our blended family of creative and interior specialists
Our team
We’re a blended family of creative brand thinkers, designers and interior architects, working side by side from first idea to final detail. Together, we deliver competitive concepts, immersive brands, and compelling interiors for unforgettable hospitality.
Our spaces don’t just look good, they perform for your brand, your guests, and your bottom line.
Ruth Hay
Co-Founder + Interiors & Spacial Director
Ruth leads the interior design team at Significant Others, with over 15 years of experience spanning architecture and interior design across Bahrain, Dubai, New York, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Her background in both global architectural practices and boutique studios gives her a strong blend of creative vision and technical precision.
Ruth specialises in interior design, spatial planning, and the production of detailed technical drawing packages—balancing aesthetics with functionality and buildability. She works closely with contractors and consultants to ensure smooth project delivery, with a focus on operational flow and user experience. Her work is particularly relevant to retail, cultural, and hospitality environments, where she brings design to life with clarity and care.
Career highlights include projects for the Gallery of Modern Art, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, The Heritage Portfolio, OVO Hydro, and Rangers FC. At Significant Others, Ruth leads on interior direction, specification, and design coordination from concept through to completion.
Michelle Ridley
Co-Founder + Brand & Experience Director
Michelle leads the creative team at Significant Others, specialising in customer journey design, brand storytelling, wayfinding, and signage across retail and public environments.
With over 25 years of experience in both creative agencies and commercial interior design studios, Michelle brings a unique blend of strategic thinking and design intuition to every project. Her career has spanned award-winning work for retail, leisure, and cultural destinations always with a focus on how design enhances the customer experience and drives commercial value.
Michelle has led multidisciplinary teams on major retail and placemaking projects across the UK and internationally. Notable experience includes work on visitor experience and wayfinding strategies for Historic Environment Scotland, The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arsenal FC Retail, SEC Hydro, and The O2, among others. These projects, undertaken throughout her career, reflect her passion for creating emotionally engaging environments that balance brand clarity, operational flow, and accessibility.
Adam Copeland
Senior Designer Brand & Experience
Adam is an award-winning senior designer with 12 years of experience spanning brand strategy, user-centred design, and experiential environments. He began his career in digital UX before shifting into physical spaces, designing for events, retail, and branded experiences.
Known for his structured thinking and clear communication, Adam helps clients translate complex ideas into strategic, actionable design solutions.
At Significant Others, he leads projects from concept to completion and manages the 2D design team, ensuring every output is purposeful, brand-aligned, and insight-driven. His client portfolio includes Heinz, Johnson & Johnson, Sleepeezee Beds, C&C Group, Vitality, Glenmorangie, Edinburgh Gin, and Highland Spring.
Alana Vance
Senior Designer Interiors
Alana is a 3D visualisation specialist with strong commercial interiors experience, known for bringing spatial concepts to life with clarity, creativity, and technical precision. She plays a key role in concept development, visual storytelling, and the production of detailed design documentation—supporting projects from early sketches through to on-site delivery.
Alana blends imaginative thinking with practical know-how, consistently creating cost-effective, visually compelling solutions that align with client needs and design integrity. Her portfolio includes work on projects for the Gallery of Modern Art, The Heritage Portfolio, Rangers FC, Arsenal FC, Vittoria Group, and Patio Hotels.
Megan Kerr
Designer Brand & Experience
Megan is a Graphic Designer at Significant Others, specialising in display graphics, point-of-sale, and branded storytelling within spatial environments. With a background in illustration and typography, she brings strong conceptual thinking to every brief.
Megan was recognised with the Penguin Random House Non-Fiction Book Cover Award, and more recently led the redesign of the studio’s brand identity— earning a Scottish Design Award in 2024. Since joining the team, she has delivered creative, site-specific graphics for clients including Vittoria Group, University of Edinburgh, and Legal & General, helping shape spaces that connect people to brand and place.
Elizabeth Moon
Studio & Project Manager
Elizabeth is the organisational heart of Significant Others, keeping the studio running smoothly and projects on track. Elizabeth has over 10 years of managerial and administrative experience in a variety of sectors from a high-end residential architecture firm to a leading yoga studio in London.
As Studio Manager, she oversees financial administration, coordinates project timelines, and ensures the seamless delivery of work across the team. With a sharp eye for detail and a calm, can-do approach, Elizabeth is instrumental in managing programmes, supplier coordination, and day-to-day operations.
Rhea Burgess
Designer
Brand
Rhea is a Junior Designer at Significant Others, supporting the team across concept development, material sourcing, and presentation preparation with a hands-on, detail-oriented approach. She contributes to sample boards, finish selection, and hand-sketched visuals, bringing creative energy and practical support to a wide range of projects.
Known for her collaborative mindset and strong work ethic, Rhea plays a key role in keeping projects moving and ensuring the quality and craft of studio outputs. Her proactive attitude and enthusiasm make her a valued member of the team.
Joe Interiors
Studio & Project Manager
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