A new chapter is unfolding, and I can’t wait to share it with you. After many, many months of thinking, planning and dreaming out loud, I’ve decided to relocate to Portugal to work on new projects across the continent while continuing to provide design services to my cherished clients in London & the UK. This feels like the natural next step for Tobias Oliver; a step that brings together everything I love about design, travel, family and the search for fresh inspiration and quest for exploration.
WHY PORTUGAL? WHY NOW?
Portugal has been a dream of mine for a long time. The light, the textures, the architecture, the pace of life and the sense of possibility have been calling me for years. As well as my wonderful family (most of them anyway!), living there as their full-time home. I also made myself a promise: move to Portugal before I turn 40. With that milestone on the horizon next year, I’m beyond grateful that this dream is moving from imagination to reality. The decision isn’t impulsive – it’s been a slow and joyful unfolding; a series of conversations, sketches, site visits and late-night planning sessions that have crystallised into a clear path forward. Portugal feels like the right place to nurture new work, collaborate with makers across Europe and open doors to projects in cities I’ve long admired; while still honouring the relationships and clients I’ve built in London.
Before I look ahead, I want to pause and say thank you to Berkhamsted. Living and working here has been a gift. From the early mornings with a coffee and walks with Otto, to the late evenings finishing a design scheme; every street, shop and neighbour has been part of my creative life. I’ve laughed here, celebrated milestones here and weathered some tougher times too. Those tougher moments taught me resilience, humility and the value of a good jar of patience. Everything I’ve experienced in Berkhamsted; the small victories, the big lessons, the kind gestures from friends and clients, has shaped who I am today. I’m eternally grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey. You’ve not only been witnesses to my growth; you’ve actively contributed toward it too. Thank you.
New website!
I am absolutely thrilled with the announcement earlier this month of our new brand identity and website, launching September 29th, the culmination of a labour of love since December 2024! I can’t wait to reveal a site that celebrates everything we do: a portfolio that showcases the breadth and creativity of our design work, branding that reflects our evolution as we step into our tenth year, and an e-commerce shop dedicated to the fabrics, wallpapers, trimmings, furniture and lighting we adore. We’re extremely proud of the brands we represent and excited to bring them to our global clients in a bolder, more beautiful way.
After an extraordinarily busy year, I’ll begin my time in Portugal during October with a much needed respite; a chance to recharge, spend time with my family and loved ones, soak up the scenery, and gather fresh inspiration. From there I’ll travel the country extensively, meeting local artisans, workshop owners and makers whose craftsmanship and stories will inform and bring to life the design visions I’m developing for my European clients. I’m excited to discover unique materials, forge close collaborations and translate authentic, handmade details into bespoke projects across the continent and beyond.
I’ll never be too far away though, still tending to our UK clientele and back in November for the winter before the big leap in Spring 2026!
Looking forward to sharing all I can with you on this next chapter…
With Love,
Tobias & Otto 🐾
14th March, 2025
1st January, 2025
