This summer, luxury design studio Elicyon celebrate 10 years of service to the industry. And we use service with significant intent here, because in only a decade Elicyon has triumphantly curated a hulking and most enviable portfolio of over 90 projects.
In its consistent pursuit of redefining luxury, the London-based studio has delivered projects across 15 of the world’s major and most opulent of real estate hubs – including Hong Kong, Monaco and the UAE.
For founder Charu Ghandi and her team of 35, luxury is less about the lavish mounting of chandeliers and sourcing of the most exquisite veins of Carrara marble, and more about telling a story in style. “Our approach is deeply rooted in storytelling as we seek to craft unique experiences that resonate with our clients,” Charu tells enki.
Through a considered layering of textures, tones and interior treatments, Elicyon brings each project to life in a biographical approach distinctive to each client. “I love to collaborate as closely as possible with clients in the earliest stages of a project, understanding their lives and how they will use the space, and then working to create something that is unique to them.”
But despite a bookshelf packed with tales that transport you from a penthouse in Dubai to the OWO Residences by Raffles in Whitehall, Charu struggles to pick her favourite story. “My favourite project is always the next one,” she confirms with an infectious entrepreneurial energy.
Yes for Charu, it’s not about the past, or even the present, she’s always looking to the future – and that forward-thinking nature also inspires a more brazen reaction to changes in the design industry. Where advances in AI has been received as a threat by many creatives, this founder sees it not as an obstruction to ingenuity, but rather a propeller of it.
“Embracing innovation, such as AI, can significantly improve processes and deliver greater value to clients. Although we still intend our design work to come from human skill and creativity, we are exploring how AI can improve project efficiencies.”
To celebrate this 10 year milestone, we sat down with Charu herself to reflect on the last decade of Elicyon and the ever-evolving world of design. Read the full interview below…
Start at the beginning and take us through your journey in the design world thus far.
“Art, craft, and design have always played a formative role in my life. Growing up in a household that celebrated craft, I was fortunate to witness the design and construction of our family home, which provided my first real glimpse into the world of professional interior design and architecture. This experience ignited a deep passion for design and set me firmly on my future career path.”
“I began my professional journey as an architect with Allies & Morrison, later joining Candy & Candy where I worked on prestigious projects including One Hyde Park. The opportunity to work on a refurbishment project within the development was the catalyst I needed to start my own interior design studio, Elicyon, in 2014.”
What is it about design and architecture that you love?
“What I enjoy the most are the moments of creative discovery and collaboration with our clients. Each project presents a fresh canvas, brimming with opportunities for joy and excitement. Our approach is deeply rooted in storytelling as we seek to craft unique experiences that resonate with our clients. The early stages of a project are particularly gratifying as we uncover textures, materials, and colour palettes that weave together architectural principles with my passion for design and decorative craftsmanship.”
What has been your greatest achievement in the last decade?
“Our greatest achievement has been establishing Elicyon as a pioneer in luxury interior design, completing over 90 projects across 15 countries.”
And your biggest challenge?
“One of the most demanding aspects is the relentless pursuit of excellence in everything we do. Our greatest challenge is always the next one, driving us to push boundaries and innovate continuously. While the pandemic also posed an unprecedented challenge for us, we remained resilient as a studio, navigating disruptions and forging closer ties with clients as well as the artisans and craftspeople that we work with on each project.”
How has the studio evolved over the last ten years?
“Over the past decade, we have really invested time in honing our internal processes, shaping our client services and embracing innovation. Our early projects laid the foundation for success, and we have consistently pushed boundaries to exceed client expectations. Today, our portfolio includes contemporary residential developments, commercial properties, grand international palaces, and expansive family mansions.”
Would you say your style has also changed?
“We pride ourselves on not having a specific ‘design style’, instead seeking inspiration from a variety of sources ranging from nature and craft to AI and other technologies to fuel our creativity and push boundaries.”
What does a luxury home look like to Elicyon?
“A luxury home for Elicyon seamlessly blends the highest levels of comfort with functionality, while quietly incorporating innovation. Every project is unique, but key pieces pull everything together. From bespoke furniture, joinery, and lighting to carefully curated art and furnishings, every element is selected with purpose to elevate and enhance the overall living experience. I very much think this is what encapsulates luxury today – the ability to live well, via sheer comfort and individuality.”
How does sustainability influence your design work?
“Sustainability is a growing influence on our design work as a studio. We are always led by our clients’ choices in the early design stages and are increasingly finding sustainability to be a deciding factor in design choices. Whether it’s through the adoption of intelligent design solutions, such as repurposed or reconstituted materials, an emphasis on craftsmanship and overall materiality, or choosing boutique artisanal makers who are mindful of environmental impact, sustainability factors are increasingly shaping our projects.”
Your work takes you across the world, do you find Elicyon’s design style changes across these locales?
“Elicyon’s design style is eclectic and draws from a variety of sources, including the local culture and architecture of the project’s location. Whilst we maintain a commitment to luxury and craftsmanship, our designs adapt to reflect the unique characteristics and stories of each client.”
What’s one thing you’re currently loving about the design world, and one thing you’d like to change?
“I am passionate about the growing interest in creating highly personalised and sustainable design solutions, which have led to a stronger emphasis on beautiful craft and materiality. One thing I would like to change is the industry’s sometimes slow adoption of new technologies that can enhance both efficiency and creativity, while allowing clients a clearer understanding of the design journey. Embracing innovation, such as AI, can significantly improve processes and deliver greater value to clients.”
To what extent do you feel the AI is shaping the design process, is it something you as a studio are actively embracing?
“AI is an incredibly exciting development for the industry. In some respects it is already creeping in, but we see that there are more changes to come and things are moving quickly. As a Studio, we are committed to learning in order to keep abreast of innovation; ultimately, we are open to what will benefit our clients. Although we still intend our design work to come from human skill and creativity, we are exploring how AI can improve project efficiencies. For us, at this stage, AI is about efficiency and
process.”
Discover more from Elicyon’s portfolio on their website.
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