Forbes
Kit Kemp, the creative force behind Firmdale Hotels, has reimagined what luxury hospitality looks like.
Known for her bold and eclectic style, the British interior designer and hotelier has turned hot spots like the Soho Hotel, Covent Garden Hotel and the Whitby into more than just places to rest, meet and work—the vibe is beautifully curated homes. With properties spanning from London to New York plus Barbados, each location reflects Kemp’s signature flair for vibrant color, unexpected details and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
What sets Kemp apart from her peers is her fearless approach to pattern, texture and color, combined with her commitment to showcasing artisanal craftsmanship and contemporary art. Her work has earned high marks, including the Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year Award, also known as the Oscars of the design world, and House & Garden’s Top 100 Designers and Architects.
Beyond hotels, Kemp has authored several top-selling design books and has collaborated with brands such as Anthropologie, Wedgwood and Chelsea Textiles to create tableware, fabrics and furniture collections.
PERSISTENCE
In an industry often dominated by minimalism and masculine perspectives, Kemp’s persistence in championing her distinctive aesthetic has been nothing short of revolutionary. She speaks with layers of thoughtful insights delivered with an infectious enthusiasm that make even the most complex design principles feel accessible.
Kemp’s early career benefited from what she calls “the arrogance of youth”—a quality she now appreciates as essential to breaking new ground. “It’s difficult if you’re an impulsive person,” she says. “I was always impulsive and had the arrogance of youth. The arrogance of youth is a savior … you can look at a Picasso and think you can do that.”
This fearlessness meant she trusted her distinctive style when conventional wisdom might have pushed for safer, more homogenized designs. Her advice to young designers reflects this philosophy: “When you are young, you can be oversensitive,” she says. “Women can take things personally … if something doesn’t go your way, you just have to dust yourself down and be persistent. You can’t sulk in your bedroom. Someone may have been insulting; remember you are young, let it drift over you, and keep on.”
Kemp’s tenacity extends to how she evaluates talent as well. “I have had people want to come to work for me; if they are persistent, then I will give them a second or third review,” she shares. This appreciation for determination reflects her own journey—recognizing that genuine passion often manifests as a willingness to “come in at a different angle” and keep pushing forward despite setbacks.
PURPOSE
While Kemp’s designs may appear effortlessly eclectic, her business and creative approach reveals a sophisticated strategic mindset that balances artistic vision with commercial success. Rather than following trends, she has established a distinctive strategy centered on authenticity, craftsmanship and creating spaces that tell compelling stories.
“Keep your own counsel, as it were,” Kemp advises. “It’s part of your DNA; listen to yourself, and have your own guidelines and creative parameters.” This commitment to a personal true north has allowed her to develop a recognizable aesthetic without falling into predictability. Each property has a distinct identity while bearing her artistic signature.
Interestingly, Kemp’s business strategy deliberately avoids common industry practices. “Don’t try to please someone else; the best thing to do is to do something to please yourself and those around you. My hotels are my little treasure boxes. You shouldn’t think of them as a brand. Make your brand your secret,” she explains. “When I see a brand, they are going to sell it. I want to keep it. It is a passion, something that has been built together.”
This counter-intuitive approach—resisting the urge to aggressively market her aesthetic as a brand—has paradoxically strengthened her position as one of the most recognizable voices in design. By maintaining quality and artistic integrity, she’s created demand without diluting her vision.
Kemp strategically infuses storytelling into her designs, often drawing on cultural heritage and craft traditions. At the Whitby Hotel, for example, she showcases craftsmanship through an installation of traditional baskets. “Each basket for the bar at the Whitby has a story. One was used in Wales, in the British Isles, to collect apples or flowers. Some baskets won’t be made now; they are time pieces.” This strategic incorporation of narrative elements creates emotional connections with guests while preserving cultural heritage.
PASSION
Kemp’s passion for craftsmanship radiates throughout her work. “It is always craft. I love craft. Being made by hand,” she declares with undisguised enthusiasm. This dedication to artisanal techniques forms the emotional core of her design philosophy, creating spaces that feel personal and soulful rather than mass-produced.
What truly distinguishes Kemp is how she celebrates the beauty of imperfection. She explains. “True original craftsmanship often comes with slight imperfection. An imperfection can make you look twice. It is the creator’s handwriting.” This passionate attention to a human touch creates spaces that engage visitors on multiple levels.
Her passion extends to cultural preservation and inclusion. When designing the Whitby Hotel, she created a visual representation of diversity through craftsmanship. “I oversee everything that goes into the building, the art and we had so many different nationalities working on the site.” By incorporating traditional crafts from various cultures, she honors both the artisans and their heritage while creating something entirely contemporary.
Her passionate commitment to authentic expression echoes in her advice: “Be proud of who you are, your vanity. Be authentic; they will like you.” This philosophy underpins both her personal approach and her design work—creating spaces that confidently express a point of view rather than trying to please everyone.
