Dezeen School Shows: a community space designed for 18 to 25-year-olds leaving the UK care system is among the projects from West Dean KLC School of Design.

Also featured is a remodel of a Georgian farmhouse in Sussex, UK, and a hub for refugees in Stockholm, Sweden.

West Dean KLC School of Design

Institution: West Dean KLC School of Design
School: KLC School of Design
Courses: BA (Hons) Interior Design and Diploma HE in Applied Interior Design
Tutor: Geoffrey Makstutis

School statement:

"The West Dean KLC School of Design offers a range of industry-leading courses in Interior Design and Garden Design, which provide students with the opportunity to develop industry-focused knowledge and skills that enable them to enter professional practice.

"Working closely with employers, suppliers and other design professionals, students learn the practical and the creative aspects of design.

"With a team of experienced academics, industry-active professionals and a worldwide alumni network, the programmes at West Dean's KLC School of Design combine design development, technical knowledge and visual communication in projects that engage with real-world issues, real clients and professional practice.

"The KLC School of Design is located in Bloomsbury in the heart of London's thriving Knowledge Quarter – in close proximity to the British Museum, the British Library, Wellcome Collection, University of London and SOAS.

"This London campus is paired with West Dean's idyllic Grade II listed rural campus in the stunning South Downs, providing students and staff with the best of both a vibrant city setting and an inspirational countryside retreat.

"The dual-campus setup offers students a diverse array of courses and subjects, enhancing their educational experience."

Unwritten by Phoebe Macpherson

"Through the adaptive reuse of the Grade II listed Boiler House, at Truman Brewery, this project proposes a new home for Sessions Art Club.

"This project transforms the industrial landmark into a space that celebrates Shoreditch's creative energy while embracing sustainable design.

"The concept, Unwritten, unfolds like a living narrative where each visit feels different, shaped by art, performance and community. Guests are guided through a spatial journey with a beginning, middle and end, encouraging exploration and spontaneity.

"Balancing the building's materiality with layered craftsmanship and refined detail, the design honours its historic fabric while breathing new life through contemporary design. It creates a dynamic changing canvas for dining, performance and connection."

Student: Phoebe Macpherson
Course: BA (Hons) Interior Design

Flagship Co-working Hub for Flown by Phoebe Burden

"A flagship co-working hub for Flown was designed in the iconic Boiler House in Shoreditch. The space is built on the ethos of "working solo, not alone."

"This is reimagined through a creative concept of 'murmuration' – flocking patterns of birds, illustrated through the sweeping forms and dynamic brick patterns.

"Elevated walkways and viewing points celebrate and encourage movement as users make their way around the atrium, anchored by the central focal point – the historic chimney.

"Balancing focus and connection, the space offers deep work zones, creative workshops and conscious breaks, delivering a holistic approach to productivity and wellbeing."

Student: Phoebe Burden
Course: BA (Honours) Interior Design

'Third Place' Transformation by Olivia Poulsen

"This adaptive reuse project transforms Truman's historic Boiler House on Brick Lane into Kindred's new co-working, dining and events space.

"Inspired by the French salon as both a room and a cultural gathering, the Grade II listed building is transformed into a 'third place' for conversation and creativity.

"Within the framework of the original architectural features, a playful orangery structure sets the backdrop for a public Bistro-style restaurant that recalls a Parisian side street. The result is a celebration of community and culture in one of East London's most iconic settings."

Student: Olivia Poulsen
Course: BA (Honours) Interior Design

Disused Department Store Transformation by Claudia Ambrosi

"Civitas Integration Centre transforms a disused two-floor department store in Stockholm into a safe and welcoming hub for refugees.

"Conceived as a first point of belonging, the centre provides programmes for trauma recovery, language acquisition and cultural orientation, while simultaneously engaging locals through shared activities that foster integration.

"The project addresses a critical social issue: breaking boundaries between new and established residents to create stronger, unified communities.

"By reimagining an abandoned building as a space of support and connection, Civitas establishes a replicable model adaptable to other contexts, promoting inclusivity, resilience and meaningful urban regeneration."

Student: Claudia Ambrosi
Course: BA (Honours) Interior Design

Peek by Carolyn McLauchlan

"The design proposal re-imagines the existing Biomass building on the West Dean estate into a visitor centre and retail hub. The new space strengthens the connection (in the public's perception) between the college and the gardens.

"This proposal is built around the idea of peeking into space. Using motifs of peeled back layers and thoughtfully placed cutouts, we draw the eye and encourage guests to explore.

"Inspired by existing adaptive reuse projects, the industrial heritage of the site was captured through the careful selection of finishes and upcycling of extant machinery."

Student: Carolyn McLauchlan
Course: Diploma of Higher Education in Applied Interior Design

Partnership Between Minimalism and Maximalism by Camilla Guthrie

"The approach to designing for a family of four started with understanding them both individually and as a unit.

"The aim was to reflect each personality in different ways. The theme/concept of this project was a partnership between minimalism and maximalism.

"This has been projected through the intensities of texture, pattern and colour. Materials chosen for this project include a variety of different textures, to ignite specific feelings and emotions.

"This involves different woods, linens and boucles to create warmth and depth. Partnering this with metals and glass assists in a more balanced space. Each room has a slightly different approach to colour and pattern."

Student: Camilla Guthrie
Course: Diploma of Higher Education in Applied Interior Design

Surreal Nature by Danielle Alexandrou

"The brief was to design a visitor centre and retail space for West Dean, re-purposing the existing biomass building located within the estate.

"The new space will host a craft and farm shop as well as showcase West Dean's range of degrees and diplomas, while reflecting ties to surrealism.

"Drawing inspiration from surreal nature, the design blurs the boundary between indoor and outdoor. Drawing on the surrealist emblem of the arch, the design is inspired by the awe of the natural world.

"Echoing the wonder of nature, the space becomes an immersive and interactive environment."

Student: Danielle Alexandrou
Course: Diploma of Higher Education in Applied Interior Design

Breakthrough by Maia Krips

"This project transforms a Grade II listed residence into a boutique B&B offering extended stays and culinary experiences.

"The design includes a dining room, kitchen with a hidden speakeasy basement bar, four en-suite bedrooms and a garden lounge room.

"The concept of 'breakthrough', inspired by surrealist Edward James, uses bold colours and design elements to challenge spatial boundaries, creating surprise throughout.

"The design focuses on functional spatial planning and a unique guest experience, using handcrafted and sustainable materials, with an emphasis on reuse and giving materials a second life."

Student: Maia Krips
Course: Diploma of Higher Education in Applied Interior Design

Collective Memories by Kyla Lamarche McAuley

"This contemporary take on the remodel of a Grade II listed Georgian Farmhouse in West Sussex for residential clients uses the concept of 'Collective Memories'.

"This honours both the heritage of the home and the nature of generational family connections, through a careful consideration of what encourages us to gather with loved ones and those special moments that are imprinted on our memories.

"The muted, soft colour palette is inspired by the hills and sunsets of the South Downs National Park, in which the house is located. The aim is to encourage gathering and evoke the warmth of a loving embrace."

Student: Kyla Lamarche McAuley
Course: Diploma of Higher Education in Applied Interior Design

Sustainable Bonds by Alexandra Crozier

"Co MCR is designed to cater to the innate needs of 18 to 25-year-olds leaving the care system in the UK.

"Inspired by the rich culture of Manchester, Co MCR aims to foster a sense of belonging and provide mental health support through both traditional and non-traditional spatial types.

"The concept 'Sustainable Bonds' underpins the final design, influenced by the desire to strengthen bonds between those living at Co MCR and the wider community.

"Residing in what was a large abandoned retail space, Co MCR sets a precedent by offering a solution for utilising such large buildings in prime locations across the UK."

Student: Alexandra Crozier
Course: BA (Honours) Interior Design

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and West Dean KLC School of Design. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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