Colin Bone on the Vision, Growth, and Global Ambition Behind Kettle Collective
Design Insider spoke with Colin Bone, Chief Executive of international architecture and design practice Kettle Collective, to explore the journey behind the studio’s growth from Edinburgh roots to a globally recognised multidisciplinary practice.
In this interview, he reflects on his own path into the industry, the founding vision behind Kettle Collective, and how its collaborative, research-led approach continues to shape ambitious, locally responsive projects across international markets.
To begin, could you introduce yourself and share a little about your journey in architecture and design, and what led you to co-found Kettle Collective with Tony Kettle back in 2012?
My journey in architecture began in 2007 when I joined RMJM as Group Business Development Director before becoming Managing Director for the Middle East and Europe. Those years were formative, working on large-scale international projects and experiencing firsthand how design can transform environments and communities.
In 2012, Tony and I decided to embark on a new adventure, founding Kettle Collective as a boutique design studio. Tony and I had already built a strong working relationship at RMJM, where he served as Group Design Principal and we shared the same Edinburgh studio.
I still remember sitting beside Tony and watching his relentless pursuit of perfection and ability to create extraordinary designs. This is what made the decision to start Kettle Collective together feel both natural and inevitable.
Kettle Collective has grown from its roots in Edinburgh to a truly international design practice, how would you describe the founding vision that continues to guide your work today?
Our vision was simple yet ambitious: to create a design studio that brought together a collective of designers, engineers, specialists and collaborators to produce exceptional, sustainable design. From the beginning, Tony and I wanted to establish an environment where creativity could thrive and where innovation was driven by collaboration.
In the early years, our focus was firmly on concept design. We knew that to build our reputation and define our brand, we needed to demonstrate the strength of our ideas. We set out to find the most talented designers who shared our commitment and vision. It was about creating a team that could think differently, challenge conventions, and deliver work that would leave a lasting impact.
Kettle Collective. DEWA Sustainability Innovation Centre Part of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park
Collaboration is at the heart of the studio’s name and ethos; how does the idea of a “collective” manifest in the way your teams approach design across architecture, interiors, and masterplanning?
We chose the name deliberately as it captures the essence of what we wanted to build – to create a studio made up of a diverse group of designers. We believe that the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts, and that by bringing together talent from different disciplines, we can deliver richer, more holistic design solutions.
Every project is approached without rigid boundaries between disciplines. Architecture, interiors, and masterplanning each have an equal voice in shaping the outcome. In some cases, one discipline takes the lead depending on the concept or context. This kind of cross-pollination between disciplines is at the heart of what makes our process unique.
The studio’s philosophy emphasises research and documentation as a way to move beyond trends and instead shape markets, could you expand on how that process informs your creative decision-making?
Everything we do begins from first principles. We start every project with a brief development stage, essentially re-defining the brief. A period where we challenge assumptions, test ideas, and search for that one defining element that will make the project truly exceptional. This stage is fundamental to how we work; it’s about uncovering the deeper narrative that drives the design.
From there, we build up the concept through research and analysis. We look closely at the context and use that understanding to inform every creative decision we make. It’s this rigorous, research-led approach that allows us to move beyond passing design trends and create projects that can shape markets rather than follow them. Ultimately, it’s about designing with purpose.
Kettle Collective has seen significant expansion in recent years, including a growing interior design team and a new London studio, what has driven this growth, and how do you see these developments strengthening your global presence?
Our recent growth reflects years of building a strong reputation for concept design and delivering high-quality work internationally. As client needs evolved, we expanded our interior design, landscape, BIM, and LDC capabilities to offer a more comprehensive service. Strengthening our teams in Dubai and opening new studios, including London and Cairo, has improved our ability to deliver projects globally while remaining connected to local markets. This expansion reinforces what makes Kettle Collective unique as a multidisciplinary team working seamlessly across borders. The combined talent, expertise, and collaborative spirit of our studios continue to set new standards and strengthen our international presence.
Your international portfolio spans landmark projects from Oman to the UAE and Saudi Arabia; how does the practice balance a strong sense of place with a globally consistent design language?
Our approach balances international design standards with local understanding. Concept design is typically driven from Edinburgh and London, while our Dubai and Cairo teams support delivery and provide cultural and contextual insight. Having worked extensively across the GCC, we appreciate the nuances that shape each place. Every project begins with analysing the specific site to uncover what makes it unique, then building a concept that celebrates that identity.
Our design process is inherently collaborative. We hold internal workshops where every voice is heard, whether from our interiors, landscape, or lighting teams. This process enables us to maintain a cohesive design philosophy while producing architecture that remains rooted in its environment.
The unique commercial building that was designed by Kettle Collective in Madinat Al Irfan
The Madinat Al Irfan commercial building and the Solar Innovation Centre both demonstrate a deep connection between sustainability, innovation, and local identity, how do you ensure that environmental responsibility remains integral in regions with such diverse climates and cultural contexts?
Our approach begins with a thorough investigation of the specific local climate and environmental conditions. We examine everything from historical weather patterns to regional topography and landscape features. Equally important is understanding the cultural context, the communities who have inhabited these places and their traditions. These traditions often embody centuries of adaptation, revealing time-tested solutions for creating habitable spaces in challenging environments.
For the Solar Innovation Centre, the building form drew inspiration from the purity of Islamic geometric art, as well as from the tent structures of the region’s original nomadic inhabitants, creating a striking form that optimized roof area and orientation to balance solar shading with power generation.
The unique commercial building that was designed by Kettle Collective in Madinat Al Irfan is built around a celebration and enhancement of the natural wadi landscape, creating a community that feels timeless yet aligned with Oman’s ambitions for world class contemporary living.
In both projects, we fuse our understanding of locally accumulated wisdom with contemporary technologies and design possibilities. This approach establishes a foundation that guides our work across all locations, producing designs that work with their environment rather than against it.
As a leader of a multi-studio practice working across continents, what do you see as the most pressing challenges, and the most exciting opportunities, facing global commercial and cultural design today?
One of the most significant challenges we face is managing growth while maintaining the highest standards of design. As we expand and bring new talent into the business, it’s essential that every individual aligns with our culture and our commitment to quality. Naturally, there’s always some risk when integrating new team members, as the true test of fit only comes once the work begins. However, our People and Culture Manager has done an exceptional job in attracting individuals who share our values and our vision.
We’re now in a position where Kettle Collective has established itself as a global brand competing with the very best in the industry. We’re winning major projects across regions and sectors, and most importantly, we’re helping our clients realise their ambitions through innovative, sustainable, and meaningful design. It’s an energising time for us. One where creativity, collaboration, and ambition are truly shaping our future.
Finally, as Kettle Collective continues to expand its reach and evolve its portfolio, what’s next for the studio, and what ambitions are driving your vision for the future?
Our vision for the future is to continue along this exciting trajectory of growth. We’re fortunate to be working with many of the major developers across the GCC on repeat projects, and for me, that’s the strongest indicator of success. Winning a new client is one thing, but earning their continued trust and partnership is something else entirely. It’s a true testament to the talent, dedication, and hard work of our teams across the group.
What’s particularly rewarding is that everyone within Kettle Collective shares the same sense of purpose. With the experience, creativity, and reputation we’ve built internationally, we’re in an excellent position to grow our presence in the UK market, bringing our design philosophy and collaborative approach to new opportunities closer to home.