Q&A with Alicia Meireles

Q&A with Alicia Meireles

Alicia Meireles’ journey from civil engineering in Porto to Creative Director at OWN LONDON is a testament to the power of blending technical expertise with creative vision. Alicia studied Interior Design at Chelsea College of Art & Design and has held senior design roles at Studio at Harrods, Hirsch Bedner Associates and Soho House before joining OWN London in 2022. Today, she leads high-end interior design projects across the globe (we’re talking prime central London townhouses, five-star hotels across Europe and the Middle East, and private members clubs in Italy, France, Greece, Sweden, Japan and Portugal), bringing a meticulous, methodical approach honed from her construction background. In this interview, Alicia reveals how global cultures inspire her eclectic aesthetic, why craftsmanship and sustainability are central to her work, and how she brings OWN LONDON’s signature style to life. From standout projects to practical interior tips, Alicia offers a fascinating glimpse into the art and precision behind her exceptional designs…

Alicia Meireles, Creative Director at OWN LONDON
You studied civil engineering in Porto. How did your background in construction shape and influence your career in interior design?

“It made me very methodical. My five years learning rules and calculating forces has enabled me to become razor focused with administrative tasks and project coordination. Understanding the physics behind the building is also really valuable; where to place columns, where not to remove a wall, how to plan the space. It doesn’t really inform the creative part, but as interior designers and architects we need to be able to follow some rules.

I was always creative but grew up in an area where you either became a civil engineer or doctor. My mum was always creative – she painted and collected art. As a toddler, my parents had to tile the entrance hall as I kept covering the walls with artworks and doodles.”

How long have you been a part of OWN LONDON, and what drew you to join the company/team?

“I’ve been with the OWN LONDON team for just under 3 years now, I started in May 2022. The cross-disciplinary and collaborative business model at OWN LONDON means with so much expertise and many different perspectives within the team, we can reach a solution which is almost bullet proof. We really come together to think about the details and will mock-up and trial ideas. When it goes to site, this reduces changes and rejects – and it showcases our work as interior designers in the best possible way, which is what drew me to OWN LONDON, it’s a completely new offering for the client.”

Project: Kensington Townhouse / Photography Credit: Darren Chung for One Menagerie
If you had to define your design aesthetic in just three words, what would they be?

“Eclectic, expressive, authentic.”

Where do you draw your inspiration(s) from? 

“Inspiration can come in many shapes and forms; I think ultimately how we are brought up defines what we gravitate towards and appreciate too. I love travelling, so exploring different locations and cultures enriches my creative library. Travel and architecture are such important inspirations; nature provides the best colour palettes. Used in an interior, they can transport you to a special moment – like a sunset hike in a beautiful landscape. I discovered a love of 20th century architecture and art during my time at Soho House and have always been drawn to detail. I’m also a sucker for art museums and antiques markets, and recently have been increasing my book collection.”

Windsor Way by OWN LONDON
Having worked on high-end projects worldwide, how does the culture and character of each location influence your designs?

“Our clients are very well travelled and have a cosmopolitan lifestyle so they need a design studio which can cater to that. Travelling widens your library of experiences; if you are stuck in one place you will only communicate that. More experiences mean more ideas.

I have worked in the Middle East, India and China and all of them have been such different experiences. They’ve taught me a great level of technicality – specifically the do’s and don’ts of design in different regions; frost-proof woods are a must in colder Northern countries, while hotter climates demand linens and cottons – it wouldn’t feel right to use velvets or bouclés in 40 degree heat.”

Do you have a project that stands out as your absolute favourite? If so, what makes it so special? Do you have a preference between residential and commercial spaces?

“I’ve had the pleasure of designing amazing spaces with incredible clients, so I feel very lucky in that respect. My favourite will always be the next one, although I do have a soft spot for a hotel project in Rome. Hospitality projects tick all boxes for me, as you can have fun designing a restaurant or bar, as well as more intimate spaces like private suites.”

Project: Kensington Townhouse / Photography Credit: Darren Chung for One Menagerie
West London home renovation by OWN LONDON. Photography credit Dean Hearne
Wallpaper often adds depth and texture to a space – how do you like to incorporate it into your designs? Do you have any preferred brands, patterns, or styles?

“I’m a big fan of wallpaper especially with patterns, but not all projects can take it. When chosen right, it can take the interior scheme to a whole new level of interest and meaning. My favourite brands are Pierre Frey, Elitis, Schumacher and style wise I tend to go for something that has either a powerful pattern, or colour, or both! I highly recommend working with a trusted, specialist wallpaper installer to achieve a flawless finish particularly when dealing with complex patterns and tessalations.”

Craftsmanship is such a key element in great design. What does it mean to you, and how do you ensure it’s reflected in your work?

“In a world where sustainability is so important, the more local you can go when you’re sourcing materials – including construction materials – the better. Using local materials and craftsmanship also helps tell the story of the area and brings a sense of place to projects.

Vintage pieces also help to bring uniqueness to a project and always improve a space. They’re highly sustainable as they’ve already been around for a long time and each piece tells a story. They’re beautiful to look at and it’s interesting to adapt them into a new space – they make it feel alive.”

Project: Kensington Townhouse / Photography Credit: Darren Chung for One Menagerie
OWN LONDON is renowned for its ‘modern eclecticism.’ How do you bring this hallmark style to life in your projects?

“My eclecticism comes from being part of an eclectic studio; we are all from different countries and cultures and so bring that to our work. I like to bring a little bit of my own flair to a project and I blend that with the client’s aspirations. Social media is a huge reference point for them, so we need to bring all those tastes into the mix. I

like to include something from an antiques fair, something personal which adds character.

  1. As we look ahead to 2025, what are your goals and aspirations for OWN LONDON?

With a few projects concluding, our goal is to cement our studio as a leading interior design and architecture practice. We’ve been working on some unique projects which we can’t reveal yet, whilst also working on new overseas leads.”

If you could share just one interior design tip that everyone should know, what would it be?

“I have worked with all sorts of clients and on all sorts of projects – from residential and large hotels to commercial spaces in the Middle East, Northern and Southern Europe. I have learned to think in space; considering the proportion of light, knowing which colours to mix and patterns to use to ensure the finished project works.”

West London home renovation by OWN LONDON / Photography credit: Dean Hearne
Over the course of your career, what’s the most important business lesson you’ve learned?

“As interior designers, we often play psychologist to the client and become a kind of friend; we know intimate details and how they use their spaces. It’s vital to know how to communicate and listen well, and then to know what to do with that information so it can be translated into their interior design project.”

Windsor Way by OWN LONDON
What do you enjoy most about working in the world of interiors and design?

“Never gets boring. I find my profession so rewarding as we touch on so many different aspects of peoples lives, and work with so many variables that no two projects are ever the same. I also enjoy seeing how my experiences have influenced my approach to design, and how that is translated on a design.”

Finally, can you share some insider tips? Where’s your go-to spot in London for vintage furniture, and what’s your favourite destination for sourcing artwork?

“Shopping in London can be difficult and expensive, but I have some go-to’s where I can always find good products that fit the budget. Lately I’ve been visiting Alfie’s Antiques market as well as the Spotlight Market. Every now and then I indulge at Liberty’s on Regent’s Street too. Otherwise, antique fairs are still one of my favourite resources to discover gems in Italy and in the South of France. You may need to look through other less interesting items, but it’s very rewarding when you find something that perfectly suits your brief.”

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Kensington Townhouse Project by OWN LONDON / Photography Credit: Darren Chung for One Menagerie
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