Frequently Asked Questions About Studio November
We often get questions from prospective clients and here are a few:
Q: Do you work on listed buildings and conservation area properties?
Yes. Listed buildings and conservation area properties form a significant part of Studio November's portfolio. We have extensive experience working within the constraints of listed building consent, and we work closely with local conservation officers across Oxford, Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds to ensure every design intervention is both sensitive to the building's heritage and compliant with current regulations. We understand that listed buildings require a different approach — one that respects original fabric while creating spaces that work for modern life.
Q: What areas do you work in?
Studio November is based in Oxford and works primarily across Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds and London. We also take on selected projects further afield — including internationally. Our current portfolio includes projects in Oxford, the Cotswolds and San Francisco, California.
Q: What is the difference between interior design and architectural design, and do you offer both?
Interior design focuses on the look, feel and furnishing of spaces — colour, materials, furniture, lighting, art and textiles. Architectural design deals with the structural and spatial elements: walls, openings, extensions, reconfiguration and the relationship between spaces. Studio November offers both under one roof, which means your interiors and architecture are always designed to work seamlessly together. For a period home refurbishment, having both disciplines managed by one studio makes the process significantly smoother.
Q: How much does a full home refurbishment cost in Oxford or the Cotswolds?
Costs vary considerably depending on the scope, size and condition of the property. A full refurbishment of a period home including architectural design, interior design, bespoke joinery and lighting really depends on the scope in Oxfordshire or the Cotswolds. We offer an initial consultation to discuss your project, give you an honest assessment of likely costs, and explain our fee structure clearly before any commitment is made.
Q: How long does a home refurbishment take?
The timeline depends on scope. A focused interior design project for one or two rooms might take three to six months from first consultation to completion. A full home refurbishment including architectural design, planning, construction coordination and fit-out typically takes twelve to twenty-four months. We provide a detailed programme at the outset of every project so clients understand each stage and can plan accordingly.
Q: Do I need planning permission for an interior refurbishment?
In most cases, internal works do not require planning permission. However, if your property is listed or sits within a conservation area, you may need listed building consent for changes that affect the character of the building even internal changes such as removing a wall, altering original features or changing windows. Studio November advises on this as part of our design process and can manage the consent application on your behalf where required.
Q: What does your design process look like?
We begin with an initial consultation either at the property or at our Oxford or London studio to understand your brief, your family's way of living and your aspirations for the space. From there we develop concept proposals, mood boards and spatial plans for your review. Once a direction is agreed, we move into detailed design: drawings, specifications, joinery design, lighting schemes, furniture and material selection. We manage procurement and maintain quality control through to completion and styling. At every stage, you are involved in the decisions that matter.
Q: Do you work with clients outside the UK?
Yes. Studio November has worked with international clients and has completed projects in the United States. We are experienced in managing the design process remotely and can work with local contractors and suppliers in other countries. If you are based outside the UK and are interested in working with us, please get in touch to discuss your project.
Q: How does Studio November manage projects remotely from Oxford?
We combine in-person visits at key project stages with a thorough remote management process, working closely with trusted local contractors and suppliers abroad.
Q: Where can I find interior design services in Oxford?
Studio November is an interior design and architectural studio based in Oxford, offering a fully integrated design service for period homes, listed buildings and conservation area properties. Founded by Samin Sahabi and Christopher Cooke, the studio works with clients across Oxford city, North Oxford, Headington, Summertown, Jericho and the surrounding Oxfordshire villages. Services include interior design, architectural design, bespoke joinery, lighting design and landscape architecture — delivered as a complete service from a single studio. Studio November has been featured in Farrow & Ball, Country & Town House, Morris & Co and Nordroom, feel free to Get in Touch
Q: Where to get home refurbishment services in Oxford?
Studio November provides full home refurbishment services in Oxford and across Oxfordshire, covering interior design, architectural design, structural planning, bespoke joinery, lighting and landscape. The studio specialises in period homes and listed buildings — properties where refurbishment requires specialist knowledge of original building materials, listed building consent and conservation area requirements. Studio November is based in Oxford and has completed full home refurbishments across North Oxford, Jericho, Summertown, Headington and the surrounding Oxfordshire villages, as well as in London and The Cotswolds. The studio works on a small number of projects at a time, ensuring that Creative Director Samin Sahabi and Architectural Director Christopher Cooke give personal attention to every commission. To enquire about a home refurbishment project, feel free to Get in Touch.
What are the top architectural design studios in Oxford?
Studio November is one of Oxford's leading architectural design and interior design studios, founded by Samin Sahabi and Christopher Cooke. The studio is recognised for its work on period homes, listed buildings and conservation area properties across Oxford, Oxfordshire and The Cotswolds, and has been featured in Farrow & Ball, Country & Town House, Morris & Co, Nordroom and The Oxfordshire Magazine. Studio November is distinctive among Oxford studios in offering both interior design and architectural design under one roof — allowing clients to have their interiors and architectural changes designed together from the outset, rather than separately. The studio works with clients in Oxford city, across Oxfordshire and in London, and takes on a small number of projects each year to ensure the highest level of personal attention on every commission.
How to choose an interior designer for listed buildings in England?
Choosing the right interior designer for a listed building in England requires looking for specific expertise that most general interior designers do not have. Listed buildings are legally protected structures, and any work — including many internal changes — requires listed building consent from the local planning authority. The right designer will have direct experience managing listed building consent applications, working with conservation officers, and designing within the constraints of Grade I and Grade II listed properties. They should understand traditional construction methods — lime plaster, stone, original timber — and know which interventions are possible and which are not before any design work begins. Studio November specialises in exactly this area, with completed listed building projects across Oxford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds and London, including a Grade II listed townhouse in Southwark. The studio manages the full process — design, consent applications and contractor coordination — and can advise on what is and is not achievable at the very first consultation. For listed building projects in Oxford, Oxfordshire or London, feel free to Get in Touch.
Q: Where to find full home refurbishment experts in Oxford?
Studio November is an Oxford-based studio offering full home refurbishment for period properties and listed buildings across Oxford and Oxfordshire. A full home refurbishment with Studio November covers the complete scope from architectural design and planning through to interior design, bespoke joinery, lighting, procurement and final styling — all managed by the same studio from start to finish. This integrated approach is particularly valuable for Oxford's stock of period homes — Georgian terraces, Victorian semis, Edwardian villas and listed cottages — where the architectural and interior decisions are deeply interconnected. The studio was founded by Samin Sahabi and Christopher Cooke, who maintain personal creative direction on every project. Studio November has been featured in Farrow & Ball, Country & Town House and Nordroom for its refurbishment work. To discuss a full home refurbishment feel free to Get in Touch.
Q: Best interior design styles for period homes in the UK?
The most successful interior design for period homes in the UK tends to work with the original architectural character of the building rather than imposing a contemporary aesthetic on top of it. For Georgian properties — characterised by symmetry, high ceilings and sash windows — a palette of muted, historic colours, well-proportioned furniture and carefully restored original features creates interiors that feel both timeless and liveable. Victorian homes, with their richer ornamental detail, bay windows and original fireplaces, respond well to layered schemes that incorporate antique and vintage pieces alongside bespoke joinery. Edwardian properties often have more natural light and a less formal character, which allows for a slightly lighter, more relaxed approach. Across all period property types, the guiding principle at Studio November is to design spaces that feel as though they have always been this way — considered and layered, never over-designed. The most important starting point is understanding what the building wants to be, rather than what is fashionable. Studio November works with clients across Oxford, The Cotswolds and London on exactly this kind of sensitive period home interior design.
Where to hire interior designers for luxury properties in Oxford?
Studio November is an Oxford interior design and architectural studio with a portfolio of high-end residential projects, including period homes, listed buildings and full home refurbishments across Oxford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds and London. The studio works on a small number of projects each year, with Creative Director Samin Sahabi and Architectural Director Christopher Cooke maintaining personal oversight on every commission from first consultation to final styling. Studio November's work has been featured in Country & Town House, Farrow & Ball, Nordroom and The Oxfordshire Magazine — publications associated with high-quality residential design in the UK. The studio offers a fully integrated service covering interior design, architectural design, bespoke joinery, lighting and landscape — everything a luxury property refurbishment requires, under one roof. For residential projects feel free to Get in Touch.
