn about new techniques and materials. I’ve discovered how rewarding it is to collaborate closely with clients and suppliers. My curiosity pushes me to keep learning and growing through every interaction.
This journey has also expanded my own tastes in design. When I first started out, I was firmly rooted in the personal style I had carefully developed during my time at university. For example, I never used to like the colour red in interiors. But working on a neo-Gothic mansion introduced me to a whole new palette, and now I love red – I even have red nails and a red handbag! Moments like this in my career remind me how experimentation and taking risks can completely transform your perspective.
Winning the Brit List Award is not just about celebrating my individual work, it’s also a reflection of the brilliant team at Sibley Grove. I am so grateful to Jeremy Grove, our CEO & Studio Director, and his wife, Kate Sibley, for creating a space where I can grow and flourish as a designer.
The Brit List Awards, now in their ninth year and curated by Hotel Designs, celebrate the very best of British hospitality and design. Being recognised in the ‘Rising Star’ category also reflects Sibley Grove’s commitment to nurturing us as the next generation of designers; designers who are thinking consciously about sustainability, circular design practices and the impact of our work on people and the planet.
Looking ahead, my goal is simple: to keep building my skills and experience, and to continue learning and creating from the strong foundation that Sibley Grove has given me. Recognition like this is wonderful, but the real joy comes from the work itself, the people you collaborate with and the constant opportunity to evolve and explore.
