The SHEPEL’ co-founder on redefining bespoke furniture with meticulous craftsmanship, timeless aesthetics, and sustainable design
How would you sum up the SHEPEL’ ethos?
A celebration of meticulous attention to detail, exceptional design, and masterful craftsmanship. Every piece we create embodies these core principles, ensuring that functionality and beauty are seamlessly integrated. Our commitment to these values allows us to deliver truly unique and bespoke furniture and interiors, perfectly tailored to the distinctive tastes and lifestyle needs of our discerning clientele.
Tell us about your design journey
Over 15 years ago, in Ukraine, my wife Helen and I embarked on a journey to establish an architecture and interior design company. As our reputation grew and our vision expanded, we decided to set up our London business since we had identified it as the global design destination. We recognised the need for a comprehensive approach that not only encompassed design but also the manufacturing of furniture. Thus, the idea of creating our own full-cycle furniture production was born, allowing us to offer our clients a complete service, from concept to creation, ensuring the utmost quality in every aspect of their project.
The SHEPEL’ aesthetic feels very modern, yet timeless. How do you achieve that sense of longevity in your designs?
SHEPEL’ achieves an ageless yet modern aesthetic through a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and innovative design. Our in-house design team’s passion ensures that every bespoke piece is functional and enduringly beautiful. We pair classic design principles with innovative techniques, resulting in pieces that reflect our clients’ unique tastes and will stand the test of time.
The team produce truly unique, bespoke interior pieces that reflect the character and lifestyle of their owners
What drives your choice of materials, and how do they shape the creative process?
Our commitment to quality and artistry. We source only the finest natural materials from around the world, including exquisite woods, metals, stone, and premium fabrics such as leather, cashmere, and mohair. These materials are selected not only for their luxurious aesthetic qualities but also their resilience and ability to age gracefully.
Natural woods, with their unique grains and tactile appeal, evoke a sense of timeless elegance and connection to nature, while materials like metal and glass provide balance and modernity. These considered material combinations allow us to craft designs that are both visually striking and functional, tailored to each client’s tastes and lifestyle. Every detail is carefully considered to create living spaces that are deeply personal and effortlessly luxurious.
Tell us about the role of sustainability.
As designers, we must take the lead on sustainability and constantly seek out more eco-friendly practices and production methods. We advocate the “buy once, buy well” philosophy. While our furniture pieces are an investment, each piece will stand the test of time and last a lifetime in your home. We strive to avoid responding to fast-paced trends and instead design timeless pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation.
And how do you see the brand evolving in the future?
Global recognition through tailored expansion. Beyond London we plan to establish our next showrooms in iconic design hubs such as New York, Europe, and the Middle East, showcasing our unparalleled craftsmanship and bespoke service to a broader audience. But despite our growth, our core philosophy remains unwavering: to deliver exceptional design, impeccable quality, and personalised service that exceeds our clients’ expectations. As we continue to evolve, SHEPEL’ will remain synonymous with luxury, innovation, and timeless design.
