Early 2026 saw Grace & Favour become an SBID Accredited Industry Partner. It shows that we believe in the industry, and that our credentials, our standards and our practices are fully in line with industry standards.
It's great to be journalling, finally. It's been a while getting here, but it's great to share our knowledge and experiences. And we've got some news to share.
What does it mean to be an SBID Accredited Industry Partner?
For me personally it's about style, knowledge sharing, networking and keeping up to date with current trends. SBID is the Society of British and International Interior Design and was formed in 2009. SBID's Founder, Dr Vanessa Brady, received an OBE from the Prime Minister's Office in the Queen's Birthday Honours 2014 for services to the interior design industry. No person in the interior design sector, post or prior, has been honoured for this distinction. This was a testament to the incredible achievements of the organisation, showcasing a commitment not only to its members but to the design sector as a whole.
Why did we become SBID accredited?
Because we believe in the industry. Being accredited makes us part of the wider knowledge base, and I'm always open to learning from others.
For me, it's about style, knowledge sharing, networking and bringing teaching to the new generation.
How did Grace & Favour get here?
From a background in shopfitting. I started as a shopfitting apprentice in 1986 and worked my way up to Project and Account Director over 30 years for a number of global shopfitting design and build companies, ensuring concept designs were realised on incredibly tight and demanding deadlines and budgets were met.
Grace & Favour is built on those exact principles, and our business started in 2016. Since then, we've brought that design and build experience into homes as well as stores. This year's highlight was Bedford: simply an incredible opportunity to take a fairly generic new-build home and completely redesign every space, making it bespoke to our clients' needs.
What's next for Grace & Favour?
A few things. Personally, I'd like to get into teaching, to help the next generation with construction, project management and site skills.
For the business, we're developing a team to assist with project management and home maintenance services.
Homeowners starting a new project can engage us as a freelance project manager/principal contractor to coordinate their build, irrespective of who carried out the design.
For home maintenance, we'll offer a full list of services with standardised costs, an online booking system and a clear process.
And 2027 will see us begin designing a spacious barn for an existing client in Northamptonshire: a sauna, steam room, gymnasium, a first-floor bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe, and opening up the roof space for a vast roof terrace.
Where can you read our SBID feature?
On the SBID website, in their 'Story Behind' series: The Story Behind Grace & Favour: Designing Inspirational and Inviting Spaces. In it, I talk about the trends we're seeing, where I think the industry is heading and what accreditation means to us.
Planning a project, or just want to talk one through? Get in touch, see more of our residential work or read more about us.
Frequently asked questions
When did Grace & Favour become SBID accredited?
In early 2026, as an SBID Accredited Industry Partner.
What does SBID accreditation show?
That our credentials, our standards and our practices are fully in line with industry standards.
When did Grace & Favour start?
In 2016. Before that, Paul spent 30 years in shopfitting, from apprentice in 1986 to Project and Account Director for a number of global shopfitting design and build companies.
Can Grace & Favour manage a project someone else designed?
Yes. Homeowners can engage us as a freelance project manager/principal contractor to coordinate their build, irrespective of who carried out the design.
