International Designers Bangkok

International Designers: Observations from Bangkok

Our Studio Director James Ashfield and Associate Tania Blanco were recently on site in Bangkok, Thailand. Working in interior design across the UK and internationally gives us a rare window into how different people live, build, and work. Our recent trip was another reminder of how important it is to stay open and observant when designing projects beyond our base in London.

Culture, Courtesy & Contrasts

One of the first things we noticed in Bangkok was how gestures of respect shape everyday life. There is a patience and formality to interactions — both on-site and off — that sets a different pace and tone from the UK. It’s subtle, but it changes how you communicate and run a project. Road traffic flows — cars willingly let others cut in without beeping or frustration. There’s patience, even for someone pushing ahead. People seem more tolerant & respectful. Understanding these cues is part of working well with people, wherever you are.

A Concrete City, Softened by Nature

Bangkok’s skyline has a raw, concrete character — parts of it feel straight out of the 1980s. But nature plays a big role here too. Streets are lined with trees, and in many places, small plants are tied to the trunks to bring even more greenery into the city. It’s a thoughtful way to soften the urban landscape. These small interventions show how much nature, trees and plants matter to many Thai people.

Something Exciting is Happening

We are reaching the end of a six-year-long project, a journey defined by dedication, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

At Rigby & Rigby, we take projects from inception through to completion, carefully guiding every stage of the process. This has been one of the longest and the largest project we have undertaken to date. Over the years, the R&R team has worked closely with a trusted local contractor and specialist consultants, building strong relationships that have been key to delivering such an ambitious vision. Now, as we approach completion, there is a real sense of excitement about what is to come.

During R&R’s most recent visit, we had the opportunity to inspect some of the nearly finished floors and review recently installed joinery items on site. The team also visited the joiner’s workshop to inspect several bespoke pieces currently in production, carefully assessing craftsmanship, finishes, and detailing to ensure they align perfectly with the design intent. Seeing the scheme come to life through such thoughtfully crafted elements is always a rewarding moment. We also carried out snagging across several of the primary areas, refining the final details and ensuring that every element meets our exacting standards. Our priority remains simple: to deliver an impeccable home for our client.

Design and Culture

For some members of our team, this marked their tenth visit to the site. With each trip, the connection to both the project and its surroundings has grown stronger. Our team is led not only by design but also by a shared appreciation for culture, and food.

Bangkok is the perfect city to combine the two. Its vibrant culinary scene offers an endless opportunity to explore and experience diverse cuisines, often within beautifully designed and thoughtfully curated interiors. There is a fascinating contrast between the dynamic, and at times chaotic exterior of the city and the calm, carefully crafted spaces found within. That contrast feels particularly fitting for a project of this scale, transforming complexity into cohesion, and vision into reality.

As we move into the final stages, we look forward to revealing a home that reflects six years of collaboration, craftsmanship, and care.

Written by Tania Blanco

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