Andy Goodwin and Tom Parker founded the London- and Los Angeles-based Fettle in 2013 after a decade working with some of London’s most notable design studios, including Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS).
Launching their own firm was the natural next step for the friends-turned-business partners, and today, their portfolio includes thoughtful creations like the Georgian hotel, their recent revitalization of a grande dame in Santa Monica, California.
What were you like as kids?
Tom Parker: I grew up in Reading, a small town outside of London. I was quite geeky and left to my own devices, I would most likely be found drawing or playing in the garden.
Andy Goodwin: [Growing up in Matlock in Derbyshire, England], my father was a design technology teacher, and I was always fascinated with drawing and making things in his workshop. In fact, we drew and designed a go-kart together.
The 1 Warwick members club in London features midcentury furniture that recalls Soho’s grittier years
What drew you to the design world?
AG: I was always interested in design, however at school, I didn’t see it as a career. I went to university to study business, but it was clear I wasn’t interested in business school. Instead, I chose to assist my housemate with his work on an interior architecture and design course. I eventually met with the head of this course and worked closely with her to develop my portfolio over the remainder of the year, which allowed me to transition over the following year. From that point, I never looked back.
TP: I studied interior architecture at Oxford Brookes University in England. I’ve always been fascinated by design in general, and prior to that, I completed a course in product design.
Why did you launch your own firm?
AG: We both started our careers together at United Designers before Tom left for Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. We still spent time together on the weekends, and he told me about an opportunity there. I followed him to MBDS shortly after.
TP: We had always discussed doing something together, and the idea of what that would be grew organically over time until we got to a point where we were both ready to take the leap. It felt natural at the time, but when I look back, I often wonder what on earth we were doing.
First work-related reality check?
TP: Our first project, a Georgian townhouse in Kensington, was commissioned by a restaurateur I knew well. What should have been a straightforward project turned into an intense production from the first day we arrived onsite. We bit off more than we could chew. Anytime you feel like a project is simple or will run smoothly, it almost always proves you wrong.
Three abstract murals by artist Jessalyn Brooks are the focal point of San Carlo restaurant in Liverpool, UK
What do you consider your big break?
TP: I would consider the wave of U.S. projects to be our big break. The Hoxton, Portland in Oregon was our first global hotel project, followed by [California properties] the Draycott and Olivetta restaurants in the Pacific Palisades and West Hollywood, and the Georgian hotel in Santa Monica.
Most challenging project you have worked on?
AG: The 1 Warwick members club in Soho [in London] was the largest project we had undertaken, and it started two months before Covid. It was a complex restoration of an existing building that included a huge amount of structural work and a new roof level. We faced many challenges through the project due to the changing fire regulations, planning issues, and the pandemic. We are so proud of what our team was able to achieve there.
Strengths and weaknesses?
AG: Our biggest weakness and one of our greatest strengths is our emotional involvement in our projects and with our clients. We care about what we do, and that can lead to us challenging decisions and directions of projects at times. Our connection to our projects leads to deeper and stronger connections with our clients and, in our opinion, better results.
Hardest part of owning your own firm?
TP: Every single thing that is not design.
One thing people don’t know about you?
TP: I’m superstitious. During the early stages of the firm, I made Andy burn a list of everything we’ve ever wanted and almost set fire to the building.
Space you love but didn’t design?
AG: I recently went to the restaurant Gigi Paris [designed by Hugo Toro] and loved it. The atmosphere is fantastic and the detailing is brilliant.
Pink and yellow hues define the Sunset Terrace at the Georgian in Santa Monica, California
Guilty pleasure?
TP: Andy and I place bets on steak and Negroni dinners even though I no longer eat meat. They are always work-related, like what date a project will finish or whether we will win a certain pitch. I owe Andy five steak dinners.
What is your dream project?
TP: One we’re working on now that’s built on an old family home on a piece of land that a river runs through, with organic farms and fishing cabins.
Best piece of advice you’ve received?
AG: Trust in yourself and your instincts.
