As expectations around interiors continue to evolve, design is increasingly moving beyond aesthetics alone. Across residential, hospitality and commercial sectors, clients are seeking spaces that offer emotional connection, comfort and a stronger sense of belonging. For Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co founder Tolu Adẹ̀kọ́, this human-centred approach has been at the heart of the studio since its launch in 2014.
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Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co founder Tolu Adẹ̀kọ́ (right).
Founded after early experience on five-star hospitality projects and exposure to leading international studios, Tolu says he recognised a gap in the market for spaces that looked impressive but lacked emotional depth and authentic narrative.
'The studio began from a desire to create spaces that feel deeply personal and meaningful,' says Tolu. 'I wanted to approach design in a way that considered not just aesthetics, but how people feel, move and live within a space.'
That philosophy continues to shape the studio's growing body of work across luxury hospitality, food and beverage, and high-end interiors. Whether designing a home, hotel, restaurant or workplace, the same principles apply.
'At the core, it's always about people,' Tolu explains. 'We ask the same questions: How should this space feel? What should people experience when they enter? How can it support the people who use it every day?'
For the studio, design extends beyond furniture and finishes into the wider identity of a venue. 'We don't just design the interior, we design the brand,' he says, describing an approach that considers lighting, planting, music, materiality and atmosphere as part of a complete guest experience, as well as marketing and how the brand is portrayed as a collective online as well.
Storytelling also plays a central role in the process. Tolu believes each project should respond to its location, drawing from architecture, streetscape, history and culture to create a sense of place.
'We want to tell the story of the location,' he notes. This shift reflects broader changes within the interiors market, particularly in hospitality, where traditional markers of luxury are being reconsidered. Rather than overt displays of opulence, many projects now prioritise atmosphere, craftsmanship and wellbeing.
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'Luxury today is more about quality, authenticity, craftsmanship and wellbeing,' says Tolu. 'It's about how something makes you feel rather than how loudly it announces itself.'
Inclusive design is another key focus for the studio. As accessibility and user experience gain importance across both public and private environments, Tolu believes these considerations must be embedded from the outset rather than added later.
'Inclusive design should never be an afterthought,' he says. 'It should be built into the process from the beginning. We think about mobility, comfort, lighting, sensory experience and how different people interact with space.'
This thinking is currently being applied to a boutique hotel project in Marrakesh, where reception areas are being designed to feel more inviting, accessible and emotionally warm. Tolu says the ambition is to make hospitality spaces feel like home.
The studio is also working on a major marine project with MSC Cruises, where durability, sustainability and careful material selection are essential. Even in highly technical environments, Tolu says the goal remains timelessness, regardless of whether the studio works with land-based or floating environments. 'We want to create places that last 20, 30, 40 years,' he explains. 'Distinctive projects come from story, not budget.'
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Sensory design also plays an increasingly important role in shaping how spaces are experienced. Elements such as light, acoustics, texture and movement are becoming central tools in creating memorable environments. 'Design should be immersive,' Tolu says. 'Light, texture, sound, flow and proportion all shape how we experience a room.'
Looking ahead, the studio plans to grow selectively while expanding conversations around inclusive and culturally relevant design.
'There is so much opportunity ahead, especially in the African markets,' Tolu explains.
As the industry becomes more open to new voices and cross-disciplinary exchange, he sees collaboration as essential to future progress. 'We need more exchange, more diverse voices and more generosity in the industry,' he concludes. 'That's how design moves forward.'
More information:
Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co
10 Monro Wy.
London SE10 0EJ
+44 (0)203 488 0138
[email protected]
www.adeko.co
United Kingdom
