Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year Award 2023.

They say good things come to those who wait and that’s certainly the case for Cape Town-based interior design firm, Gregory Mellor Design.

The studio was recently named the winner of the Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year Award 2023.

This makes them only the second South African firm in history to be awarded the prize, which was also won by Stephen Flacke in 1999.

“It is undoubtedly a crowning accomplishment to be acknowledged with this wonderful and esteemed accolade, and for us to humbly join the ranks of our long-admired design heroes,” notes Mellor on his achievement.

“We are genuinely pinching ourselves in disbelief…and we are thrilled. It is also an opportunity to showcase what the interior design community can achieve here at the southern tip of Africa and, importantly, to be able to help shine a light on the incredible workmanship and quality of the suppliers and workshops with whom we collaborate.”

From luxurious game lodges in East Africa to laid-back holiday homes in the Pacific, founder Gregory Mellor has dedicated himself to timeless human-centric design, creating sumptuous but unaffected spaces for everyday living.

Over the past two decades, Mellor has developed a penchant for bringing comfort and craft to the fore and his signature style has won him acclaim – and clients – across the globe. It’s also what bagged him the prestigious award, as Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin notes: “Gregory Mellor’s super relaxed look is so much more difficult to achieve than it looks. Effortless style requires discipline and precision. Mellor nails it.”

“We focus on how our clients want to live in their space, so that the interior relates comfortably in all ways – to its inhabitants and the context,” explains Mellor of his design approach.

“In order to achieve a timeless quality, we aim to work with authenticity and produce a result that is authentic. I hope our work encourages, enhances or contributes to the lifestyle of our clients. We have a predominantly traditional approach to our work but are unafraid to incorporate disparate elements. We are a happy and dedicated team; everyone gives their all with passion and integrity. I think this is felt intrinsically in the work we produce.”