Reflection, Ritual, Reverie: A Design Insider Conversation with 1508 London on Their Immersive WOW!house Principal Bathroom
We are beyond excited to take you inside Design Centre Chelsea Harbour’s WOW!house with 1508 London, where a bathroom becomes an immersive sanctuary of ritual, reflection, and reverie. This year’s Principal Bathroom, designed in collaboration with House of Rohl, is a breath-taking showcase of layered, sensory design that invites visitors to slow down, explore, and reconnect with themselves.
Alisa Connery (right) with designer Paris Albert (left). Photography credit: Milo Brown
In this interview, we speak with Ailsa Connery, Regional Director and Design Principal for Europe at 1508 London, who shares how the globally renowned studio creates exceptional spaces that are deeply rooted in context and culture while embracing refined, understated luxury. With six studios across four regions, 1508 London is known for delivering thoughtful, narrative-led design that goes far beyond surface beauty.
Within this conversation, Ailsa reveals what 1508 London is best known for as a studio, how she would describe their design philosophy, and the inspirations that shaped the extraordinary WOW!house Principal Bathroom.
How would you describe your design philosophy, and what is 1508 London best known for as a studio?
1508 London has deliberately chosen not to align itself with an “above-the-door” personality or a singular house style. Our design philosophy embraces a measured approach, inspired by history, geography, and the architectural vernacular unique to each project. We draw deeply upon culture. With six studios across four regions, 1508 London is renowned for creating exceptional spaces worldwide.
What distinguishes us as a design firm is the quality and depth of our design – it’s not enough to be superficially beautiful. We’ll research the geography and history of any project and start by asking, ‘Why does it belong here and what stories will you tell people about it?’ We don’t have a fixed house style but instead start with the story and design to that.
Photography credit: James McDonald
Do any of your past projects particularly reflect your design ethos? Could you share a few examples that highlight key design details or creative decisions?
Our bathroom design draws significant inspiration from our extensive portfolio of global hotel projects. We’ve been deeply involved in projects across the Middle East and Far East, where there’s a strong emphasis on traditional values of wellbeing through design and the rich, historic narratives woven into the spaces. This global perspective has profoundly influenced our approach to creating a sense of tranquillity and cultural depth within the bathroom.
It was equally crucial to ground our design in British values. With several hotel projects currently underway in central London, we felt it was vital to draw inspiration from the city’s unique heritage and contemporary flair. This blend of global insights and local British essence allowed us to create a bathroom that is both universally appealing and distinctly rooted.
Before we discuss your WOW!house bathroom in detail, how are you currently designing hotel bathrooms to elevate them into hero spaces within your wider hospitality projects?
We elevate hotel bathrooms into hero spaces by grounding each design in a compelling narrative story and imbuing it with a distinct contextual and characterful design. This means going beyond mere functionality to create an experience that resonates with guests. By weaving in unique stories and ensuring the design reflects the local environment or the hotel’s overarching theme, bathrooms become memorable destinations rather than just utilitarian areas.
Photography credit: James McDonald
What was your initial reaction when you were invited to take part in WOW!house 2025?
We have followed WOW!house over the past few years and have always been inspired by the creativity and craftsmanship showcased at the event. Last year, we participated in a competition to design a space with House of Rohl, and while we didn’t win, we loved the experience of designing a space. Following this, House of Rohl approached us early in the process for WOW!house 2025 to design their principial bathroom, and we were absolutely delighted to collaborate with them on this fun and creative opportunity.
When developing your design brief for WOW!house, did you imagine a ‘ghost client’ or have a particular brand aesthetic in mind to help guide the creative direction?
When designing this space, we definitely envisioned brands like Six Senses or Aman as ideal clients. They share our passion for layered design, achieved through exquisite artisanal craftsmanship and a deep commitment to wellbeing.
Photography Credit: Chris Reeve Photographer
What was your initial source of inspiration for the bathroom, and how did this evolve into your final concept?
Our inspiration stemmed from a global perspective on design, focusing on the themes of ritual and wellbeing. We aimed to create a space that fostered exploration and personal rejuvenation, encouraging a mindful engagement with one’s surroundings. The thoughtful curation of light and shadow, combined with a tactile material palette, evokes a sense of intimacy and discovery. The layering of subtle and bold design elements adds depth and intrigue, creating a continuously unfolding experience for visitors, all of which celebrate the rituals of a bathroom.
Who do you imagine inhabiting or experiencing the space you’ve designed—was there a particular lifestyle or personality that shaped your thinking?
Our design direction for the Principal Bathroom seeks to celebrate a nomadic approach to design. The bathroom is perfectly suited for a guest who seeks to indulge in a luxurious home spa experience and prioritise self-care. We imagined someone with a discerning sense of style, capable of appreciating the nuances of understated luxury. This space is designed for those who value refined details and a serene, restorative environment.
Photography Credit: Chris Reeve Photographer
Can you take us through your full design concept for the WOW!house Principal Bathroom and explain how the space was developed around key themes?
Our design concept embraces our global sensibility approach to interior design, focusing on the bathroom as a sanctuary for ritual and rejuvenation. Every element of our space is meticulously crafted to celebrate these daily rituals, creating an immersive and sensory experience. Our approach integrates a harmonious balance of materials, light, and texture, each chosen to evoke a sense of discovery and tranquillity. The play of light and shadow, the tactile qualities of natural materials, and the thoughtful layering of design elements come together to create a deeply engaging environment.
Guided by the principles of Reflection, Ritual, and Reverie, the design captures the essence of ancient traditions while blending modern influences. Reflection transforms the bathroom into a hidden oasis, offering a space for unwinding and refocusing. Ritual honours the timeless practices of bathing and cleansing, with light and shadow adding depth and mystery to the environment. Reverie weaves cultural and historical narratives into the space, inspired by traditional hammams and featuring tactile materials, distinctive patterns, and artisanal furnishings.
Photography Credit: Chris Reeve Photographer
When working with a sponsor like House of Rohl, what do you believe is key to a successful collaboration? How did you ensure the partnership supported your creative vision?
We’ve worked with House of Rohl on a number of successful projects, having found that we share the same essential values: attention to detail, exceptional craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for storytelling. The House of Rohl family of brands – Victoria + Albert, Shaws, Perrin & Rowe and Riobel – strive for the same levels of artistry and technical excellence that we aim to incorporate in all our designs. We know from their previous WOW!house bathrooms that their standards are exceptionally high, but also that they give their design partners incredible freedom to create. Our partnership with them for WOW!house 2025 Principal Bathroom feels like a natural synergy.
To what extent was this bathroom inspired by your previous or current design work, particularly in luxury hospitality or residential projects?
1508 London is a global design house which allows us to draw inspiration from different cultures and offer a rich heritage in our design. Our space for the WOW!house looks to this global influence, celebrating ideas and design principals that can be found universally.
Photography Credit: Chris Reeve Photographer
From your perspective, what valuable insights or takeaways can developers and operators gain from this space in terms of design, functionality, or guest experience?
One of the most significant takeaways for developers and operators from this space is the strategic and impactful application of mood lighting. Rather than merely illuminating the space, the lighting here is meticulously designed to underscore the intent of the overall design. It actively shapes the atmosphere, highlights specific features, and guides the user’s experience, demonstrating how thoughtful lighting can be a powerful tool in defining and enhancing a space’s purpose.