The Boathouse wins award from the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID)

Raw Clay, a leading creative studio renowned for its innovative and sustainable approach to commercial interior design, is thrilled to announce its recent accolade from the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) for its exemplary work on The Boathouse, Guildford- a multi-functional space housing The Boathouse Cafe and them members club Soulspace.

The interior of the building, which was opened by sisters Jessica and Charlotte Meins in the summer of 2023, combines thoughtful design, sustainability, and a strong sense of place, embodying Raw Clay’s ethos of crafting hospitality locations that reflect both environmental and social values. The BIID award highlights The Boathouse project’s exceptional blend of natural materials, local craftsmanship, and sustainable practices, and the client’s commitment to creating a building that will patina and age beautifully, meaning it will last for years to come.

The judges praised the project, noting: "Raw Clay’s work truly stood out among a field of exceptional entries. The project is a beautiful example of how thoughtful design can connect a space to its natural surroundings." "We are deeply honoured to receive this award from the BIID," says Bekki Stovell, founder of Raw Clay. "The Boathouse project was a labour of love that allowed us to bring together a deep respect for the building's history and surroundings, and a commitment to using only sustainable materials. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and creativity of my talented team, and the inspiring brief set out by our clients, who put a lot of trust in us throughout this project." The British Institute of Interior Design Awards, one of the most prestigious in the industry, celebrate excellence in interior design and the impactful contributions of designers to the built environment. Raw Clay's recognition in this year’s awards underscores its growing reputation as a leader in sustainable design. Jessica Meins, Creative Director of The Boathouse, expressed her appreciation for Raw Clay’s work: “We came to Raw Clay with a feeling we wanted to create. We described our dream to them, and they somehow made it into a tangible reality that could be felt by others. We’re very proud of our vision for The Boathouse and of Raw Clay for interpreting our brief and creating such a wonderful space for our members, clients, and customers to work, gather and grow.