With three London showrooms and a dedicated commercial contracts team, our aim is to add value at every stage of a design journey: for our clients, for architects, for interior designers and design aficionados around the world.

Our Practice

We combine experience, passion and dedication

Founded in 2005 by partners in life and design, Staffan and Monique Tollgård, our practice has grown from a design studio into a multi-disciplinary practice that employs some of the brightest minds in our industry.

Meet our team
"After 15 years in the industry, it might be said that the duo finds themselves in a sweet spot which captures both youth and authority. With their portfolio of hushed luxury, the studio enjoys the industry clout which comes with such tenured experience whilst retaining the dynamism of a studio which is barely getting started."
LuxDeco Leading 100 Designers, 2020

We add value at every stage of a design journey

From a strong foundation in interior design we have brought together a curated selection of brands from around the world. Three London showrooms allow clients to experience this design quality first hand. Our Contract Sales team work directly with the trade. Our Product Design team work with world-leading brands and on our own projects.

"We have a strong, shared belief that the best interior design journeys are the shared ones, and that thoughtful, responsible and collaborative design can and should make people's lives better."
Staffan and Monique Tollgård Harpers Bazaar Feature, April 2020

Studio

The Design Studio offers an award-winning architectural interior design service for an international clientele. We work creatively and collaboratively to create bold, contemporary interiors that are eminently liveable.

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Contracts

Design-led and commercially-focused: the Tollgard contracts team is run by a group of passionate creatives who are ready to help with every stage of the design journey – locally and internationally.

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Product Design

Product design allows us to tell the story of the piece instead of the story of the space. The direct, focused narrative of each piece offers an answer to a question of living that our interior design work has uncovered.

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Three London destinations for design

We believe that great design deserves to be experienced. Our three London showrooms bring together some of the most exciting brands in the world. Set in the heart of the Pimlico and Chelsea Design District, with experienced interior designer sales people to help trade and private clients, we look forward to welcoming you.

"Tollgard is a treasure trove of interesting pieces of furniture, lighting and accessories"
House and Garden

Belgravia

Tollgard Belgravia, our flagship showroom in the Pimlico design district curates the best and the bold of international design.

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Chelsea Harbour

Tollgard Chelsea Harbour introduces exclusive brands in the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour.

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Ceccotti Collezioni

Ceccotti Collezioni – also in the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour – showcases the craftmanship and quality of this world-famous atelier.

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Our founders:

Partners in life and design

Born out of a shared passion for design, the Design Group is run and managed by Inchbald-educated, husband-and-wife team, Staffan and Monique Tollgård. A background in feature film and documentary production characterises our work: a commitment to the power of story-telling, to the narrative that our clients bring, to the history of the buildings in which we work and the shared stories of the design objects we curate in each interior.

Since 2005 Tollgard Design Group has grown from strong, shared principles. Add value. Be honest, humble and kind. Exceed expectations.
As Creative Director, Staffan has crystallised his design ethos into two principles: the search for the Scandinavian notion of the distinctive ‘Red Thread’ or creative DNA in each project, and the commitment to the creation of ‘functional sculpture’.
Monique leads the interior design arm of the company. Comprised of small teams of architectural interior designers, technicians and support staff, Tollgard Studio works on a variety of projects for private and developer clients, from large-scale new builds, listed refurbishments to decorative projects around the world.
Our Values

Our clients are at the heart of what we do

While winning awards always feels fantastic, we have understood that our commitment – first and foremost – is to the clients that have placed their trust in us. We strive to go beyond their expectations, to answer their questions of living with meaning, integrity and creativity. To help them create homes that will nurture and protect their family life.

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"They demonstrated a unique understanding of our lifestyle and taste, as well as being wonderful and inspiring people to spend time with. We continue to work with Tollgard on our London residence."
J&A, Private Clients Danish Summer House
Our philosophy has been shaped over three hundred design journeys and through our shared background in film-making and story-telling.

We ask ourselves mindful questions that effect positive changes

How can we shape the world around us to allow for better relationships, better and kinder environments that will help us, our clients and our colleagues be the best versions of themselves?

We keep coming back to a quote from Alain de Botton:

“Belief in the significance of architecture is premised on the notion that we are, for better and for worse, different people in different places – and on the conviction that it is architecture’s task to render vivid to us who we might ideally be.”

We come from a film-making background

The background we have in story- telling, feature films and documentary production characterises our design work. We think about designing a room in terms of a film script: what kind of story are we telling? How many hero pieces can a room accomodate? What can the budget stretch to? What’s the establishing shot? What do we cut away to for the close up?

Our design approach (much like a film script) starts with, and is centred on, understanding and expressing their clients’ sense of identity. Every client has a unique story. We tell it with the language of design.

What's the Red Thread?

“Röda Tråden” or the Red Thread is a phrase used across Northern Europe. It’s used to describe the guiding principle of creative endeavour, whether it be a piece of art, literature or music. The familiar thread – or trail of breadcrumbs – scattered through the work by the maker that takes you back to the heart of the piece.

In the context of design, it’s what we are always looking for in each project we undertake. It’s the design DNA that we strive to find and then express in each project. Within the client, architecture and environment are clues to a distinctive and powerful narrative: a unique red thread that we use to tell a new story using the language of design.

The Tollgard Team

Our people are amongst the brightest and the best in our industry

We strive to find and keep 360-degree designers: obsessed with design, adept with technology, passionate about people and storytelling. Our designers and consultants have a range of backgrounds and education, but we see a red thread between them. Their attention to detail and the amount they care about their projects. Design is not a job, or a career. It’s a calling.

Get in touch if you would like to be part of our team
Recent Awards & Press

Look who noticed us

We are always incredibly proud when our talented industry recognises our work. Take a look at some of our recent awards and publications our work has featured in.

See all our recent press & awards
  • Portrait shot of Staffan Tollgard

    Staffan Tollgard

    Creative Director

    As Creative Director, Staffan has crystallised his design ethos into two principles: the search for the Scandinavian notion of the distinctive ‘Red Thread’ or creative DNA in each project, and the commitment to the creation of ‘functional sculpture’.

  • Tollgard Design Group - Meet the Team - Max - Studio

    Max Pilbeam

    Sales Director

    Max has an exceptional pedigree in contract sales, having worked for several years for Habitat and Conran over the course of his career.  The cornerstone of his ethos has always been to provide a personal, thoughtful service that allows designers to maximise their creative potential and best serve their clients.  He brings a wealth of commercial and international experience to Staffan Tollgård and is delighted to be spearheading their brands and contracts division.

  • Filipa Pereira

    Head of Operations

    Filipa brings her combined experience in Operations and her knowledge of residential and commercial sales environments to Tollgard. Adaptive, enthusiastic and efficient, her love of systems and standards is second only to her commitment to the people she works with.

     

  • Erik Odell-Romanoff

    Showroom & Brand Ambassador

    Having fallen in love with design and architecture in his childhood, Erik has always been passionate about interiors and their power to transform spaces. Erik studied Interior Design at Inchbald in 2003 alongside Tollgard founder, Staffan Tollgård. Over the last 10 years, he has amassed an encyclopaedic knowledge of the best brands in the industry. Erik heads up Tollgard Agency with a dedicated approach and his trademark exuberance, sharing the stories of makers and brands from the Tollgard portfolio with architects and designers across the globe.

  • Portrait photo of Laura Shrimpton - Showroom Sales & Business Development at Tollgard Design Group

    Laura Shrimpton

    Showroom Manager - Belgravia

    Laura trained at the prestigious Chelsea College of Arts, where she gained a BA (Hons) in Textile Design. Laura’s design background includes several years working as a Fashion Print Designer, where she further developed her flair and sensitivity for colour, composition and natural attention to detail. Bringing these complementary skills and experiences with her to the Showroom Interior Design team, her work is underpinned by enthusiasm and energy for people, storytelling and space and essentially, a deep interest in the overlap of these.  

     

  • Dario Passare

    Showroom Manager - Ceccotti

    Dario studied Architecture in his native city of Palermo, Sicily. He worked as a successful interior architect across Europe for several years before moving to London, bringing with him a meticulous manner of working and a refined aesthetic sensibility. At the helm of Ceccotti Collezioni’s London flagship, he presents the brand’s timeless designs and sophisticated silhouettes to interior designers, architects and discerning clients, bringing high-end residential and commercial schemes to life. 

  • Dominique Lucas Contracts Sales Associate at Tollgard Design Group

    Dominique Lucas

    Head of Contracts

    Dominique has a background in design spanning over 10 years in fields from luxury jewellery to artisan furniture, and has worked across the globe in Italy, Mexico, and the UK. She brings this broad experience to the contracts team, along with a fine attention to detail and a love for all things about furniture. Her client centred approach combined with exceptional organisational skills are the key ingredients to her project management success.

  • Paolo Arca

    Sales Consultant

    As an enthusiastic and energetic individual, Paolo has created a solid foundation within the interiors market as a dedicated salesperson. He continues to be curious about new trends and exciting brands within the space, always seeking the best solutions for his clients.

     

  • Carmelo Carpillo

    Sales and Procurement Coordinator

    With a degree in Architecture and a master’s degree in landscaping, Carmelo’s passion for interior solutions has grown with over ten years of experience in the retail industry. Carmelo is a results-driven enthusiast with a track record of excellence in both procurement and supply chain management. Believing that responsible procurement is key for trusted and long-lasting collaborative relationships, has meant his commitment to excellence and the passion for his job make Carmelo an asset in the field of procurement.

  • Hannah Culshaw

    Contracts Procurement Coordinator

    Hannah’s early fascination with art and design moved her to study History of Art and Design at Kingston University. Hannah brings over 12 years of experience to the contracts team, with a broad background covering bathrooms, furniture, and lighting within both the residential and commercial arena. Hannah’s thorough approach and fine attention to detail ensures every project is managed by her excellence as a procurement professional. 

  • Simona Ligorio

    Sales Consultant

    Simona is a creative and inquisitive individual who moved to London from Italy, after gaining her MA in Semiotics and User Experience Design. Driven by a passion for media, technology, and design, she applies her UXD knowledge to the world of Interior Design. She is interested in how people create meaningful connections with the intangible digital world and their tangible surroundings, such as their homes. She brings a kind, thoughtful, and creative approach to every project she works on.

  • Tatiana Vedmediuc

    Showroom Design & Sales Consultant

    Tatiana is a recent graduate from the KLC School of Design. She brings with her with a foundation education in product design at the Technical University of Moldova. Tatiana’s firm belief is that good design persists above all trends and should make a lasting impression.

  • Josephine Elijah

    Office Manager

    Josephine joins the Tollgard family at Grosvenor Waterside, as Office Manager & Sales Assistant. She trained at Queen Mary University of London and British Academy of Interior Design, where she gained BSc (Hons) in Business Management & BA (Hons) in Interior Design. Having worked in the luxury Interior Design market for several years, and with her friendly and pleasant personality, she enjoys providing excellent customer care and highly efficient, comprehensive office support.