Utility

Utility is an independent design company and collaborative network of construction specialists doing three usefully overlapping things: site audit, interior design and furniture-finding. While commissions and clients vary, projects share an experienced, straightforward approach to changing interior space at home, at work and in the community.

Audit a stand-alone service, or the beginning of a complete design: you tell us what you want to achieve and we test the space – a room, or a building – to assess fabric, services and plan alteration. This allows you to check scope, costs and timing, understand what is possible, and to confidently decide how best to proceed.

Design all stages from audit, first ideas, permissions, appointing consultants, construction detail, lighting, specification and managing work on site. We keep a sometimes-complex process simple, and believe that getting the thinking straight at the start is the key to finishing well.

Furniture working with designer/makers, vintage dealers and contemporary suppliers we advise on furniture, products and art, from a single piece to fitting-out a hotel, with expert knowledge of what is available and what is right for the job.

Amanda Culpin formed Utility in 1999,  previously worked at Sheppard Robson and Conran+Partners on health, hotel, retail and eduction projects, has lived and worked in France, Australia and Chile, now combines design with consultancy and teaching.