In this episode of the Business and Interiors podcast, we welcome Rob Burton, co-founder of Dapa Atelier, an award-winning interior design studio specializing in commercial interiors, show homes, and private residences.

Rob shares his journey from a business graduate with limited design experience to establishing a successful design studio known for high-end, tailored interiors. He talks about Dapa Atelier’s origins and the challenges he faced breaking into the London market, especially when working with property developers and building a team. Rob discusses the evolving demands of property developers, balancing creative design with functional requirements, and maintaining the delicate balance between appealing to a broad market while injecting personality into each project.

He highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless focus on quality – values that have helped Dapa Atelier secure long-term partnerships with top developers. Rob also provides insights into his approach to working with developers, from pitching concepts to understanding how show homes can serve as both a sales tool and a brand-building asset.

Our conversation also delves into the logistical and creative challenges of delivering interiors on tight timelines, managing a growing team, and adapting to shifts in the market and buyer preferences. Rob explains how Dapa Atelier stays ahead of trends while remaining grounded in client needs, and he shares how his team’s commitment to quality and innovation has shaped their design philosophy.