With a focus on people and innovative design, Rap Interiors is shaping the future of workspaces
In the realm of workplace design and fit-out in the South East, few names are as well-constructed as Rap Interiors. This forward-thinking Kent-based company has emerged as a frontrunner in the industry, driven by the visionary leadership of its directors, Martyn Pilcher and Parry Anderson.
With an eye for detail and a knack for transforming spaces, Rap is truly making its mark – designing modern environments that transform clients’ working practices, exceed their expectations and help their businesses flourish.
Rap Interiors boasts a rich history. Founded 30 years ago by Rick and Julie Anderson, its origins trace back to a pivotal moment in Rick’s career. After a contractor he was subcontracted to ran into financial difficulties, Rick found himself managing a live project. This experience ignited his entrepreneurial spirit, leading him to establish his own firm.
Over the years, Rap Interiors has grown and evolved, integrating a dedicated design team that has been instrumental in its success. As the company continued to thrive, Parry and Martyn joined as directors, culminating in a management buyout in 2022.
Today, Rap Interiors offers a comprehensive range of commercial property services, including interior design, fit-out, refurbishment, dilapidations, relocation and furniture procurement. While the firm executes projects across the UK, its primary focus remains on London and the South East. “We are a young, dynamic and creative team,” states Martyn. “In-house, we have created an inclusive culture that thrives on teamwork, communication, honesty and getting the job done. We pride ourselves on overcoming problems, providing solutions and delivering inspiring transformations across all sectors we work in.”
Martyn’s journey into the industry began in an entirely different field. Starting as a project manager in a different sector based in the City, he gained invaluable insights while working with many established global companies. At 26, he made the significant decision to transition into the construction industry, learning the trade alongside his now business partner, Parry. With qualifications in ceiling fixing and drylining, Martyn contracted with various fit-out companies for over 15 years. As Martyn and Parry stepped in to lead the company, taking over from their brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rick and Julie, it ensured that the business remained in family hands, which was very important to everyone involved.
With the buyout completed five years later, Martyn and Parry now operate as equal partners, each bringing over 50 years of combined experience in the interiors sector. Martyn says: “Our main driving force is our team of dedicated professionals at Rap HQ, who continuously create opportunities to design and deliver.”
In recent years, Rap Interiors has made remarkable contributions to the industry. Martyn pinpoints standout projects for Albion Fine Foods, Ward Security and James Allen’s Girls’ School. “All three were a pleasure to collaborate with, and their dedicated teams allowed us to create three truly inspirational spaces,” he reflects.
The Albion Fine Foods project in Dartford was a highlight of 2023, featuring an open-plan office and breakout area designed with a modern-industrial theme. Martyn shares: “The Albion team was delighted with the design, which includes a client tasting area, multiple meeting spaces and catering facilities for Albion’s hardworking employees. The fit-out was also part of a company expansion, so we were pleased to contribute to a project that will help create more jobs in the local area.”
Rap Interiors’ project with Ward Security, completed towards the end of 2023 and into early 2024, involved the client relocating to other offices within the Historic Dockyard in Chatham. “They required a new design to incorporate a large open-plan office, a branded reception area, washrooms and a breakout floor,” Martyn notes. “The biophilic theme was a key feature of the design and made a significant impact on the overall aesthetic. To see the design become a reality was incredible, and I particularly like how it embraces the historic architecture of the building.” The team also installed bespoke furniture, including a branded reception desk and a unique wine fridge for the boardroom.
For Martyn, another project that stands out is the sixth form centre and art classroom refurbishment at James Allen’s Girls’ School, which took place this summer. “It was a pleasure to design and deliver this project, particularly because we allowed sixth form students to take an instrumental role in design decisions, making them feel valued in the creation of their new spaces,” Martyn explains. “To see their reactions to the transformation was incredible, underscoring what our job is all about.”
However, for Rap Interiors, success isn’t solely defined by projects. The company is equally committed to giving back to the community, engaging in various fundraising initiatives. Last year, the team raised £1,750 for the Magical Taxi Tour charity and collected 250 gifts for children at Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone Hospital.
Rap also dedicates time to inspiring the next generation of construction professionals through career talks and by participating in career fairs. Notably, its current team composition challenges the construction industry’s stereotypical norm of being male-dominated, boasting a balanced ratio of six men to five women.
Client satisfaction has always been a top priority for Rap. Martyn emphasises the importance of listening carefully to client needs and providing tailored solutions that align with their design remit, budget and timeline. “We meet face-to-face regularly with clients and are always on hand to resolve any issues,” he explains. “Our aim is to be a trusted partner, delivering a high standard of work that makes a difference to their business.”
By placing people at the heart of their operations, Rap Interiors builds strong client relationships and creates interiors that support employee wellbeing and productivity. “Our clients can always expect to receive excellent customer service throughout – from their first point of contact with our enquiry team right through the design, quotation and construction stages of the project,” Martyn adds. “We also offer a full “concept to completion” service, guiding clients through every stage of the process to alleviate stress and avoid unnecessary obstacles and costly mistakes.”
As directors, Martyn and Parry are deeply engaged in every aspect of Rap Interiors’ projects and business operations. They continuously assess and refine their processes to enhance service delivery while encouraging team members to pursue relevant training, ensuring they stay ahead of industry trends. “We have created a positive workplace culture where every team member feels valued and supported,” Martyn affirms. “We operate with an open door policy and like to consider myself and Parry to be approachable directors who listen to the team, valuing and respecting their views.”
The landscape of the interior design and construction industry has changed dramatically in recent years, Martyn observes, with many adopting the hybrid model since the pandemic. Rap Interiors’ designers have played a crucial role in facilitating this change through expert space optimisation and furniture procurement.
Lockdown itself was a difficult time as the standard office refurb was not a priority for companies. In those early days, Martyn was approached to create a temporary bed bay solution for hospitals to maintain the two-metre distancing rule. “Working with one of our trusted suppliers, we designed and implemented a system and installed it in two hospitals,” he explains. “We also helped clients optimise their offices for employee safety by introducing directional signage, fitting Perspex screens, and assisting with new temporary setups. While this all happened quickly, we were able to use our industry knowledge to pivot our offering and help people make the right decisions.”
Reflecting on industry trends, Martyn notes a significant shift in employee expectations since Covid, particularly regarding wellbeing and work-life balance. “It’s crucial to create spaces that are worth the commute,” he says. “We’ve helped many clients achieve this through our ‘human-centric’ design schemes that incorporate wellbeing-focused elements. These include vibrant breakout areas, ergonomic furniture solutions and designated work zones that support specific tasks. One emerging trend is bleacher seating. Recently, three of our clients have installed auditorium-style furniture to facilitate team meetings and celebrate company achievements, enhancing morale and company culture.”
Martyn foresees significant challenges and opportunities in the industry, particularly regarding climate change and the environmental impact of the built environment. “There’s increasing pressure to create buildings that minimise their carbon footprint. This presents an opportunity for us to help clients implement necessary changes,” he says. Solutions may include smart ventilation systems to reduce energy consumption or integrating more natural elements into fit-outs. Manufacturers are also producing items using repurposed materials, enabling Rap Interiors to specify sustainable products. “It’s not just about aesthetics anymore; it’s about the product’s journey and lifecycle too,” emphasises Martyn.
As Rap Interiors looks to the future, the company’s goals remain ambitious. Martyn and Parry have experienced a successful two years since the management buyout, with turnover and profit increasing. They aim to nurture existing relationships while forging new ones, and the next 12 months hold great promise for continued growth. The directors are excited to embark on this next chapter!
