The Studio
Founded in 2014 by James Cooper and Melanie David de Sauzea, Locus Design brings together over 30 years of relevant experience from previous international design practices they have worked for, including a wide range of exclusive private residential and work place projects both in the UK and abroad.
Our Values
Our founding principle is that the design of a good home should encompass every facet of our clients’ lives, from the everyday mundane to the inspired, from moments of calm reflection to those of joy and laughter. Equally, we recognise that it can be a place of gathering and celebration, a place of work, a place of rest and a place to reconnect to nature and the world beyond.
Our Approach
We take a collaborative and personal approach to working with our clients, enabling us to truly understand who they are, how they live and how they might want to live in the future. This places our clients at the very heart of their own project, and allows their new home to reflect their unique needs and aspirations.
James Cooper
With over 20 years experience in the UK, France and Middle East, James is a RIBA registered architect and co-founder of Locus Design. Having previously founded Urban Velvet Design, he was responsible for leading the architecture and interior design team on a number of residential, hotel and work place projects in the role of company director.
Prior to this, as an associate for international architecture and design practice BDP, James was responsible for several significant Grade I listed and award winning projects.
Although a practising architect, James has also carried out the leading role of client representative and design adviser for a number of large super prime residential projects in UK and France. His expertise and leadership in overseeing complex projects and acting on behalf of overseas clients encompass James’s approach at Locus Design.
Melanie David de Sauzea
Melanie is a CFAI French registered interior architect and designer with over 15 years experience. Prior to co-founding Locus Design in 2014 she was a senior design associate at Lawson Robb and the head of interiors at Urban Velvet Design. Melanie has overseen a wide range of high end private residential, boutique hotel and work place projects in the UK, and abroad.
Melanie also has an extensive experience in the role of client representative and design adviser, giving her a clear and intuitive understanding of the exacting needs of her clients.
“Melanie took the time to understand what we liked, and didn’t like, creating beautifully laid out rooms. She is a joy to work with and has a great eye for design and detail.”
Feel free to call us for a chat
