Looking back at the projects, people and spaces that shaped the studio.

Now that we’re well into the new year, it feels like the right moment to pause and reflect on 2025. It was a year that brought change, learning and clarity for Copper & Ash, helping shape how we work and what we prioritise as a studio.

 

From moving into our first office to delivering a wide range of projects across different sectors, the past year encouraged us to be thoughtful, adaptable and focused. It gave us space to reflect on what matters most to us and how we continue to support our clients through considered design.

Here’s a look back at some of the moments that defined the year, and how they’re shaping the months ahead.

 

A New Home for Copper & Ash

 

One of the biggest moments for us this year was moving into our first office. After working as a remote-first studio since the beginning, the shift to a hybrid way of working felt like the right next step.

 

Having a space to come together has changed the pace of our days in a really positive way. It’s made collaboration easier, given us more room to talk ideas through properly and helped strengthen the studio culture we care so much about. The office itself is light, calm and welcoming, and as we’ve settled in, it’s started to feel less like a workspace and more like a home for the business.

 

It’s also become the perfect place for all the material samples that come with designing interiors, and the shelves are already filling up quickly. Having everything in one space makes the creative process feel even more hands-on, and we’re really enjoying being able to welcome suppliers in too, as well as clients, to explore ideas and finishes together.

 

A Year of Varied and Thoughtful Projects

 

Over the past year, we’ve had the chance to work across a really varied mix of sectors, which continues to shape the way we approach our work as a studio. From hospitality and QSR through to workplace and leisure projects, no two briefs have been the same. Each one brought its own challenges, conversations and learning moments, keeping us creatively engaged and grounded in the realities of how spaces are actually used.

 

One project that really stood out was Beleza. What began as a single venue has since been reimagined for new locations in Stratford-upon-Avon and Solihull. Supporting the interior design and brand expression as the concept moved into different settings has been a rewarding process, allowing the brand to evolve while staying recognisably itself.

 

Another highlight was Dear Coco, the world’s first indoor “truck in the wall” coffee concept. Working within such a compact footprint pushed us to think differently about layout, flow and detail. It’s a project that speaks to our interest in inventive formats, careful use of space and the power of strong brand storytelling, particularly within the changing QSR landscape.

 

Alongside these larger projects, we’ve continued to work closely with independent businesses, helping them shape spaces that feel considered, functional and true to who they are. Whether a project is large or small, our approach remains the same: start with a clear understanding of the brand, and translate that into a physical experience that feels authentic and purposeful.

 

We’ve also got a number of projects quietly taking shape in the background that we can’t talk about just yet. One in particular is set to be our biggest project to date, a 1.5 year journey that we’re incredibly excited about. It’s still under wraps for now, but we can’t wait to share more as things start to unfold over the coming months.

 

 

Project Focus: Isabel’s Takes Its Next Step

 

As we move into the year ahead, some of last year’s projects are really starting to come together. One that’s been shaping the early part of the year is Isabel’s, as the brand has recently moved from its original venue into a larger new space.

We’ve been working closely with Nathan Dawe again, getting hands-on with how the interior would look, feel and work day to day. By keeping what already worked, refreshing the colour palette and introducing new details, the space has taken on a new energy while still feeling unmistakably Isabel’s.

 

The doors opened last week, and it’s been fantastic to see the venue come to life so quickly. Isabel’s has had an amazing first week of trading, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch customers embrace the new space from day one. We’re looking forward to sharing more as the next chapter continues to unfold.

 

Looking Ahead

 

As we move through the early part of the year, we’re bringing the lessons from last year with us into everything we do. Right now, the focus is on building carefully on what’s already in place, sharpening how we work and continuing to collaborate with clients who value thoughtful, well-crafted spaces.

 

We’re spending a lot of time on hospitality and QSR projects, particularly with businesses looking to refine or evolve their spaces, alongside brand-led workplace and leisure environments that support how people actually use them day to day.

At its heart, our approach hasn’t changed. We want to create interiors that feel purposeful, commercially sound and emotionally engaging. Spaces that work hard, tell a story and feel right long after the doors open.

 

Thank you to everyone who supported us last year. We’re proud of what we’ve built so far and excited about what’s taking shape next.