Benji Lewis is a well-established UK-based interior designer, his most recent venture being the launch of the hugely successful and much publicised customised online interior design advisory service - ‘Zoom That Room’.
Benji studied languages at Oxford Brookes University after which he enjoyed the year’s course at the KLC School of Interior Design. He then spent two years at Bonhams auctioneers in Chelsea where he specialised in antique silver. During his stint in the auction world, Benji honed a keen interest in antique furniture and furnishings, the result of which is the invariable inclusion of period pieces in the interior design schemes he produces for his work today. Benji retains an unbiased view when it comes to the choice of furnishings he proposes to his clients, being as enthused at the prospect of working with English Georgian as he would be to incorporate American mid-century modern.
Edging closer to the world in which he knew he would ultimately find his niche and remaining in Central London, Benji began work in the sales side of the interior design business. He describes this time as having been invaluable insofar as understanding the importance of deadlines and gaining an appreciation for the value of top-notch customer service are concerned.
In 2003 Benji was introduced to a project involving the total interior design of a sizeable contemporary riverside family home in West London. The house was featured in House and Garden, and Benji’s career took off. Subsequent work has included designs for multiple projects across the United Kingdom, including homes in Bedford Park - one of London’s best-known conservation areas - Belsize Park and Berkshire as well as successful proposals for the Chairman’s Offices at Universal Music in Kings Cross.
Benji prides himself on adaptability when it comes to his work, never wishing to compartmentalise himself with a defined style, a certain period or a look. Benji would be as happy working up contemporary designs for a period property in the Home Counties as he would be to infuse historic flourish into a city apartment.
Current projects are both local and international, including the overhaul of an 18th-century chateau in southwest France, designs for the living space in a 1920’s Los Angeles bungalow, a modern extension in the Midlands and the revamp of a townhouse in Central London.
"Country house with a contemporary twist."
"At the onset of lockdown, Benji set up Zoom That Room, a customised online interior design advisory service whereby clients can dial in with Benji via a video platform of their choice, to pick up ‘on the go’ tips and advice for making tweaks and improvements to their homes. Zoom That Room was an instant hit, drawing much attention from the media and attracting a brand-new client base extending throughout the UK and internationally with clients stretching from as far afield as London, Paris, Melbourne and Massachusetts. Benji’s engagement with people he meets via Zoom That Room most often leads to the request for full designs. There are now multiple plans for moving forward with Zoom That Room, both in terms of business opportunities as well as exciting marketing prospects."
Images 1 + 2: Nicolas Matheus; Images 3 + 4: Simon Brown
