30th May 2025 | IN EXPERT INSIGHT | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn The SBID UK Interior Design Icons were selected to recognise leading design practices throughout the UK who have consistently displayed exceptional standards within our esteemed industry network. This week’s instalment of the SBID Icon Insights series features 1.61 London. The brand is dedicated to delivering truly exceptional, luxurious homes with the highest levels of design, craftmanship and service underpinned by a persistence and commitment to continually push the boundaries of what is possible. 1.61 London Who leads design and creative direction at your company? Michael is the creative director at 1.61 London and leads the design and construction implementation for our projects and developments, whilst Alex runs the client side of the business including sourcing properties and developments and heading up marketing and branding. 1.61 London Can you share a project that best represents your design style? We are particularly proud of our latest development, Three Kings Mayfair, which has just completed. 1.61 London found the unique site that sits behind Grosvenor Square and crafted eight beautiful homes representing the pinnacle of contemporary living at one of London’s finest addresses. Completely private and secluded from outside view, Three Kings Mayfair offers a haven of tranquillity with access via a secure gated entry point. Located in the heart of Mayfair, the development is perfectly connected with Oxford Street and Bond Street within a short walking distance. Whether it’s a stroll in the park, shopping trip or dining out, you’ve got all you need on your doorstep. 1.61 London and Urbanwise set up a new joint venture in 2021 after working together on a number of multi-unit new build residential developments with a combined portfolio value of over £1bn. The two developers partnered with Investment firm Valpre Capital for the delivery of the Three Kings Mayfair project. 1.61 London How does your team collaborate on major projects? We have spent years finding a best-in-class team that covers the entire remit of sourcing, funding, designing, rendering and then delivering a development or client led project. These in house skills allow us to create a fully considered vision for a project. Each team member is heavily involved in supporting the delivery of any of the projects we are undertaking through continuous teamwork and collaboration under the leadership of Michael who always ensures that the team are laser focused on delivering the absolute best possible result. 1.61 London What steps do you take to stay at the forefront of the design industry? Our clients demand that we continue to innovate and source the best products from around the world and so this is a continual process that happens naturally. There are always areas you can improve on and so we always push to find better designs and solutions to problems. Michael is relentless in his pursuit of achieving perfection. 1.61 London What trends do you see shaping the future of interior design? For us we always look to incorporate seamless technology into our designs. From an industry standpoint we see a return to detail rather than minimalism and that is something we love because we take pride in really delivering a highly detailed and luxurious design scheme for our projects. 1.61 London How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs? This is becoming a necessity in any new build project where you are looking at the new SAP requirements pushing new heating solutions for example. Our latest development incorporates a green roof and as we move forward, we are having to retrofit rather than start from fresh because planning is forcing such changes. 1.61 London Do you have key partnerships with suppliers, manufacturers, or brands? This is something that is very different about 1.61 London. We have a huge procurement arm and do not work through intermediaries. Michael and I are passionate about finding the best products in the market and getting the best possible pricing. We were like this from day one and this has now become a real strength for our business with so many unique relationships that are invaluable to us achieving the types of designs/developments we undertake! About 1.61 London Our team are dedicated to continually push the boundaries of what’s possible in the design and development world. This ensures that each project is delivered to truly exceptional levels of design where every element of a luxury home is considered ensuring a fully harmonious space is meticulously crafted both internally and externally culminating in both a home and lifestyle that is unparalleled globally. 1.61 London is able to offers a unique set of in house skills to ensure the seamless delivery of the most exclusive global projects with an incredible amount of passion and attention to detail. Visit Profile If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.