40 | Southern Enterprise Awards 2022 Aug22467 Interior Design Firm of the Year 2022 – Sussex & Design Innovation Award 2022 Colourful, fashion-forward, and imaginative: these are all words that can be used to describe Circus Studio, a Brighton-based design studio. At Circus Studio, design isn’t only used for aesthetics – it’s used to tell a story, bringing to life the wishes of the client. At the heart of Brighton stands a vibrant hub of creativity. Circus Studio, a popular interior design studio, has become known for its exceptional ability to blend contemporary design with oldfashioned opulence, perfectly striking the balance between sleek and stylish. Be it a commercial or residential space, Circus Studio certainly has the skills to transform the space into one that tells a story, oozes personality, and flows whilst remaining functional. In essence, Circus Studio brings interiors to life. Services include Design Only, which is comprised of the designing of a space and the provision of design drawings, which the client can use to manage their own project; Design and Purchasing; and Design, Purchasing, and Project Management. The company’s Kitchen Package, for example, provides a comprehensive solution for kitchen renovations, involving an initial consultation, designs, and the sourcing and delivery of all necessary fixtures and fittings. Moreover, the in-depth package means that clients can be sure that the project will remain on or even under budget, and that their kitchen will be created to the highest of standards. Such standards stem from the founder’s impressive design background. Indeed, prior to Circus Studio’s genesis, Jo Connolly spent many years working in fashion and retail design, during which she oversaw fashion shows at London Fashion Week, produced window displays for luxury brands, and managed projects for brands like Nike, Harrods, and Selfridges. However, after the birth of her second child, Jo decided to go it alone, fulfilling her dream of owning her own creative business. As such, Circus Studio combines all of Jo’s passions. She tells us, ‘I feel very lucky to have my design studio in Brighton. I love the creativity, individualism, and attitudes of the people in Brighton. There is awonderful sense of community here too and small businesses are encouraged and supported by the locals. I received great support from Brighton Council when setting up my business and during the pandemic, without which I wouldn’t have survived, so I’m very grateful for that. The city itself is so inspiring too, from the architecture to the graffiti.’ Whilst the Covid-19 outbreak had an enormous impact on design businesses, it has invoked a design revolution of sorts. Clients are now expecting more from their homes, especially due to the rise in people working remotely, and therefore, people are spending an increasing amount of time in their houses. Consequently, people are wanting spaces that suit them and their needs, rather than spaces that abide by convention or trends – bright colours, maximalism, and biophilic design have all been in the spotlight as people find the bravery to design their homes in a way that they love. The future of design, therefore, is going to be exciting, and the future of Circus Studio even more so. Alongside interior design, Circus Studio hosts an array of events, with the most recent being a mobile making workshop in partnership with the local artist Claire Knill. Jo comments, ‘I feel very passionate about bringing people together to create, purely for the joy of creating. I believe we all have creativity within us, and we are healthier when we tap into it. I also want to support and help showcase the amazing artists we have in our community, because we have so many! I am working on the next workshop at the moment.’ In the long term, Jo hopes to design her own range of bespoke furniture, which she envisions being adaptable to the clients’ personal styles and needs. Whilst this project is currently only in the sketching stage, she wants to bring such products to the market by the end of 2023. Contact: Jo Connolly Company: Circus Studio Web Address: www.circus-studio.com
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