5 Minutes with Katya Gorshkova

After more than a decade with Kettle Collective, Katya reflects on the experiences that have shaped her approach to interior design, the importance of collaboration and what makes a space feel truly considered and balanced.

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What brought you to Kettle Collective, and what were you doing before?

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Before joining Kettle Collective, I worked with Tony Kettle and Colin Bone at RMJM, where we developed a strong sense of trust and understanding in the way we worked together.

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When they set up Kettle Collective and invited me to join the interior design team, it felt like a natural continuation of that journey, but also an exciting opportunity to be part of something new. I was drawn to the chance to grow alongside a diverse team, learn from the people around me and play a role in shaping the practice as it evolved. It was a great honour, but also a significant responsibility, to be part of that journey from the beginning.

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How has your career evolved over the years?

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Before moving to the UK, I spent more than six years working across Eastern Europe in different roles, from landscape and architectural design to CGI, before eventually specialising in interiors.

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"That range of experience taught me that design disciplines do not exist in isolation; they are interconnected and each can bring a different perspective to the design process."

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Since moving to the UK in 2012, I’ve progressed from Junior Designer to Interior Design Associate. One of the most meaningful parts of my role today is mentoring younger designers, passing on experience while learning from them in return.

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Which project has most shaped your approach to interior design, and why?

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The Majid Al Futtaim Mosque in Dubai, where I led the interior design, has been one of the most significant projects in my career. The concept centred on the relationship between light, shadow and material, particularly the patterns created by the mashrabiya screens and the way light is refracted through the prismatic glass blocks of the mihrab arch.

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Visiting the completed mosque shortly before its official opening was particularly meaningful. Seeing the design realised as a completed space, with a sense of elegance and tranquillity, was incredibly rewarding. The project later received Best Cultural Building of the Year at the Middle East Design Awards, but what stayed with me most was the experience of creating it alongside such a talented and hard-working team.
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What inspires your approach to interiors, and what makes a space feel right to you?

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I draw a lot of inspiration from the places I visit and the people I meet. Working in an international practice exposes me to different cultures, traditions, patterns, clothing and architectural details, and those references often find their way into the way I think about interiors. I’m also drawn to designers who are willing to take risks, question trends and experiment with form, colour and texture.

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For me, a space feels right when all elements come together to create a balanced mood and atmosphere. Form, material, colour and lighting each play a part, but the experience goes beyond what we see. The most successful interiors engage all the sense through touch, texture, sound and even scent.

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If one element feels out of place, it can affect the whole composition.

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"The most successful interiors are the ones where everything feels considered, but nothing feels forced."

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What interests you outside of work?

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I’m fascinated by anything that changes the way I see the world, from learning about outer space and the universe to macro photography, which reveals details and textures we would not normally see with the naked eye. I also love seeing familiar places through my son’s eyes because it often makes everyday things feel new again. That sense of curiosity reminds me to keep looking closely, asking questions and noticing things I might otherwise overlook.

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What advice would you give to someone starting in interior design today?

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Be brave and always stand up for your ideas. Don’t follow the crowd, and don’t be afraid to speak up if you believe something can be improved. Experiment. Learn from experienced designers and absorb every piece of knowledge they share. And always remember that your voice and contribution are valuable.