“Over 15 years ago, in Ukraine, my wife Helen and I embarked on a journey to establish an architecture and interior design company. As our reputation grew and our vision expanded, we recognised the need for a comprehensive approach that not only encompassed design but also the manufacturing of furniture. Thus, the idea of creating our full-cycle furniture production was born, allowing us to offer our clients a complete service, from concept to creation, ensuring the utmost quality in every aspect of their project.” These are the very words that shaped the ethos of SHEPEL’, a multi-brand design studio in Chelsea Harbour.
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A custom furniture manufacturer and multi-brand design studio which crafts bespoke luxury furniture and interiors, SHEPEL’ works globally for a range of discerning clientele. The family of brands include Atelier Helen, Studio Shepel, Shepel Furniture, and S-Contract. We had a quick chat with founder and owner, Alexander Shepel about the incredible design studio and here’s what we know.
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KM: As a family-owned business with Ukrainian roots, how has your heritage influenced the brand’s design philosophy?
AS: At SHEPEL’, the inspiration for our designs comes from architecture and cultures all around the world, from classic art to also contemporary art. Our Ukrainian heritage is part of our brand DNA. Perseverance and hard work are distinctive features of our nation, this runs through every element of the SHEPEL’ brand ethos.
KM: How do you ensure every piece embodies the bespoke luxury your brand is famed for? Do you have a preferred material or technique you return to while designing?
AS: Luxury, to us, is synonymous with superior craftsmanship, detail and comfort. The notion of individualised luxury has become favourable in recent years as clients look for bespoke, one-of-a-kind pieces, unique to their scheme.
SHEPEL’ upholds these principles by meticulously handcrafting each piece with the utmost attention to detail and using only exceptional materials sourced internationally. Many of our pieces are crafted using the marquetry technique, each featuring a unique pattern to create works of deeply personal, functional art.
KM: What would you say sets SHEPEL’ apart in the sea of luxury furniture brands, in terms of craftsmanship?
AS: Each piece from SHEPEL’ is meticulously handcrafted by our in-house design team using the finest techniques. Quality and attention to detail are at the heart of our brand philosophy. Traditional craftsmanship is paired with innovation and our progressive design team is constantly inspired by new techniques and methods.
Each SHEPEL’ piece is designed to last a lifetime in the home. We source the finest materials from around the world to ensure the quality and longevity of our furniture pieces. Although these may initially be a financial investment, each piece will become a treasured heirloom, passed down from generation to generation.
KM: What are the design trends you see emerging for 2025 and how is SHEPEL’ adapting to those?
AS: In 2025, we will see the trend for handcrafted pieces continue to grow. At SHEPEL’, each piece is expertly handmade using only the finest materials. We advocate the “buy once, buy well” philosophy. While our furniture pieces are an investment, we can assure you that each piece will stand the test of time and last a lifetime in your home. We strive to avoid responding to fast-paced trends and instead design timeless pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation.
KM: As a luxury brand, what is your approach towards sustainability in terms of design and sourcing?
AS: As designers, we must take the lead on sustainability and constantly seek out more eco-friendly practices and production methods. At SHEPEL’, each piece is expertly handcrafted using only the finest materials. We advocate the “buy once, buy well” philosophy. While our furniture pieces are an investment, we can assure you that each piece will stand the test of time and last a lifetime in your home. We strive to avoid responding to fast-paced trends and instead design timeless pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation.
KM: What does it mean to create bespoke furniture for discerning clients and how do you tailor each piece to suit their tastes?
AS: Each design from SHEPEL’ is bespoke and tailored to our client’s vision, requirements and lifestyle. Our bespoke approach gives us utter flexibility to tailor each design to suit our client’s needs. Over the years, we have built up an international client base and each request is utterly individual, making it completely unique. Every new project is a collaborative journey with the client to bring their dreams into reality and transform a space into a reflection of their individual style and personality.
At SHEPEL’, we understand that true luxury lies in the ability to tailor our creations to the individual preferences and lifestyles of each client. Through personalised consultations and in-depth discussions, we strive to gain a comprehensive understanding of the client’s personality, tastes, and functional needs. This allows us to design bespoke pieces that not only reflect their distinct character but also seamlessly integrate into their daily lives. Whether it’s customising dimensions, selecting specific materials, or incorporating meaningful details, we work closely with each client to ensure that every aspect of the design reflects their individuality and enhances their living environment in a meaningful way.
KM: How does the dynamic between you and Helen contribute to the success and uniqueness of the brand?
AS: Helen and my skillsets are very different, but they complement each other to produce the very best results. We have found it so helpful to have access to each other’s expertise and knowledge especially as we have scaled our business in new, international markets.
KM: What is the experience that you want your clients to have when purchasing from SHEPEL’? Lastly, what does the future look like for the brand?
AS: It is an exciting time for SHEPEL’. We opened our first showroom in London at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour a year ago this month. The Harbour is internationally renowned as a hub for its interior design and furniture excellence. We wanted our showroom to illustrate our design philosophy at SHEPEL’ – quality craftsmanship, high design, and understated luxury – and I am extremely proud of what we have created. We also have some exciting international interior design projects in the pipeline including one in Dubai and a luxury yacht project. Our international client base continues to grow and this takes us to some beautiful locations around the world.
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Images: SHEPEL’
