Bethany Prince – SHH Architecture & Interiors
Bethany Prince is an Associate Director at SHH Architecture & Interiors in London, where she leads interior design and FF&E for a range of refined residential projects. Known for her calm, detail-driven approach, she creates interiors that feel effortless, welcoming, and quietly luxurious.
Her work spans super-prime homes across London and internationally, with particular expertise in Grade II listed properties and complex refurbishments. Rooted in a balance between classic and contemporary design, her interiors combine material richness, craftsmanship, and thoughtful spatial harmony. Recent projects include residences in Mayfair, Notting Hill, and Knightsbridge.
“It’s about finding harmony between heritage and innovation, so the design feels both enduring and relevant.”
INTERVIEW
Every project begins with a face-to-face meeting with the client, ideally at the property itself. There’s something invaluable about experiencing the space together, it sparks conversations and observations that wouldn’t happen otherwise. From that initial meeting, I often identify keywords or themes that become the narrative thread of the design. Those ideas evolve into mood boards, sketches, and material palettes, and eventually into the full design. The process is both structured and organic, allowing the concept to develop naturally while always staying anchored to the client’s brief.
My journey into interior design really began with my family, who were already deeply connected to the industry. That early exposure gave me an appreciation for creativity and design. At school, I had an incredible teacher who nurtured my love of fashion and trends. She took me on trips to London, where we explored galleries and exhibitions. Those experiences opened my eyes to design beyond the classroom. Later, I was lucky to find like-minded friends who encouraged me to pursue design seriously. With one of those friendships, Lauren, we ended up working together at SHH, which really marked the beginning of a joint professional path.
Yes, definitely. For me, it was when I started travelling and working on international projects. Until then, much of my work had been on paper, but stepping into projects abroad transformed my perspective. One of the earliest milestones was a residential sales apartment project in India. I had the opportunity to source materials and pieces locally in Mumbai, working directly with artisans and workshops. That experience taught me the value of blending global design with local craftsmanship, and it’s something that continues to influence my work today.
I think the foundation of any successful project is clear and honest communication with the client. It’s so important to really understand the brief, what they want to achieve, how they live, and what they want the space to feel like.
From there, my role is to guide them through the process, offering options and solutions that align not only with their vision but also with the values we hold at SHH: integrity, collaboration, and flair. When there’s a strong dialogue and a shared trust, that’s when projects truly flourish.
favorite pieces from the Philia Collection
Prometheus X Pendant Light by Christopher Boots
Really beautiful contemporary style, ideal for a modern look.
Slit Mirror by Phillip Jividen
A simple sculptural piece that takes on the reflection of its surroundings.
When working with clients, I always put their vision first. Every project should feel personal and tailored to them rather than to me. That said, I’m naturally drawn to a balance between classic and contemporary design. I love creating spaces that feel timeless yet fresh, where traditional details meet modern finishes. If I had a mantra, it would be about finding harmony between heritage and innovation, so the design feels both enduring and relevant.
One of my favourite projects was a renovation for a client in Central London who was truly invested in every stage of the process. It was a five-year journey, and that time allowed us to create something really special. The design was playful, with layers of detail that made the house feel dynamic and full of character. Each room had its own purpose and personality, with every space carefully planned—even down to where the Christmas tree would stand.
Some of the highlights included a cinema with its own bar that had a cool, nightclub vibe, as well as a dedicated cocktail bar and lounge. It was a project that pushed creativity while also being deeply personal to the client, which made it incredibly rewarding.
For me, scale is fundamental. Getting the proportions right can completely transform a space, whether it’s the size of the furniture in relation to the room, the artwork on the walls, or even the way lighting fixtures are positioned. It’s about finding what looks and feels balanced. A great example of this is our project at Athlone House, where scale played a key role in creating harmony throughout the interiors.
The best advice I’ve been given is to never say no. Design is all about interpretation, and there’s always a way to make something work. Even if the request seems challenging at first, the key is to stay open-minded and resourceful. Striving to facilitate what the client needs, even in unexpected ways, can often lead to the most creative and fulfilling solutions.
Be endlessly open to learning. Interior design is an ever-evolving industry, with new materials, technologies, and ways of living constantly shaping our work. Stay inquisitive, curious, and adaptable. It’s that openness that will allow you to grow, find your voice, and keep your designs relevant over time.
One of the biggest learning curves for me has been understanding how to deal with mistakes. Early on, I saw them as setbacks, but over time I realised they’re actually opportunities to grow and refine the process. Another important lesson has been learning how to manage people, keeping the team connected while still giving everyone the autonomy to do their best work. Striking that balance can be challenging, but it’s also very rewarding.
Kelly Wearstler’s book – Kelly Wearstler is a great designer because she masterfully blends bold colours, luxurious textures, and sculptural forms to create spaces that feel both timeless and daringly modern.
We’re currently working on multiple residential apartments that explore the juxtaposition between classic and modern design. It’s about bringing timeless architectural details together with contemporary finishes and lifestyles—creating homes that feel both rooted in tradition and perfectly suited for today.
Thank you so much Bethany, for this lovely interview!
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