Thinking of giving your business a bit of a glow-up? Say hello to Jim Butterell – the man behind Studio Jim, a one-man interior design studio based here in Sheffield. With over a decade of experience under his belt, Jim’s known for transforming all sorts of spaces – from clothes shops to indie opticians – into places that look great and actually work for the people using them. Exposed caught up with him to chat about how it all started, what the design process looks like and why good interior design doesn’t have to break the bank.
So Jim, what is Studio Jim all about?
It’s just me – hence the name! I’ve been in the interior design industry for nearly 14 years. I spent ten of those years working as Head of Interiors at another company, but when that business was being sold, I decided it was time to go solo. That was about two and a half years ago now, and Studio Jim was born.
And how’s the solo life treating you?
Very stressful at times – but amazing! It’s that classic business owner scale of ‘Where’s the next job coming from?’ vs. ‘I never say no to anything.’ But I don’t think that churn ever really stops, and I’ve learned to enjoy the ride.
What kind of work do you focus on?
Mainly commercial interiors – so cafes, restaurants, pubs, workspaces, and quite a few opticians, oddly enough! There was a big government push in the 80s for people to open opticians, and loads of those businesses haven’t changed much since. A lot of my work is helping independents refresh those spaces and appeal to new generations. It’s not just about selling products anymore – it’s about experience. People want to walk in and feel something.
Are there any local projects people might know you from?
I worked on the interior design for The Sapiens Project in Orchard Square – that was a really interesting one. It was super-fast turnaround but loads of creativity. We built this almost sci-fi imaging chamber – like something out of Sci-Fi! It’s all about building an immersive space, but still keeping it warm and inviting. I love that balance.
What’s the typical process when a client comes to you?
It usually starts with a chat – often through socials or word of mouth. We talk about what they’re after, what they want to achieve and, of course, the budget (always an awkward one!). A lot of clients are putting their life savings into these businesses, so it’s about building trust. From there, we go through stages: concept, development, technical drawings, costings – all the way to the final fit-out.
Do you prefer working with clients who come in with strong ideas or blank slates?
Honestly, both. Even when someone thinks they know exactly what they want, my job is to find the thread through their thinking. It’s rarely about the image they show me – it’s about what that image represents in terms of how the space should work. And if someone’s got no clue, that’s just as fun.
Any other standout projects?
I did the flagship store for Batch London last year – they sell sustainable suits, made to order. Very cool guys, really creative. I’ve also worked with YesColours, a sustainable paint company – lots of pop-up stands and showroom work. And back in the day, I did Marmaduke’s on Ecclesall Road. That one felt like my baby; I loved working on that project.
What do you enjoy most about the job?
The moment when it clicks. There’s a whole emotional rollercoaster – “This is great”, “Is this right?”, “I’m terrible”, and then the client loves it, and you remember why you love it. But honestly, after all these years, nothing beats walking into a space that was just a drawing on my screen 12 months ago and seeing people using it. That amazement never fades.
What would you say to businesses who think hiring an interior designer might be out of reach?
It’s a common worry. People often don’t factor in a designer when budgeting, or they worry it’ll cost a fortune. But in most cases, I end up saving clients money – whether that’s through smart sourcing, knowing how to design around standard material sizes or avoiding costly mistakes. Plus, working with someone small like me means it’s personal. There’s no account manager between you and your designer – it’s just me, and I’m with you every step of the way.
Last one: what makes someone a good fit for this kind of work?
Flexibility. You’ve got to be able to scale up, scale down, pivot quickly – especially with independents. But more than anything, you’ve got to love it. I’m not in this for the money – I genuinely love going on that design journey with people. That’s what Studio Jim is all about.
To see more of Jim’s work or get in touch, head to www.studiojim.co or follow @jimbutterell on Instagram.
