IN CONVERSATION WITH: INTERIOR DESIGNER,
ED BISHOP
AT HOME WITH A.LONDON | October 2025
Our studio are very prideful of our wonderful team, who work together to enrich our portfolio year after year, creating projects across the city that represent creativity and determined ethos here at A.LONDON.
Ed Bishop is a key member of the studio, working across a multitude of our successful London projects.
Read on to learn how Ed’s career in design began, his own reflection on the success of 36 & 37 Hertford Street Residences, and his dream design project that may include a pool house…
Hello, Ed! So tell us, what first led you into the world of interior design?
It sounds awful but it really came from an interest into why I loved and felt so comfortable in some homes and not others! Some people have such an eye for making a space beautiful and I loved this and noticed it from an early age. I think working with developers on many projects I really try to create schemes that feel like a home.
Were there moments early in your career that helped shape your design philosophy today?
My design philosophy has always been closely linked to my interested outside of work. I love the countryside, sustainability and collecting things. A home should be interesting and be a true reflection of the people who live in it.
You’ve now led some of our most widely recognised projects, what have you learned about yourself as a designer through them?
Every project is different! No matter how many projects you work on there are always new challenges and new things to learn.
36 & 37 Hertford Street Residences has been incredibly well received, what made this project so special for you personally?
I love the mixture of the old and new within the project and development. The high ceilings and historic features all gave such a great base to start the design with.
Could you share a design detail or moment within Hertford Street that often goes unnoticed, but says a lot about the craftsmanship involved?
The pendants over the dining table are simple in design yet handmade here in the UK and are just beautifully finished. I love an piece which does not jump out at you but when you look closer or touch it you can see straight away the level of craftsmanship in it.
You’re currently working on another Show Residence at Hertford Street. Without revealing too much, what’s inspiring the design direction this time around?
The apartment lends itself to a perfect pied-à-terre. I have gone with quite a masculine feel that is giving boutique hotel suite. Really great fabrics, furniture pieces, styled very simply.
What does your design process typically look like from first brief to final install, and where do you find the most creative momentum?
Following the brief I like to have a morning of fabrics and favourite artwork saves. This starts with pulling together samples from my hidden draw and also going out to showrooms to find some new bits to fill the gaps and add with artwork colours.
What role does collaboration play at A.LONDON when you're leading a project?
I use collaboration as a voice of reason. I like to get the bones of a design started and then love to review and develop the design with the team. It’s great when people push you in your thinking and come up with new ways of doing things or a great supplier that they have recently worked it.
What advice would you give to young designers trying to build trust with clients at the top end of the market?
I think honesty is key. You will never know all the answers and that’s ok. Its best to be honest and say that you will come back to them rather than say something that may be wrong. You are dealing with high value and high pressure, it’s important to have an honest relationship with your client.
How do you continue to stay creative, especially when designing homes for people who expect the extraordinary?
I try and get out and about when I can. I find inspiration everywhere from restaurants, window shopping, exhibitions and take lots of pictures! I often will take pictures of colours that I like next to each other and will keep in mind for the projects I am working on.
Get to know Ed a little more…
First design detail you notice when walking into a room?
The windows and the level of natural light in the space.
Most inspiring place you've ever travelled to, and why?
South America, I love a natural palette both in colour and material and the countries in South America all offered so much inspiration in both the landscape and in the culture.
Coffee table book you always recommend?
It’s a new book by Retrouvius which is all about their work and sustainable design. I love how they reuse materials in such a considered way creating super high end interiors with materials that would have otherwise been wasted.
Sketchpad or digital tools, what comes first?
Sadly it would be digital tools but I would love to do some more sketching.
Dream project, no brief, no budget, what’s the first thing you’d do?
Design a swimming pool area with an incredible pool house that can be used as an amazing entertainment space.
Most underrated part of the design process?
The details. It can be so easy to skip over little bits when really busy and hope that they just work when you install but good design means all aspects are detailed from the build right down to your styling.
Your perfect Sunday looks like…?
Slow lazy morning before a long dog walk. Get home to make a really tasty late lunch and watch a great film.
