Nine Lives started as a conversation around a dinner table – where good ideas begin. How many interiors would you want to view before hiring a designer? The answer was nine... a view of nine people’s lives.
Our portfolio ranges from the director, a maximalist that loves colour, to the lawyer, a traditionalist wanting formal interiors and dark spaces to retreat to; or the journalist, an avid reader with a garage full of books looking for artful ways to display them.
As designers, we problem solve by nature. Clients rarely approach us saying their house is perfect and just needs a lick of paint. There is usually a challenge. This challenge is the start of the conversation. From there we delve deeper to understand what would bring you joy. We add texture and light and art to enrich your experience of being in a particular space. Our designers believe that your environment – especially if it’s your home - should be a place that provides sanctuary and heals you after a hard day’s work, whether that’s behind a desk, in the open air or looking after kids.
Nine Lives focuses on the cross-section of life, art, architecture and well-being for each interior.
Philippa Rae
Founder & Creative Director
With over fifteen years of experience in the interior design industry, Philippa is a seasoned professional who brings a blend of creativity, technical expertise and a keen eye for detail to every project.
Philippa studied at both Chelsea College of the Arts as well as Inchbald School of Interior Design. After 10 years working for design practices and architectural suppliers in London (including Gordon-Duff & Linton and Domus), Philippa set up her own studio in November 2020.
She believes that the best designs come from collaborative efforts, and she fosters this collaborative spirit in every project she undertakes.
Qualifications:
- PgDip. in Spatial Interior Design: Chelsea College of Art & Design (awarded distinction)
- Dip. in Architectural Interior Design: Inchbald School of Interior Design (awarded merit)
- MA in English & History of Art: University of St Andrews (joint honours)
Paul Woods
Senior Architectural Technician
Paul has been providing professional drawings within the construction industry for over 35 years. His extensive knowledge of building regulations, best design practices and AutoCAD, allows him to create precise and detailed drawings for site.
He has vast experience working on residential listed buildings, office refurbishments and governmental projects.
Qualifications:
- HNC: Napier University HS in Building: Napier University
Nine Lives designed and arranged the remodelling of our basement and also the redecoration of other parts of the house. I am very happy with the outcome. Our brief was taken fully into account and our expectations surpassed with a design that's both sympathetic to the period of the house and also very contemporary. I was very impressed with the breadth of the company's knowledge and the range of options that were presented in the planning stages, although in such a way that I was never overwhelmed with choice, and I had total confidence from the start that the work was in very capable hands. Communication was excellent throughout the process of the works too, and even though they were not officially managing the project, they went well above and beyond in terms of assisting with the process. I will certainly be employing Nine Lives for any future renovations and would not hesitate to recommend them.
H Tyce - Client
Nine Lives and Philippa were wonderful at making my house feel more like a home. We did not live in all of our rooms downstairs as we were not sure how to use them. Philippa came and quickly worked out the best use of space to allow flow in our home. She is great at picking out colours and textures and finds material and wallpaper that I would never have been able to contemplate. Everyone that comes into our home always asks questions about the wallpapers and the fabrics we used. I am really thankful to Philippa for her hard work and attention to detail. We will go back for more advice in the future.
C&V Barlow - Client
There from start to finish, overseeing the building work and helping to source all the soft furnishings. Philippa was always at the end of the phone when we needed advice and responded to emails promptly. It has been a great experience and I wouldn't hesitate to work with Nine Lives Design in the future.
I&L Bailey - Client
