Gemma McCloskey, Founder of Cupla, takes a fun and fresh approach to interiors coupled with an architectural eye.
Cupla is a young multi-disciplinary studio, founded at the start of 2022 by Gemma McCloskey, who has well over a decade of experience in the design industry. Lead by Gemma, the studio are quickly becoming renowned for their energetic and quirky style across interior projects and product design.
Cupla’s signature style is fantastical and unique; each project exudes wonderfully eclectic layers with beautifully contrasting colours and textures. These bold choices blend seamlessly together to create warm and inviting spaces, as can be seen in a recently completed residential project – a London townhouse – and with their work across multiple retail locations for fashion brand RIXO.
With a background in architecture and a positive demeanour, Gemma is clearly leading Cupla studio to great success; she continues to push the boundaries of design whilst acknowledging the power of having fun.
Here, Gemma shares her passion for her first love: architecture, and discusses working across both retail and residential projects.
What is your earliest memory of design having an impact on you?
My first year at Queens University in Belfast, studying Architecture. We studied history of architecture and I became obsessed with modernist movement in particular the Villa Mairea by Alvar Aalto, which I made a large scale model of as my first assignment. I couldn’t believe that modernist style had been created in the 30s and still felt contemporary today.
I actually didn’t start Interior Architecture and Design until well into my career, it gave more opportunity to be creative with less constraints.
What kind of designer did you aspire to be?
I aspire to create interiors which have the foundation of great Architecture and follow with all the interior layers. They should feel uplifting, looking towards the future but with nostalgia of the past.
What was your first professional design commission?
Working on a private high end residential project, which is still ongoing.
What has been your biggest design commission to date?
The RIXO flagship store was our biggest public commission to date. Our residential projects are bigger but private so we cannot show or talk too much about them.
You have worked with RIXO across several locations – where does the conversation start with their team?
When developing the initial concept of what a RIXO should look and feel like the conversation was initially about translating RIXO’s grassroots, values and style into a space. Once we had established this concept we adapted it to suit the locality and size of each store. If the store was small, like Marylebone, we wanted to celebrate this and make it feel like a room in a house where everyone is welcome. We try to have a unique design for each store but with a sense of familiarity.
How does your approach to working on a commercial project differ from working on a residential project?
Commercial projects are much more faster paced than residential. This can be very challenging especially in regards to lead times etc however the upside is you see the fruits of your labour much sooner. We are on a residential project currently which has been five years with probably another couple to go – project fatigue can set in so you need to stay positive. Residential is more personal and its really rewarding when the client’s love what you have created together with them.
How would you describe Cupla as a studio and a community of designers?
I think Cupla as a studio are very passionate and serious about what we do however we try not to take ourselves too seriously and have fun along the way. We love working with the people who make the projects come to life and respect everyone involved in the process.
What are the key characteristics you look for when bringing new talent into your studio?
We are a small studio and need people to be all-rounders with a strong skills in Architecture and Interiors. Everyone has their strengths and we do play to these but we like to work as team and be able to help everyone when needed. We also want people who are passionate with a positive attitude and humble.
Where is the majority of your work based? And how has travel helped to shape and influence your ideas on design?
Our work is primarily based in the UK. I love travelling and always feel inspired when I see how different cultures approach design. Every country has notable characteristics to their Architecture and I find it so interesting looking at the different details and use of materials.
What do you think should be a key focus for designers moving forward into 2025?
I think designing spaces which are sustainable from a design perspective, not just necessarily focusing on materials of important. If a design is original and not trend led then it should stand the test of time and be the classic of tomorrow.
If you hadn’t become an interior designer what would you be doing?
I would have done fashion or graphic design. I love the cross pollination of creative fields and they inspire me everyday.
