Orka Interiör Celebrates Five Years of Leading Yorkshire Interior Design

A Yorkshire interior design studio that emerged during the challenges of 2020 is celebrating five years in business this November.

Orka Interiör was created by Design Director Kim Crowther and Creative Director Abigail Smith after the pair were invited to collaborate on a large residential project in Halifax. Both had spent years in commercial interiors, working on pubs, bars and restaurants for clients such as Mitchells & Butlers, Punch Taverns and Star Pubs & Bars.

When the pandemic paused much of the industry, they took the opportunity to establish their own practice, building a business rooted in creativity, balance and local connection.

“Starting Orka in the middle of such a turbulent year was a leap of faith,” said Kim. “We wanted to bring together our experience from commercial design and apply it to a more personal, collaborative studio environment. Five years later, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved and the relationships we’ve built along the way.”

The studio’s name comes from a Scandinavian word meaning to have the energy, strength or will to do something, a sentiment that reflected the founders’ determination during a challenging time.

Since then, Orka Interiör has delivered a wide range of projects across Yorkshire and Greater Manchester, covering everything from private homes to offices and hospitality venues.

A standout commission at Lawress Hall, a landmark development in Lincolnshire, earned the team a Northern Design Award nomination and cemented their growing reputation in the region.

Abigail added: “From our first project to where we are now, we’ve grown in confidence and creativity. We’ve been lucky to work with wonderful clients who trust us to shape their homes and businesses. Looking ahead, we’re keen to expand further into office design and bring another designer into the team as we continue to grow.”

Now entering its fifth year, Orka Interiör says its focus remains on thoughtful, collaborative design that brings imagination and purpose to every project.

To find out more about how Orka Interiör are transforming commercial spaces through interior design, including offices, restaurants and bars, please visit the Orka Interiör website.