ABOUT
THE STUDIO
Safiya Yahaya Studio is a luxury interior design and interior architecture practice based in London, specialising in African-inspired interiors for commercial and residential clients. Safiya trained in architecture in Dubai during one of the region's most ambitious building periods, developing a sharp eye for spatial composition and the relationship between structure and surface. She later completed graduate studies at UCL's Bartlett School of Design, where her focus turned to how culture, memory, and place shape the built environment. That architectural foundation runs through every project.
We develop interiors around your way of living and the cultural references that feel meaningful to you, bringing contemporary sophistication and the textural warmth of West African design traditions into the same room.
— SAFIYA
"Working with Safiya was a breeze. We came in stuck on how to style our open concept living room and kitchen, a space that had been giving us a real headache.
Safiya was attentive to our needs while gently steering us away from choices we might have regretted."
— HAJ, PAST CLIENT
"Safiya Yahaya Studio brought my vision to life beyond my imagination. I'm currently trying to build a boutique hotel, and the team was extremely patient with my multiple ideas..."
— TOMI, FOUNDER - PALM CLAY HAUS
The studio's aesthetic brings West African heritage into conversation with modern refinement. We work with natural materials, hand-finished surfaces, and consider the use of pattern and colour, drawing from vernacular architecture, traditional motifs, and Nigerian and Ghanaian textile traditions.
These references are specific to each project. A London townhouse will carry them differently from a countryside estate or an international residence. What remains consistent is that every space feels grounded, with clear intention in the materials, finishes, and spatial choices.
OUR STYLE
OUR STORY
Safiya has worked across the luxury hospitality, residential, and commercial design sectors, delivering projects for globally recognised brands, private developers, and high-end clients across the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Her experience spans hotels, branded residences, private villas, fine-dining establishments, upscale apartment developments, including work with brands such as Emaar, One&Only Resorts and Starbucks.
Having worked on global coffee chains, hospitality spaces, and residential interiors, she brings a sophisticated understanding of luxury living, spatial experience, and culturally attuned design. Her work is defined by a balance of elegance, operational functionality, and thoughtful detailing, shaped by years of experience designing for discerning international clientele.
Safiya studied architecture in Dubai before continuing her design education in London at The Bartlett School of Architecture, further refining her understanding of spatial and cultural design.
OUR METHOD
Our architectural approach means we think spatially from the outset. We consider sight lines, natural light, material transitions, and flow before specifying a single piece of furniture. This gives our projects a structural coherence that clients recognise the moment they walk into a finished room.
From there, each material, finish, and object is selected with the same discipline, chosen for how it functions in the space, how it connects to the wider design narrative, and how it will age.
"Thank you, Safiya, for your help on my space. She was able to work with me on my budget and helped me create a space that works well for my young family and me."
— DAMI A, Past Clients
Modern, West African Inspired Design
A NOTE FROM SAFIYA
I take inspiration from my two worlds: the architecture and geometry of West African built environments and the contemporary design culture of London. My work has always been about finding the point where those traditions meet.
Every project I take on is personal to me. I care deeply about getting the details right, and I care equally about the feeling a room gives you when you walk into it for the first time. That moment is what I design for.
enquire
THE
INSPIR
ATION
Contemporary / Refined / Eclectic / Rooted / Heritage /
Layered / Soulful /Story / Craft
FOCUS ON
MATERIALITY
THE ETHOS
HERITAGE
KEY PRINCIPLE
Cultural Fusion
