"James Thurstan Waterworth's energetic preferences lay in the realm of interior design, as evident by his secret stash of such publications concealed beneath his bed."
In the heart of London, nestled among the iconic Brutalist architecture of Clerkenwell, near the Barbican, lies the office of James Thurstan Waterworth, a renowned interior designer known for creating storied spaces that feel effortlessly lived-in.
Before establishing his eponymous studio, James honed his skills working for prominent figures in the design and hospitality industries. Notably, he was the European Design Director at Soho House, where he honed his ability to craft unique and eclectic interiors. In 2018, James founded Thurstan with the aim of creating interiors that are true to the client's brief and in harmony with the architectural and environmental context.
James's work is characterized by its blend of elegance, eclecticism, and a deep respect for historical and cultural contexts. His aesthetic heroes are Axel Vervoordt and Robert Kime. Notable works include Soho House Istanbul and Soho House Barcelona, which reflect his ability to blend contemporary style with historical settings.
Located next to Ronnie Scott’s jazz club, 76 Dean Street showcases his capacity to create dynamic and stylish spaces within urban environments. James is currently working on Bradley House in Wiltshire, the family home of the Duke of Somerset, and a property belonging to the Symington family, owners of the renowned wine estate.
James is also known for his talent in sourcing antiques, which he often incorporates into his designs. A notable example is his acquisition of an 18th-century walnut cabinet, discovered during a buying trip in France.
Thurstan's studio is filled with stacks of books, various antiques, and fabric samples, reflecting his eclectic and stylized tastes. James's favourite painting is a simple chicken painting by Roger Hilton, which he recently purchased.
James wakes up in the morning due to his children and is generally upbeat in the morning. In his studio, he listens to a variety of music, including African music from the late 80s and 90s, Soukous genre, and light piano music like Ludovico Einaudi.
Thurstan's work has taken him all over the world, including Turkey, America, and Spain. If he were to be stranded on a desert island, he would take a piano with him. The actor Andrew Scott is the one James thinks could play him in a film about his life.
An exhibition that has impressed James is the crafts exhibition at Japan House in High Street Kensington. He frequently visits a hotel in the south of France called Grand Nord-Pinus, which has a 1960s, leather-chair-type vibe.
James attended an all boys boarding school in Shropshire and originally planned to study history of art, but was turned down and instead undertook work experience placements and a six-month-long course at KLC School of Design. His father was a property developer and his step-mother was an antiques dealer.
One possession that James would never sell is a Carl Aubock piece. A book that has inspired him is Nigel Nicholson's Great Houses of Britain. James listens to the podcast "Not Just the Tudors," which he finds particularly good on the Tudors. For his wedding present, he received a 1960s Rolex with a beautiful leather strap and a simple face.
James Thurstan Waterworth's work continues to captivate and inspire, blending the old with the new, the traditional with the contemporary, and the historical with the modern. His designs are a testament to his passion for creating spaces that are both unique and timeless.
- James Thurstan Waterworth, as he established his eponymous studio, moved from the hospitality industry to home-and-garden design, creating interiors that enhance lifestyle with a blend of elegance, eclecticism, and historical and cultural context, much like his work on Soho House Istanbul and Soho House Barcelona.
- In addition to his renowned design projects, James Thurstan Waterworth's home-and-garden work extends to personal spaces, such as his current projects, Bradley House in Wiltshire and a property owned by the Symington family, where he envisions creating unique, lived-in interior design that artistically merges with the architectural and environmental context, much like his office in London.
