In the world of contemporary interiors, where craftsmanship and storytelling collide, Under One Roof Collective has carved out a space for emerging designers to thrive. Known for its meticulously curated selection of furniture, lighting, textiles, and photography, the collective is a celebration of artistry at its most intentional. Now, in an exciting evolution of accessibility and sustainability, Under One Roof Collective’s coveted pieces are available for rent on Poppy—a move that redefines how we experience design in our spaces.
To delve deeper Poppy sat down with founder and designer Gigi Cooke, a passionate advocate for fostering creative talent, Cooke shares insights into the collective’s journey, the philosophy behind its curation, and the significance of embracing a rental model in today’s design landscape.
1. What drove you to create 'Under One Roof Collective’? And how did you come up with the name?
As designers ourselves, Henry and I saw first-hand the challenges that emerging designers in the UK face when trying to showcase and sell their work. Gaining visibility, accessing opportunities, and connecting with the right people can be incredibly difficult.
That’s why we created Under One Roof Collective—an online gallery dedicated to supporting up-and-coming designers and makers. In addition to selling and featuring their work, we also host pop-up events across the UK to provide even more exposure.
The name Under One Roof reflects our mission of bringing diverse creative talents together under a single platform, fostering a vibrant community where designers can grow, collaborate, and thrive. Our gallery offers a curated selection of interior design pieces, including furniture, lighting, textiles, and photography, with a focus on supporting designers in the beginning of their careers.
2. Can you share some of the biggest inspirations behind the design processes among your makers?
Many of our designers draw inspiration from their surroundings, whether it's the natural environment, urban landscapes, or the architecture around them. For others, inspiration comes from the materials themselves and the process of manipulating them to create unique forms. Each designer brings their own perspective, resulting in a diverse range of creative influences that shape their work.
3. Who do you envision as your ideal customer?
Our ideal customer is someone who appreciate the craftsmanship and story behind each piece, finding joy in the uniqueness and character it brings to their space.
4. If you could share one message or feeling with people who bring your pieces into their spaces, what would it be?
My message would be to enjoy the pieces and truly love them. The best thing you can do is embrace them as part of your everyday life. We hope that each piece brings joy to your space and allows you to express your personal style, creating a sense of connection and happiness every time you use it.
5. How do you incorporate sustainable craftsmanship into your designs, and why is this important to you?
Sustainability is a core value for us, and every designer involved is deeply committed to incorporating it into their practice. Each piece is made with purpose and longevity in mind, ensuring it’s not only beautiful but also built to last.
Sustainability is reflected in every aspect of the design process from material choices to production methods and finishes. These factors are carefully considered from the very beginning to minimise environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.
6. What role does the manufacturing process play in shaping the aesthetics of your pieces?
Each piece is a reflection of our designers and their practice. Most are handmade by the designers themselves, making them truly one of a kind, no two pieces are ever exactly alike. This uniqueness adds a personal and thoughtful touch, as each creation becomes an extension of the designer’s character and artistic vision.
The aesthetics of each piece are rooted in materiality and intentionality, ensuring that every design carries its own personality, whether it evokes playfulness, serenity, peace, or comfort.
For pieces not made directly by the designers, we collaborate with skilled local craftspeople across the UK, ensuring that every item is crafted with care while also supporting the local craft industry.
7. What excites you most about bringing your products to a rental model? How do you see this shaping the future of your brand?
Our products are perfect for a rental model because each piece is unique and full of character—something you don’t find in mass-produced items. Every design has a purpose and is created by passionate designers, making each piece a meaningful addition to thoughtfully created spaces.
Embracing a rental model allows us to make high-quality, one-of-a-kind designs more accessible while promoting a more sustainable approach to interiors. We see this as an opportunity to expand our reach, introduce our work to new audiences, and encourage a culture of appreciation for craftsmanship and design. The future of our brand is to share the stories of our designers to help them flourish in an amazing creative industry.
8. What can we expect to see from Under One Roof Collective in the future?
In the future, we aim to grow and expand our reach, selling more work to customers and collaborating on custom projects to produce unique furniture, lighting and textiles. We also plan to host more pop-up exhibitions to showcase our designers’ work in person, giving them the exposure they deserve.
We’re looking forward to collaborating with architects and interior designers to place our curated pieces in thoughtfully designed spaces.