In this interview we meet Jose Rivero and Lee McNicholl, founders and Creative Directors of Studio Sixty7 an international design atelier with an impressive portfolio of commercial and residential projects including Maldivian resorts, private beach and water villas to social spaces and bars. Here the duo share with us the story behind their journey so far, along with key insights into design trends – and much more!
Please tell us a little more about your background and career pre–Studio Sixty7.
Jose: Originally from Venezuela, I moved to Spain, where I studied interior design at IADE in Madrid before moving to the UK to join a leading international design practice. I worked there for around seven years on some of the studio’s most high-profile projects around the world, which gave me incredible insight into the needs and expectations of clients. I was like a sponge during that time – the opportunities were amazing, and it’s where I truly honed the knowledge and skills that have prepared me for this next chapter at our own design atelier, Studio Sixty7.
Lee: I’m a Northern boy at heart. I studied architecture at Newcastle University before shifting my focus towards interior design. In 2010, I was recognised as one of the UK’s top five emerging designers at the New Designers Awards in London – at a time when it was incredibly tough for young designers to get a foot in the door. I essentially worked for free for the first six months of my career and built from there, eventually spending 13 years at one of the top international design practices, where I progressed to Creative Director and led a team of over 50. It was a dream job – and where Jose and I first met.
Jose: What was great for us both was that we worked side by side on the company’s largest commercial projects and high-profile clients around the world. It meant we really got to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and found a natural rhythm working together.
How was the idea for Studio Sixty7 born, and what was the journey to make the idea a reality?
Jose: I planted the seed! And I’m so glad I did. Lee and I had worked on so many projects together, and I remember being in LA on a job, looking around and realising that I’d reached an incredible point in my career – but I didn’t want to become complacent. I pitched the idea to Lee, and the look of shock on his face said it all! He’s slightly less of a risk taker, but once he saw the possibilities, we started planning what we wanted to create and how we’d present ourselves as a design duo.
Lee: It was both daunting and exciting. We spent hours planning and coming up with different studio names – honestly, the number of ideas we went through! It must be what naming a child feels like. We really wanted to capture who we are and create a strong, timeless brand right from the start.
Please tell us more about your design philosophy and how it differs from others within the industry.
Jose: Our design philosophy is simple – to create a narrative. To tell a story. To embrace the cultural heritage of wherever the project is based – and most importantly, to have fun while doing it.
Lee: For us, it’s about the people. Life is serious enough, so we want the process of working with us to be memorable and enjoyable. We’ve been entrusted to create something personal, whether for a private client or a commercial project, and we always aim to deliver that with care, creativity and a human touch.
Each project you work on is bespoke to your client’s requests – what has been the most challenging brief to date?
Lee: Designing an overwater restaurant in just one week! Not only do you have the challenge of designing over water – with all the structural and environmental factors that come with it – but you also have to ensure it feels grounded and secure. No one wants a restaurant that sways on its columns!
Jose: Exactly. Tight timelines mean you have to manage expectations and be honest with clients. We always smile when commercial clients say, “We need it yesterday!” As creatives, we always want time to work our magic and deliver our best – but part of the job is finding the balance between ambition and practicality.
Your portfolio includes both residential and commercial projects within the hospitality sector – is there a clear demarcation between the deliverables for the two?
Jose: Ultimately, both come down to budget and value – but the approach differs. Commercial projects are typically fast-paced, with tighter budgets and deadlines, as they’re focused on return on investment. There’s a strong emphasis on efficiency and functionality because, at the end of the day, it’s a business.
Lee: Private residential work, on the other hand, is much more personal and emotionally driven. The deliverables often include a deeper layer of consultation, custom detailing, and a more immersive design journey. Clients are more involved in decision-making, and we spend more time refining the smallest details that reflect their personality and lifestyle. With commercial projects, the focus is on scalability, durability, and brand storytelling; with residential, it’s about intimacy, comfort, and creating something that feels truly “theirs.”
Are there any trends you’ve recently observed in the luxury hospitality sector, and how do you balance these with your core philosophy?
Lee: There’s definitely been a shift towards connection and experience – guests want interaction within the spaces. We’ve been designing open kitchens in resort restaurants, where guests can sit around the same island as chefs prepare dishes. There’s something beautiful about that level of intimacy and transparency.
Jose: For me, it’s all about materiality. There are so many incredible finishes emerging, but one that continues to stand the test of time is Moroccan plaster. The texture, tones and tactile warmth it creates are magical – it’s like a soft embrace. In one of our recent projects in the Maldives, we used plaster throughout the resort – from suites to public areas – because it’s so versatile and timeless.
Sustainability is becoming central to luxury travel. How do you integrate environmentally conscious practices without compromising design?
Jose: Sustainability is integral to everything we do – regardless of project type. When we worked on a boutique hotel in Sri Lanka, designing consciously and responsibly was non-negotiable.
Lee: We sourced all materials locally to reduce the carbon footprint and worked with local artisans to repurpose existing furniture instead of replacing it. We reupholstered chairs, refinished tables – giving them a new life. It really reinforced the idea that not everything needs to be brand new to feel luxurious.
What’s next for Studio Sixty7?
Jose: We’re super excited about what’s coming up! We’re currently completing more resorts in the Maldives, as well as private residences in London and Mauritius – all completely different in look and feel, which keeps it exciting for us.
Lee: We’re also curating a collection of antiques we’ve sourced from our travels – pieces that tell stories and celebrate craftsmanship. As always, it’s about narrative and meaning.
Luxury is highly subjective – what does it mean to you?
Lee: Freedom and time.
Jose: Simplicity and discretion.
Finally, what is your life motto?
Lee: My dad always says, “You have one mouth and two ears – use them in that proportion.” Listen more than you speak, be a sponge, and never stop learning.
Jose: Each day is a new opportunity, and to always stay true to your core values.
Photographer credit: Tom Fallon
