Multi-disciplinary Brighton-based interior design studio, where our client’s stories take centre stage.
With every project, I combine an experimental ethos with a collaborative and resourceful approach to design imaginative environments that celebrate the energy of the free spirits that inhabit them. The results are characterful, avantgarde spaces that are authentic, intentional, expressive and livable.
My design language is a delicious cocktail of modern decadence, sculptural expressionism and artistic sophistication… with a squeeze of playful rebellion, of course!
Aesthetic Philosophy
I embrace the challenges that come along with interior planning, including those presented by low ceilings and incredibly awkward corners. My favourite projects bring together vintage, contemporary and bespoke design elements that speak to and inspire the wonderful clients that I get to work with.
Knock, knock, who’s there?
My name is Judith Achumba-Wöllenstein and I’m the creative maestro pulling the strings behind Atelier Akuko. My passion for transforming spaces began during my childhood, witnessing my mother's creative redecorating in my family’s frequent international moves.
After a successful career in fashion editing, I pursued studies at London College of Fashion, completing a Master in the "Psychology of Fashion and Design", blending insights into human behaviour with my love for aesthetics.
In 2020, I founded Atelier Akuko, an extension of my esteemed psychology of fashion magazine, Hajinsky, aiming to offer psychology-based design advice that explains why design principles work and how they can be adapted to any style preference.
Driven by my commitment to creating meaningful spaces, I seamlessly transitioned from fashion to interiors. My portfolio spans from full-service residential transformations to consultations for commercial retail spaces, earning recognition in prestigious publications like Domino Magazine, Wallpaper Magazine, Apartment Theory, House Beautiful, etc.
Most importantly, I'm a die-hard chair fanatic, forever hopelessly rehabilitating from my addiction to those artistic sculptural pieces!
““I’ve found that my background, especially in the perception of space, has really helped me explain why things work, as opposed to just saying, ‘This is the new trend and you should go buy this,’” she says. “I love taking what people already have and adjusting layouts.” After all, a rebel is a rebel, whether they’re smashing boundaries or steadily chipping away at them. Which isn’t to say Judith plays it safe. […] she doesn’t worry what anyone else thinks.”
— Lindsey Mather, Digital Director Domino Magazine, Excerpt From The “Rebel Rebel” Issue, Spring 2022.