ABOUT US
Studio Sorana Ltd (formally Amongst Things Ltd) launched in 2018 and the studio is going from strength to strength. Day-to-day we work hard to design and deliver spaces that encompass our clients practical and aesthetical needs. Our collaborative approach encourages communication and an exchange of ideas. We bring a strong eye for design, along with strategic budget management, connections with trades and suppliers all harnessed by years of experience.
DESIGN ETHOS
Every new interior design project shares initial elements for consideration such as location, space, client or brand, timeframe and budget. While these considerations are common, they are also what gives each project its uniqueness — and this uniqueness is where we like to begin. Maddy’s passion lies in creating an individual narrative and developing a robust concept from the outset, one that can be referred back to throughout the design process.
Like a good piece of art, to deliver a “finished” piece an artist must make deliberate decisions to present their vision of a subject. This involves exploring and balancing size, scale, composition, colour, materiality and form. Interior design is much the same; when these elements are considered together and their strengths carefully played upon, it creates a holistic outcome — an interiors that clients, occupants, buyers, travellers, shoppers and visitors want to spend time in, remember and return to.
MADDY ALLEN
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Maddy began her career in design in 2007, however, long before this her creative nature was apparent; painting and drawing from as early as she can remember. As a child, to the frustration of her parents, she (and her two sisters) would devise home renovations and help decorate their family home. This led Maddy to study art & design at university and eventually building design, achieving a BA Hons in Architecture in 2010 from the University of Kent.
Over the last 15 years Maddy has worked across many interior design sectors and with brands and clients such as Carluccio’s, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Cinnamon Collection, Affinity Sutton (now Clarion Housing), YOTEL, Nationwide, Marriott, Sheraton and Taylor Wimpey Central London. She now brings years of industry experience and her expertise’s to Studio Sorana Ltd.
THE TEAM
LIBBY HOOD
SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER
Libby has over 15 years experience working across retail, commercial and restaurant design. She studied Interior Architecture at Nottingham Trent University, graduating in 2011. She has worked at notable large agencies and small boutique start ups, and currently runs a ceramics business alongside working in Interior Design.
Libby’s believes that it is the “smallest touches that really have a big impact on how the interior environment feels” Libby has worked on flagship sites and the roll-out of restaurant brands over the years including Pizza Union, VQ Restaurant, Burger + Lobster & KFC. As well as commercial and retail brands including Samsung Selfridge’s, Solus Ceramics, B Works (now Virgin Money) & River Island.
MATHEW FREEMAN
SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANT & SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER
During the past 20 years in London and working as an Interior Designer, Mathew has been involved in projects across many sectors, sizes, and complexities. Mathews passion for materiality, expression of details shines through in both the visible and the concealed, creativity from the conceptual through to the realized. His work is thoughtful, considered, and passionate.
EMMA FARREN
SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER
Emma has 14 years industry experience in the retail, F&B, office, and domestic design sectors; with a passion for all aspects of the design process, an aptitude for project management, and boasting an international portfolio of works.
Emma has managed a variety of commercial F&B projects, from cafes to 90,000sq ft food halls, in the UK & Internationally. Projects have included Paternoster Chop House, Gaucho restaurant group, Curio Hotel in Kensington, and two large food halls in Toronto. She has also worked across large scale retail projects including Primark, Next and Jones Bootmaker.