Cover Timeless living room that displays Interior Fox’s interior design expertise
Timeless living room that displays Interior Fox’s interior design expertise
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Remote work pushes the boundaries of interior design, spotlighting the best of both digital and physical worlds
Remote work is a growing area in interior design and Mariana Ugarte, co-founder and director of Interior Fox, provides a valuable perspective. Balancing her time between London and Milan, Ugarte’s firm combines traditional and e-design methods to offer flexible, remote services.
She discusses how digital tools transform the industry, from video consultations to advanced rendering software. Addressing the challenges of this new method of working, she discusses emerging trends, and the essential skills needed for success. Her insights offer a practical view of how interior design embraces technology and breaks down physical borders.
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Above Mariana Ugarte of Interior Fox
Mariana Ugarte of Interior Fox
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Tell us about yourself. What do you do in your company?
My name is Mariana Ugarte, [I am] originally from Cebu, Philippines. I am the co-founder and director of Interior Fox, based in London. Our company combines traditional and e-design, offering remote and in-person interior design services. Although our base is in London, I work remotely between London and Milan, balancing my professional and personal life with my family.
What is interior e-design and how does remote interior design work?
Interior e-design, or remote interior design, combines technology and creativity to offer a seamless design experience. Through video consultations, digital mood boards, and sophisticated rendering software like AutoCAD, SketchUp and Photoshop, we bring a client’s vision to life virtually. Clients engage in the process by reviewing and providing feedback on these designs, which typically involves three rounds of revisions. Communication platforms like Zoom and project management tools like Excel play a crucial role in ensuring smooth collaboration and project execution.
Who is this for and can you walk us through how a client would use your service?
Our services cater primarily to new homeowners who may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of furnishing and decorating their spaces or simply lack the time to do so. Whether it’s assistance with furniture layout or overseeing a full-scale renovation, we tailor our approach to meet the client’s needs. The process begins with the client sending us their floor plan and photos of the space. We then schedule a 30-minute discovery call to discuss their style preferences and determine how we can assist. Following this, we provide a detailed proposal outlining our process, fees and timeline.
Once the client agrees, we dive into the design process, which includes showcasing mood boards, furniture layouts, and, often, 3D renders. After gathering feedback, we refine the design until the client is satisfied. In cases of renovation, we collaborate closely with the client’s architect and contractors. The final deliverable is a comprehensive design package that includes detailed floor plans, product links and everything needed to bring the vision to life.
Above Light-filled hallway connecting spaces in a home
Above Dining room’s conservatory
Light-filled hallway connecting spaces in a home
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What are the challenges of remote interior design?
One of the main challenges of remote interior design is ensuring the accuracy of measurements and understanding the physical context of a space without being physically present. To overcome this, we rely on detailed measurements provided by the client or, ideally, by working directly with an architect or drafter. Another challenge is building trust and rapport without face-to-face interactions. Regular video calls, transparent communication and interactive presentations are key to bridging this gap and ensuring a smooth, trust-based collaboration.
Is remote interior design suitable for every type of project? How do you ensure a successful collaboration remotely?
Remote interior design is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of projects, from room layout redesigns to selecting wall colours, fabrics and furniture. However, it may not be ideal for clients who require frequent on-site supervision or prefer more hands-on guidance. For successful remote collaboration, clear communication is essential. Setting expectations early, utilising collaborative tools and providing clients with visual progress updates ensure that everyone remains aligned throughout the project. When working on renovations, we closely coordinate with architects and contractors, using their plans to guide material sourcing and other critical decisions, particularly when our clients are located far from us.
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Above Playful patterns in the kids’ room
Playful patterns in the kids’ room
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What does the future hold for remote interior design? What trends are emerging in the design industry?
The future of remote interior design is bright, with increasing numbers of people recognising the convenience and flexibility it offers. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more immersive and interactive design experiences to emerge. Remote interior design is likely to become a standard service, reflecting the industry’s adaptation to changing consumer demands. Key trends include the integration of AI-driven tools that assist in creating personalised design recommendations and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Even in a remote setting, sourcing locally and minimising environmental impact are becoming increasingly important considerations for both designers and clients.
What skills do designers need to succeed in remote design?
In addition to traditional design skills, remote designers need to be proficient in digital tools and platforms, have strong communication abilities and be comfortable with project management software. Adaptability and problem-solving are also so critical, as working remotely often requires finding creative solutions to challenges that would normally be addressed on-site.
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Credits
Photography: Kensington Leverne
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About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
