Life After Graduation: Interior Design with Sonia B Design

Posted on 1st October 2025

I am Sonia, Founder of Sonia b design, half French, half Spanish and London has been my home for many years now. Before re-training and creating my interior design practice in London, I pursued a career in risk management and strategy in engineering and financial services. I retrained in 2020 with the Full Time Diploma HE in Applied Interior Design at KLC School of Design, which I completed with distinction at the end of 2020. Sonia b design is an Affiliate member of the British Institute of Interior Design.

Before setting up Sonia b design, I worked with a variety of Interior Design and Interior Architect Studios based in London and Oxford, both on commercial and residential projects. I have also been collaborating with a Project Manager in office design and fit out in Kings Cross and Marylebone. I am currently working on residential projects across London, Kent and France as well as an office fit out in Marylebone.

Interior design is in my blood. I grew up in the world of construction, property and design and am inspired by my grandfather, a builder and property developer who set-up a family business in bathroom and kitchen design. For 15 years I pursued a career in risk management and strategy, but always nourishing an ambition to move into the world of design, and meanwhile undertaking various home refurbishment projects in France and London.

For me, design is all about understanding your client and finding the solutions to meet their needs, whether these are wellbeing, health, space, adding value, safety or making a space unique and different. Designers can really make a difference to how people live and work. Inclusivity and accessibility are key parts of this and of upmost importance to me. I decided to take the opportunity to re-train as an Interior Designer. After a year supporting other practices mainly as a Freelancer, I set up Sonia b design at the end of 2021.

Client satisfaction is key. Since setting up Sonia b design, it has been very rewarding to work across such a variety of sectors — whether by creating places for our clients’ teams to flourish, or crafting homes that feel true to our clients.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of this journey is the trust and confidence clients place in our work. We are currently working on new projects for returning clients and have also been recommended by fellow designers, clients, and contractors — a mark of trust and long-term relationships. Over time, we have built a strong network of trusted partners — including architects, tradespeople, and suppliers — enabling us to support our clients through every aspect of their projects.

Our journey has also been marked by industry recognition, including winning Gold at the London Design Awards 2023 for our Wandsworth project and being a finalist at the SBID Awards in 2023 and 2025. This recognition reflects the hard work and care that go into our designs and our client relationships. Just as importantly, it celebrates the teamwork and collaboration of the suppliers and specialists who play a key role in every project. One of our projects was also featured in Abode2 magazine, helping to raise awareness of our practice and the work we deliver.

We were told this would be an intensive year. It has been, for the best.

Every project was equally exciting, challenging and a new learning experience. The learning has not only been technical and delivered through the projects, but also by discovering and meeting suppliers and specialists who have been incredibly helpful throughout this process. I found interviewing people who matched the profile and brief of our clients very inspiring as it not only brough perspective to the projects I have been working on, but provided a taste of what is to come next.

What advice would you give to aspiring interior designers who are looking to start their own business?

Every journey is different - define what works best for you

1. For me, gaining practical experience before starting my own business was key. It helps bridge the gap between student projects and real-world design and build confidence and industry knowledge. Financial planning and stability are crucial, especially in the early stages and are part of setting the foundations of starting your business.

2. Keep learning. Design is a constant learning, and we need to keep at it whether it is through CPD and professional trainings but also by meeting people! Be open, engage, socialise. We have so much to learn from each other whether it is within or outside the design industry.

3. Be adaptable.

Diploma HE Applied Interior Design