Anniversary of design studio launched in ex-bakery

AN INTERIOR design and architecture studio founded by a university lecturer and one his former students has celebrated its 10th birthday.

Kevin Singh and Tony Kerby joined forces in September 2000 to launch ‘The Space Studio’ out of a disused bakery in Grendon, near Tamworth.

They met after Mr Singh started working at Birmingham City University, then called the University of Central England in Birmingham, during the final year of Mr Kerby’s interior design degree.

After a brief spell at the ex-bakery, they moved to Mr Kerby’s back bedroom before taking in offices in the Harborne and Tyseley areas of Birmingham, eventually settling in their current home in the city’s Jewellery Quarter in 2007.

Ironically, the studio designed the BCU building in which its school of architecture now resides and where Mr Singh still lectures.

Some of their other previous projects include the Obsession hair salon in Birmingham’s Mailbox – which set them on the path of becoming salon specialists – the former Vinappris wine bar at Fort Dunlop off the M6 and an ongoing scheme with Mr Singh’s favourite team Manchester City FC.

Mr Kerby, 44, told TheBusinessDesk.com when they set out they did not set themselves a goal of 10 years.

“We just really enjoy what we do and it’s more about our philosophy and passion for what we do,” he said.

“It would be great to go for another 10 years and we are always looking for development.

“We started with just two staff and are now up to 10 and definitely looking to expand more.

“Everyone that works for us has studied at Birmingham institutions so it’s like we’re fully integrated in Birmingham.”

Mr Kerby said the biggest change he had seen in the industry over the past decade was the expectation from clients that they design buildings from the inside out, wanting the full interior and exterior service.

Around 175 guests joined staff from the studio to celebrate the anniversary at the Metro Bar in central Birmingham.