Delivered on time
Starting with the feeling: “wow, this is somewhere I want to live”
Hartford’s benchmark for the finished spaces was simple. When residents, families, and staff walk in, they should instantly feel something.
“Our aim was for people to walk in and immediately think, ‘wow, this is somewhere I want to live.’” They wanted the spaces to feel homely, while also offering “a subtle hotel-style finish that elevated the overall environment.”
That “wow factor” was never about being flashy. It was about the details being right, and the overall experience feeling considered. Hartford shared how those choices came together through “thoughtful design and carefully selected furniture and fittings”. They also pointed to the value of getting around the table early, “visiting the showroom and collaborating closely with the team”, to shape spaces that reflected exactly how they wanted them to look and feel.
Laura’s approach: a cohesive identity, without making everything the same
Across three very different projects, the challenge was creating continuity without forcing every space into the same mould.
For Tegfield, Laura’s starting point was integration: “seamlessly integrating the new spaces with the existing care home”, keeping things familiar and calm, improving functionality, and supporting “residents’ comfort, safety, and independence.”
For Alton and Moorhill, the brief expanded into brand-new environments designed around wellbeing and dignity: “warm, homely environments that support residents’ wellbeing and dignity”, with interiors that feel “luxurious yet remain practical and uplifting.” Dementia-friendly design principles were part of that foundation too, including “visual contrast, appropriate lighting, and clear, simple layouts.”
When it came to keeping three homes connected, Laura focused on the bones of the layout as much as the finish: “zoning, circulation, and the balance between communal and private spaces.” Cohesion came through “consistent use of colour palettes, materials, and finishes”, with personality added through “textures, artwork, and furniture” so each area still had its own character.
And importantly, the design intent wasn’t created in isolation. Laura is clear that collaboration is part of the job: “Working with the architect and contractor is key to ensure your vision is achieved.”
Inspiration rooted in place, with a nod to Hartford’s identity
Laura’s palettes were drawn from the surroundings. She took inspiration from “colours of the countryside and the sea where the homes are situated”, making schemes “uplifting where needed and more tonal and relaxing to quieter areas.” Entrance areas also included “a nod to Hartford’s corporate identity.”
That balance between fresh, location-led design and a consistent brand feel helped the homes feel joined-up, without losing their individuality.
Specification that works in real life: durability, ergonomics, and “one size does not fit all”
Hartford shared that previous refurbishments had taught them the value of longevity, and “the importance of selecting durable, long-lasting materials.”
Laura echoed that practicality in her own process. She designs with residents and staff in mind, and comes back to ergonomics and variety: “Variety is also key… as one size does not fit all. It is important to think about the ergonomics of the furniture you use.”
Finishes and fabrics were selected with “practicality, durability and budget in mind”, keeping the scheme grounded in how a home needs to perform day to day, not just how it looks on paper.
When live projects bring curveballs, the process matters
Even with strong planning, live projects always bring the unexpected. At Alton Place, Hartford described a very practical challenge: top-floor eaves creating a variety of bedroom shapes. Once on site, that meant working through 10–11 bespoke bedroom layouts.
What made the difference was staying close to the detail. Hartford shared that “close collaboration” across the teams ensured the rooms were successfully fitted out and still met the design vision.
Laura saw it the same way. She described how the “challenging requirements” were overcome by leaning into the process: “We worked hard to design the right bespoke bedroom furniture with Edison & Day… we overcame them through prototypes and E & D expertise.”
Delivery, installation, and communication that kept pace
Both Hartford and Laura came back to communication as the thing that kept the programme moving.
Hartford described delivery as efficient, and said the process strengthened the relationship between Hartford and Edison & Day, into one which was “built on mutual trust and open communication.” Regular morning catch-ups kept things on track, and at Alton, the works were even completed just ahead of schedule.
Hartford summed it up like this: “The projects were well planned, and as issues arose, which is to be expected, we addressed them promptly… Despite this being our first fit-out together and taking practical completion earlier than scheduled, we successfully delivered all projects on time.”
From Laura’s perspective, it was “a very open, fluid and collaborative experience.” Her priorities were simple: “quality of product and communication is key.” And when asked about phased delivery across projects of this scale, she put it plainly: “Edison & Day mastered this with ease.”
The result: flagship homes, and spaces people choose
Hartford shared that “all residents at Alton Place and Moorhill are private payers, choosing to live there rather than out of necessity.” Staff visiting from other homes have commented on the quality of the environment and the additional space to support residents.
The homes were future-proofed to support more complex needs, including bariatric care, while also offering multiple lounges and generous outdoor space. Visitors such as local councillors and mayors have praised both the functionality and the overall feel.
Looking forward: turning learning into a repeatable process
One of the clearest signs of a partnership working well is what happens after handover.
Hartford shared that they’ve already held a debrief session with key partners to identify what worked well and explore new approaches for future projects. Their aim is to combine the best elements from both Moorhill and Alton Place and create a “super home.”
For Laura, that future focus comes back to adaptability and identity, and when asked what matters most when specifying for care today, her answer was clear: “Quality, Practicality and Budget”, while still “making a home… individual and giving the home an identity in line with your client's values.”
