Forget everything you think you know about interior designers.

 

We have a distinctly different approach…

Years in Business

Awards Won

Happy Homeowners (& counting!)

What Makes us Different?

Our philosophy is simple: we want you to feel good about your home.  Not just in how it looks, but in how it works for you and the way you live.


There are 6 aspects of our work that underpin our distinctly different approach to luxury family homes:

1. Design First, Build Second

Most interior designers are brought in after construction or alterations have started, which often leads to rushed decisions and compromises.

We do things the other way around.  By planning your home from the inside out, we make sure everything flows beautifully and works exactly as you need it to – before any site work begins. It’s a smarter, more thoughtful approach that saves stress (and avoids mistakes or changes of heart down the line).

2. See It Before You Commit

Big decisions feel easier when you can see exactly what you’re getting.  That’s why we create high-quality 3D visuals as standard, so you can experience your finished space before a single wall is painted or a piece of furniture is ordered.   Being able to see your future home in advance of any structural changes is particularly effective.

It’s about confidence, clarity and avoiding those ‘I wish I’d known’ moments.

3. A Process That Puts You First

Good design starts with getting to know you – how you live, what you love, and what feels like home to you.  We take the time to understand the details that make a difference, so the end result feels natural, effortless and completely you.

4. Quality That Speaks for Itself

We believe in craftsmanship, not quick fixes. That means working with trusted British makers and skilled local tradespeople to create interiors that not only look stunning but stand the test of time.

5. Sustainability, Without the Guilt

We’re not about box-ticking or token ‘green’ choices – but we do believe in being responsible.  That means ensuring unwanted furniture goes to charity or those in need, recycling packaging wherever possible, and designing with longevity in mind.

A well-made, well-thought-out home is naturally more sustainable.

6. Clarity on Cost, Certainty on Quality

No hidden extras. No nasty surprises. We believe in being upfront about costs from the start – not just for our design services but for the whole project. That means clear, structured pricing and a full picture of what’s involved, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

What makes us tick?

At The House Ministry we aim to inspire and delight you in equal measure.  As a team, we value integrity, approachability and accountability.  You’ll find our communications are clear, our processes efficient.

You’ll inevitably have queries about what we do and how we work, and we’re very happy to provide comprehensive answers to all your questions. Simply glossing over them really isn’t our style.

You can find answers to typical questions on our FAQs page and in our THM Design Insights  centre. And please do just ask us if you have a different query. 

Why choose us?

The House Ministry is an award-winning interior design studio with a reputation for taking the time to truly understand your needs and delivering high-quality client experiences that exceed expectations.

Established in 2011 by Julia Murray and based in Cheltenham, we’re a team of qualified and experienced designers and Project Co-ordinators working on luxury family homes, be they stylish period properties or contemporary homes, across the Cotswolds and beyond.  We work with clients based in the UK, Europe and the USA. 

 

Read on to meet the members of our team…

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Julia Murray

Founder & Senior Design Director

I’m Julia Murray, founder of The House Ministry, and I specialise in creating stylish, relaxed homes that feel effortless yet beautifully put together.

Before interiors, I spent over a decade in project management at EMI Records—an experience that shaped the way I work today.  Managing multiple projects, problem-solving under pressure, and keeping multiple moving parts on track are second nature to me—essential skills for delivering high-quality interiors without the usual stress.

My love for design grew from renovating our own homes.  I quickly realised that trades don’t always collaborate well, leading to costly mistakes, and that a home can be beautifully built yet still feel ‘off’ if the interiors aren’t fully considered from the start.  Determined to get it right…

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I trained in interior design and developed my own approach — balancing creative vision with meticulous (and logical) planning to ensure spaces work as beautifully as they look.

As founder, I lead a talented team, creating an environment where fresh ideas and expertise combine to deliver exceptional results.  I believe great design is always a collaboration, and I love seeing my team grow alongside each project.

Beyond design, I find inspiration in travel, art, and architecture, and I love nothing more than spending time with my family—because ultimately, home is where everything comes together.

If you’re looking for clarity, structure, and exceptional design, I’d love to chat with you.

Jess Platt

Midweight Designer

After graduating in 2021 with a degree in Interior Architecture and Design, Jess quickly became part of our team as an Interior Design Assistant and has since progressed to the role of Midweight Designer.

With a keen eye for detail, Jess specialises in producing precise CAD drawings and 3D visuals, working closely with specialist trades to bring design concepts to life. She draws on her expertise in spatial planning to develop thoughtful, well-considered designs, always exploring creative solutions to meet each client’s needs.

As an integral member of the design team, she plays a key role in every phase of a project, from initial concept development through to final installation, ensuring a cohesive and well-executed design.

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For Jess, the most rewarding part of the job is seeing a client’s reaction to a completed project—witnessing how a thoughtfully designed space can enhance their daily life is what fuels her passion.

Committed to continuous development, Jess regularly attends CPD sessions and trade shows to stay at the forefront of design trends and innovations. She has also recently renovated her own home, gaining invaluable hands-on experience of the renovation process and what it truly means to live through one!

Outside of work, Jess loves returning to her seaside hometown to spend quality time with family and friends, always finding fresh inspiration in the coastal surroundings.

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Neil Murray

Fractional Finance Director

Concerned with fiscal integrity, Neil’s wealth of financial expertise in a number of senior roles within the Financial Services industry enables him to provide robust support to The House Ministry with the disciplined management of our client’s budgets.

With a strong focus on the financial and planning aspects of every project and taking a strategic view, he ensures there is full accountability of any money that is held or spent on the client’s behalf.

KELSEY WEBB

Administration & Project Co-ordinator

Meet the newest member of The House Ministry! With a background in Wedding Co-ordination and Executive Assistance, Kelsey is our administration expert.  

She makes sure everything is running smoothly behind the scenes, keeping track of orders, project timelines and handle all the admin magic that helps us deliver our beautiful designs. She brings an eye for detail and is already proving her worth as an essential part of the team.

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What drives her? Turning dreams into a reality. Kelsey’s career journey has strengthened her organisation skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage projects efficiently. Her methodical approach and commitment to excellence is what drives her to deliver exceptional results for our clients. 

When she’s not at work, you’ll find her training at the ice rink. Figure skating has been a fascination of hers since childhood – the precision, passion, and seamless coordination.

Just like in design, every element must come together perfectly to create an award-winning finish!

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“Extremely happy with the result.

Really fantastic little black book of tradespeople who were such high quality professionals.

Loads of time and pressure taken off us.

LOVE the installation process, just walking into a finished home.”

Dan & Kerry