International Design Studio Accouter Opens U.S. Outpost

By Grace Cassidy Accouter , an award-winning British interior design studio based in London, has been transforming spaces into exceptional homes for high-profile individuals worldwide since 2012. Part of British design and furnishing collective Accouter Group of Companies (AGC) , the firm now marks its 10th anniversary with an expansion that includes a permanent presence in Dubai and the launch of a studio in New York City—its first in the U.S. Karis Samuelson, Accouter’s Associate Director and head of the new office at 1 Crosby Street, in SoHo, explained that the time was right for an eastward expansion. Karis Samuelson, Associate Director, Accouter “We have always been a British design house with an international presence, and post-pandemic, our clients are more astute than ever,” said Samuelson. “Social media has allowed us a global audience, and we have felt an upsurge in interest from clients wanting to create something exceptional from every corner of the world. Choosing to open an office in New York now has been a fantastic opportunity to grasp the attention of those clients who have spent time researching their needs and are very discerning.” Accouter’s diverse portfolio of projects includes private client interior architecture and design and show home design for some of the most prestigious and design-led developments. Like all brands under the AGC umbrella, the firm builds sustainability into its design process, from sourcing of materials to final installation. ‘‘We direct our efforts on measures that will deliver the biggest impacts, aiming to continuously review and improve the studio’s environmental performance with an emphasis on minimizing any destructive impact,” said Samuelson. “Sustainability measures have already seen us achieve our ISO environmental accreditation 140001, and having already submitted for our B Corp Certification, we are committed to working towards carbon neutrality.’’ Accouter-designed guest bedroom at Atlantis The Royal Residences. (Photo: Courtesy of Accouter) Accouter-designed interior for a London townhouse. (Photo: Courtesy of Accouter) Accouter-designed interior for a London townhouse. (Photo: Courtesy of Accouter) Accouter also has maintained a fruitful eight-year collaboration with Knight Frank Residential , the UK-based international partner of Douglas Elliman, providing interiors for global real estate clients. ‘’Our partnership with Accouter has allowed us to provide our clients with a full turnkey service when it comes to buying and selling property,” said Stacey Watson, Partner, Knight Frank International Residential. “Whether preparing a home for sale to increase value and reduce any void periods, or helping buyers create their dream home following purchase, Accouter makes all of this a reality for our clients. Their seamless approach means that our buyers and sellers will always be in safe hands, in the knowledge they are receiving interior design services from the best in the industry.’’ Samuelson attributes the success of Accouter’s partnerships to its “unique approach” to the design process. Having designed a luxurious beachside duplex apartment in Dubai’s prestigious Atlantis The Royal Residences , as well as many properties in London’s most exclusive postcodes, the studio works within a wide range of styles. Accouter-designed principal bedroom at Atlantis The Royal Residences in Dubai. (Photo: Courtesy of Accouter) “We pride ourselves on having no in-house look, and therefore we have the freedom to fully collaborate with our clients without preconceptions or ego to cloud the process,” she said. “We take the time to get to know our clients on a more personal level.  Our bespoke service means that we work to a range of briefs and styles, and so we can fulfil our client requirements, whether remotely or in-person, in a full turnkey manner.” Accouter also works alongside brokers and agents to help them deliver a design-led service to their clients. From the initial viewing of the property, right through to the final stages of the buying process, the studio strives to be the go-to for all those seeking support in creating homes with exceptional interiors. “Expect big things from Accouter,” said Samuelson. “Expect to see extraordinary interior design schemes and first-class services from our award-winning, hand-picked team. Anticipate seeing us in the most recent and noteworthy developments, with a side of reinventing classic interior schemes.”