In this episode, interior designer Tanya Neufeld Flanagan interviews John Dobbin, Dublin-based managing director of Dobbins + Company Architects.

With his extensive experience in high-value residential and commercial, John shares insights into how architects and interior designers can best collaborate to deliver cohesive, efficient, and personalised building projects, and the other professionals that will save you money and stress along the way.

The discussion emphasises early involvement, strategic decision-making, and the importance of clear communication to avoid costly mistakes and delays.

Takeaways

• The evolving relationship between architecture and interior design and their intertwined roles
• The importance of early collaboration between architects and interior designers
• Key considerations for managing budgets, timelines, and decision-making in residential construction
• How to leverage professionals like quantity surveyors effectively
• Strategies for managing client expectations and scope creep in renovation projects
• The value of comprehensive planning and preemptive decision-making
• The significance of understanding building contracts, change management, and the impact of small decisions

• Interior design influences architectural decisions, especially with high-value residential and hotel projects, fostering more integrated and functional interiors.
• Early engagement with interior designers helps align visions, optimize budgets, and enhance the overall quality of space.
• Managing a building project involves not just design, but also careful planning around costs, timings, and change control.
• Regular, detailed communication among clients, architects, interior designers, engineers, and quantity surveyors prevents costly redesigns and delays.

• Clear scope definitions, fixed budgets, and minimizing mid-project changes are essential to successful outcomes.
• Architects often serve as project managers, but involving specialized professionals early can streamline processes (e.g., QS, structural engineers).
• The importance of understanding and navigating building contracts, claims, and delays to keep projects on track and within budget.
• Collaborative, transparent negotiation between clients, architects, and interior designers leads to better, more cohesive results.

Connect with John Dobbin, Dobbin + Company Architects

• Website
• Instagram

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Join host and Dublin-based interior designer Tanya Neufeld Flanagan to discover how the team behind Farrow & Ball moved on to creating Fermoie, an artisan-centric fabric house out of Wiltshire in the UK.

Fermoie blends artistry, heritage, and sustainability to redefine British fabric design. Learn what pattern, colour, and texture add to your home when it feels like something is missing.

In this episode, Jamie Shawcross, Managing Director, shares insights into the brand's passionate approach, from color mastery to eco-conscious manufacturing, making elegance accessible for all.

Takeaways

• The philosophy behind Fermoie's understated textiles and how subtlety influences design
• The unique craftsmanship process: hand-drawn motifs, rotary screen printing, and texture
• The importance of color storytelling rooted in heritage and natural pigments
• Sustainability commitments: B Corp certification, eco-friendly supply chain, and recycled outdoor fabrics
• The role of interior design in choosing and layering fabrics for a lived-in, authentic look
• How Fermoie’s collections facilitate both professional designers and DIY homeowners
• The expanding range: wallpapers, wall coverings, and accessories like lampshades and cushions
• Practical tips for mixing patterns and creating cohesive spaces with subtle, stylish fabrics

Resources

Explore how Fermoie’s understated textures and rich history can elevate your interior style, whether layering textiles or choosing statement wallpapers.

Visit their showroom or browse online for inspiring ideas and bespoke options.

• Fermoie - Official Website
• B Corp Certification
• Fermoie Wallpaper Collection
• Fermoie on Instagram

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

LIVE AT DESIGN SOURCE AT THE RDS, MARCH 6 2026

This is a series of behind-the-scenes industry interviews aimed at designers, architects, craftspeople and trades.

Discover the ins and outs of decorative plaster finishes with Anna Bougharbel from Maison Anna B, delving into microcement, lime finishes, and their best applications.

This episode offers expert insights into choosing the right material for your space, application tips, and sustainability considerations.