REPORTER 17
Who Franky Rousell is the visionary behind Jolie, a full-service interior design studio that prioritises human-centred experiences over fleeting design trends. Under her leadership, Jolie has carved a niche in sensory design, creating environments that resonate with the human experience. Rousell leads a talented team dedicated to crafting award-winning projects that span private residences, commercial spaces, members’ clubs, boutique hotels, workspaces, and restaurants. By integrating soundscaping, fragrance, and intentional material combinations, Jolie’s designs foster a deeper connection between individuals and their environments.
Why Established in 2017, Rousell’s journey into the design world began in Manchester, where she was inspired by the city’s creative energy. After pitching an innovative idea to property developers Bruntwood during the post-recession era, she successfully established an in-house design team, ultimately leading the design of a vast portfolio of 400 buildings. This experience equipped her with the confidence and connections needed to launch Jolie. The impetus for Jolie stemmed from a personal experience; Rousell’s mother’s prolonged hospital stay after a stroke
highlighted the profound impact of environments on emotional and physical well-being. This insight led her to collaborate with neuroscientists and sensory specialists, culminating in Jolie’s mission to create spaces that are as emotionally enriching as they are aesthetically pleasing. With the addition of creative director Sarah Wakefield, Jolie has emerged as a pioneer in sensory design across Europe, with plans for expansion into the US market.
Where
joliestudio.co.uk
Kitten, Manchester: Located in Deansgate Square, Kitten is a Japanese Izakaya cocktail bar that employs sensory zoning to enhance the dining experience. Jolie’s design approach focuses on creating a culturally rich environment without resorting to clichés. The space features a towering 5m Bonsai tree and a bamboo-clad back wall, providing a contemporary yet culturally ambiguous setting. A carefully curated scent profile, a soundtrack featuring tropical birds, and Japanese Tech unify the internal areas, enriching the overall dining experience.
The Nest: Opened in 2024, The Nest is an upscale restaurant in Frankfurt that embodies a day-to-night destination with an LA and Tulum-inspired menu. Designed using modular construction and lightweight materials, the restaurant minimises environmental impact while maximising material reuse. The interior features a breezy, transportive vibe, combining the grit of LA with the sandy tones of Tulum, punctuated by vibrant pops of colour. This design creates an inviting atmosphere for city workers seeking a vacation-like escape.
Victoria Riverside: This luxury residential development in Manchester features 634 new homes across three towers. Jolie has designed the shared facilities, including a gym, hotel-style lobby areas, a residents’ lounge, and landscaped podium gardens. The design philosophy centres on well-being, offering a hospitality-driven, multisensory approach that allows residents to forge deeper connections with their homes and community. Each lobby showcases natural wood panelling, bespoke lighting, and biophilic design elements, creating tranquil environments enhanced by soundscaping and fragrance.
PHOTO: BILLY BOLTON
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