In conversation with Tia Brooks, Mix 30 under 30 Designer

How have you grown as a designer since joining Peldon Rose?

Tia joined the Landlord team at an exciting time. “When I first came back, there were only six of us. Now we are more than double that. It’s been incredible to grow with the team and be part of its development.”

She admits that at first, she struggled with imposter syndrome after studying through the pandemic. “Two and a half years of my three-year degree were in and out of the pandemic, studying in my bedroom away from the studio vibe created an isolated study environment, it left me doubting if I actually earned that degree, am I completely lacking in areas that will stunt my career down the line.”

Her early days at Peldon Rose were spent listening and observing, but over time she grew more confident in her voice. “I would win and build jobs but never really stop to celebrate or shout about my work. As I have developed as a designer and allowed myself to not feel like an imposter, I have found more comfort in putting my ideas out there and having the knowledge from experience to back them up.”

What has influenced your design philosophy most?

People are at the core of Tia’s inspiration. Whether it’s a colleague offering advice, conversations with clients, or an agent sharing their insights over coffee these interactions remind her that there is a place for human connection in design.

Her family has been particularly influential. Watching her mum, who lives with MS, navigate spaces that weren’t built for her needs gave Tia a deeply personal understanding of inclusivity in design. “It’s not just about how the end product looks, it can look fantastic but if it causes isolation to certain people I feel like we miss the mark, there are so many simple changes we can make to design that mean the world to a small percentage of people, that’s what really makes the difference.”

What are the projects that stand out most for you so far?

Tia fondly remembers her work at Brewers Hall, where she was involved from pitch through to delivery. “It was the first project where I felt a real sense of ownership, building such a good relationship with the client.”

Six months later, the client asked her back to design another floor in the same building, a direct result of the trust she’d built. Walking into the room and having someone remember her work gave a great sense of belonging within the industry.

During the second-floor fit-out, she walked potential clients through the space, talking them through the design concept and the building’s history. The tenant signed mid-construction and remains in the building to this day. For Tia, this project reinforced the importance of trust and communication, marking a shift towards leading projects with her own voice. Skills that continue to shape all her work.

How do you define the future of workplace design?

The answer is simple: it starts with people. “Covid taught me, and I’m sure the industry, that how you connect with a space is vital, stripping back the amenities and location, it has to be a space that moves and adapts as people use it.”

That belief also makes her cautious about the rise of AI in design. “It has so many uses in the design world, I use it as a tool for certain tasks so that I have more time to be creative and design.” However, for Tia, the key is finding ways to integrate AI while preserving the human touch and emotional connection that makes design meaningful.

It’s also why she is a passionate advocate for inclusivity standards. As the workforce ages and accessibility needs in the workplace diversify, she stresses the urgent need for real guidelines that support everyone, particularly neurodiverse people, whose needs are too often overlooked.

What advice would you give to aspiring designers?

“Stop trying to make the path perfect. Just go for it. Say yes, even if you don’t know how to do something yet – you’ll figure it out. And give yourself credit along the way. Imposter syndrome will try to drag you down, but you must trust that you deserve to be here.”

At just 24, Tia is the youngest Peldon Rose designer ever to be recognised in Mix Interiors’ 30 Under 30. Her story is one of persistence, resilience, and passion, and her voice is already shaping the future of workplace design.