With three London showrooms and a dedicated commercial contracts team, our aim is to add value at every stage of a design journey: for our clients, for architects, for interior designers and design aficionados around the world.
We combine experience, passion and dedication
Founded in 2005 by partners in life and design, Staffan and Monique Tollgård, our practice has grown from a design studio into a multi-disciplinary practice that employs some of the brightest minds in our industry.
Meet our team"After 15 years in the industry, it might be said that the duo finds themselves in a sweet spot which captures both youth and authority. With their portfolio of hushed luxury, the studio enjoys the industry clout which comes with such tenured experience whilst retaining the dynamism of a studio which is barely getting started."
Leading 100 Designers, 2020We add value at every stage of a design journey
From a strong foundation in interior design we have brought together a curated selection of brands from around the world. Three London showrooms allow clients to experience this design quality first hand. Our Contract Sales team work directly with the trade. Our Product Design team work with world-leading brands and on our own projects.
"We have a strong, shared belief that the best interior design journeys are the shared ones, and that thoughtful, responsible and collaborative design can and should make people's lives better."
Harpers Bazaar Feature, April 2020
Studio
The Design Studio offers an award-winning architectural interior design service for an international clientele. We work creatively and collaboratively to create bold, contemporary interiors that are eminently liveable.
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Contracts
Design-led and commercially-focused: the Tollgard contracts team is run by a group of passionate creatives who are ready to help with every stage of the design journey – locally and internationally.
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Product Design
Product design allows us to tell the story of the piece instead of the story of the space. The direct, focused narrative of each piece offers an answer to a question of living that our interior design work has uncovered.
Find out moreThree London destinations for design
We believe that great design deserves to be experienced. Our three London showrooms bring together some of the most exciting brands in the world. Set in the heart of the Pimlico and Chelsea Design District, with experienced interior designer sales people to help trade and private clients, we look forward to welcoming you.
"Tollgard is a treasure trove of interesting pieces of furniture, lighting and accessories"
Belgravia
Tollgard Belgravia, our flagship showroom in the Pimlico design district curates the best and the bold of international design.
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Chelsea Harbour
Tollgard Chelsea Harbour introduces exclusive brands in the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour.
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Ceccotti Collezioni
Ceccotti Collezioni – also in the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour – showcases the craftmanship and quality of this world-famous atelier.
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Partners in life and design
Born out of a shared passion for design, the Design Group is run and managed by Inchbald-educated, husband-and-wife team, Staffan and Monique Tollgård. A background in feature film and documentary production characterises our work: a commitment to the power of story-telling, to the narrative that our clients bring, to the history of the buildings in which we work and the shared stories of the design objects we curate in each interior.
Since 2005 Tollgard Design Group has grown from strong, shared principles. Add value. Be honest, humble and kind. Exceed expectations.
As Creative Director, Staffan has crystallised his design ethos into two principles: the search for the Scandinavian notion of the distinctive ‘Red Thread’ or creative DNA in each project, and the commitment to the creation of ‘functional sculpture’.
Monique leads the interior design arm of the company. Comprised of small teams of architectural interior designers, technicians and support staff, Tollgard Studio works on a variety of projects for private and developer clients, from large-scale new builds, listed refurbishments to decorative projects around the world.
Our clients are at the heart of what we do
While winning awards always feels fantastic, we have understood that our commitment – first and foremost – is to the clients that have placed their trust in us. We strive to go beyond their expectations, to answer their questions of living with meaning, integrity and creativity. To help them create homes that will nurture and protect their family life.
Read more testimonials"They demonstrated a unique understanding of our lifestyle and taste, as well as being wonderful and inspiring people to spend time with. We continue to work with Tollgard on our London residence."
Danish Summer House
Our philosophy has been shaped over three hundred design journeys and through our shared background in film-making and story-telling.
We ask ourselves mindful questions that effect positive changes
How can we shape the world around us to allow for better relationships, better and kinder environments that will help us, our clients and our colleagues be the best versions of themselves?
We keep coming back to a quote from Alain de Botton:
“Belief in the significance of architecture is premised on the notion that we are, for better and for worse, different people in different places – and on the conviction that it is architecture’s task to render vivid to us who we might ideally be.”
We come from a film-making background
The background we have in story- telling, feature films and documentary production characterises our design work. We think about designing a room in terms of a film script: what kind of story are we telling? How many hero pieces can a room accomodate? What can the budget stretch to? What’s the establishing shot? What do we cut away to for the close up?
Our design approach (much like a film script) starts with, and is centred on, understanding and expressing their clients’ sense of identity. Every client has a unique story. We tell it with the language of design.
What's the Red Thread?
“Röda Tråden” or the Red Thread is a phrase used across Northern Europe. It’s used to describe the guiding principle of creative endeavour, whether it be a piece of art, literature or music. The familiar thread – or trail of breadcrumbs – scattered through the work by the maker that takes you back to the heart of the piece.
In the context of design, it’s what we are always looking for in each project we undertake. It’s the design DNA that we strive to find and then express in each project. Within the client, architecture and environment are clues to a distinctive and powerful narrative: a unique red thread that we use to tell a new story using the language of design.
Our people are amongst the brightest and the best in our industry
We strive to find and keep 360-degree designers: obsessed with design, adept with technology, passionate about people and storytelling. Our designers and consultants have a range of backgrounds and education, but we see a red thread between them. Their attention to detail and the amount they care about their projects. Design is not a job, or a career. It’s a calling.
Get in touch if you would like to be part of our team
Look who noticed us
We are always incredibly proud when our talented industry recognises our work. Take a look at some of our recent awards and publications our work has featured in.
See all our recent press & awards
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Staffan Tollgard
Creative Director
As Creative Director, Staffan has crystallised his design ethos into two principles: the search for the Scandinavian notion of the distinctive ‘Red Thread’ or creative DNA in each project, and the commitment to the creation of ‘functional sculpture’.
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Max Pilbeam
Sales Director
Max has an exceptional pedigree in contract sales, having worked for several years for Habitat and Conran over the course of his career. The cornerstone of his ethos has always been to provide a personal, thoughtful service that allows designers to maximise their creative potential and best serve their clients. He brings a wealth of commercial and international experience to Staffan Tollgård and is delighted to be spearheading their brands and contracts division.
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Erik Odell-Romanoff
Brand Ambassador
Having fallen in love with design and architecture in his childhood, Erik has always been passionate about interiors and their power to transform spaces. Erik studied Interior Design at Inchbald in 2003 alongside Tollgard founder, Staffan Tollgård. Over the last 10 years, he has amassed an encyclopaedic knowledge of the best brands in the industry. Erik heads up Tollgard Agency with a dedicated approach and his trademark exuberance, sharing the stories of makers and brands from the Tollgard portfolio with architects and designers across the globe.
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Laura Shrimpton
Showroom Manager - Belgravia
Laura trained at the prestigious Chelsea College of Arts, where she gained a BA (Hons) in Textile Design. Laura’s design background includes several years working as a Fashion Print Designer, where she further developed her flair and sensitivity for colour, composition and natural attention to detail. Bringing these complementary skills and experiences with her to the Showroom Interior Design team, her work is underpinned by enthusiasm and energy for people, storytelling and space and essentially, a deep interest in the overlap of these.
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Filipa Pereira
Showroom Manager - Chelsea
Filipa joins the Tollgard family as Chelsea Showroom Manager. With a plenitude of knowledge absorbed over the past five years in the residential luxury and contract sectors, she brings her warm and welcoming character to all interactions.
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Dario Passare
Showroom Manager - Ceccotti
Dario studied Architecture in his native city of Palermo, Sicily. He worked as a successful interior architect across Europe for several years before moving to London, bringing with him a meticulous manner of working and a refined aesthetic sensibility. At the helm of Ceccotti Collezioni’s London flagship, he presents the brand’s timeless designs and sophisticated silhouettes to interior designers, architects and discerning clients, bringing high-end residential and commercial schemes to life.
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Faaizah Shah
Head of Marketing
Striving for the perfect balance between creative thought and strategic balance, Faaizah’s foundations began at King’s College London where she earned a BSc (Hons) in Business Management. Passionate to develop a well-rounded skillset across a range of mediums, she has worked for global brands within the retail and advertising sectors. Turning to interiors in recent years, Faaizah has gained an in-depth industry education working on global campaigns for market-leading brands. She prides herself on her ability to look at the big picture and craft stories that captivate and engage audiences.
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Dominique Lucas
Head of Contracts
Dominique has a background in design spanning over 10 years in fields from luxury jewellery to artisan furniture, and has worked across the globe in Italy, Mexico, and the UK. She brings this broad experience to the contracts team, along with a fine attention to detail and a love for all things about furniture. Her client centred approach combined with exceptional organisational skills are the key ingredients to her project management success.
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Janice de Villa
Contracts Operations & Logistics Manager
Janice with 15 years’ experience managing FF&E procurement, logistics and installation, Janice combines industry knowledge with a strong focus on bringing value. She has worked on a diverse range of projects across the luxury residential, commercial & hospitality sectors with world’s leading design practices.
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Tatiana Vedmediuc
Showroom Design & Sales Consultant
Tatiana is a recent graduate from the KLC School of Design. She brings with her with a foundation education in product design at the Technical University of Moldova. Tatiana’s firm belief is that good design persists above all trends and should make a lasting impression.
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Paolo Arca
Sales Consultant
As an enthusiastic and energetic individual, Paolo has created a solid foundation within the interiors market as a dedicated salesperson. He continues to be curious about new trends and exciting brands within the space, always seeking the best solutions for his clients.
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Josh Roberts
Sales Coordinator
Josh studied Art History focusing on fields of architecture, design, and fine art. He has been working in the design industry for a number of years, from bespoke furniture to designer hardware brands.
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Josephine Elijah
Office Manager & Sales Assistant
Josephine joins the Tollgard family at Grosvenor Waterside, as Office Manager & Sales Assistant. She trained at Queen Mary University of London and British Academy of Interior Design, where she gained BSc (Hons) in Business Management & BA (Hons) in Interior Design. Having worked in the luxury Interior Design market for several years, and with her friendly and pleasant personality, she enjoys providing excellent customer care and highly efficient, comprehensive office support.
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Matthew Dale
Fianncial Director
Matt has worked in the creative industries, leading and directing finance departments since settling in London in 2008. He has extensive experience business partnering, focussing on commercial strategy, creating & designing internal processes and systems. Where the worlds of creative and business overlap has been a key area of work, particularly data analysis & interpretation.
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Rosie Sheridan
Finance Assistant
New to the design industry, Rosie brings with her over 25 years of financial experience within a wide variety of sectors including Retail, Construction, Hospitality and Charity. Proactive, approachable and a keen eye for detail are just some of the skills she brings to the Tollgard Design Group. The knowledge she has gained throughout her career enables her to support the Finance function in providing a smooth and efficient service.
