We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Julian Walker, Managing Director of the renowned and award-winning Alexander James Interiors, about taking over the reins from his father and gaining his insights into the evolving world of interior design and what the future holds for the industry.

Tell us about your background and your journey to AJI?

Outside of a short period at a multinational investment management firm, my career has been rooted in property development, where I’ve had the privilege of working with several market-leading companies in the luxury sector. Most recently, I was based in Sandbanks, overseeing both design and build projects. That experience made my transition to AJI feel very natural, as I was already immersed in both the practical and creative sides of the industry.

Having grown up around design, what was it like stepping into a business your father built?

Looking back, its quite amusing because I initially felt some pressure in to stepping in to a senior role within a company so established in an industry I hadn’t worked directly. Robert (My Father) was quick to dismiss those concerns, reminding me I had grown up surrounded not only by design itself, but the kind of clients AJI work with. With 30 years in the industry, he has built long-standing friendships with developers, agents, and architects many of whom I’ve known since childhood and now collaborate with professionally. That continuity has made the transition both natural and rewarding.

How has the family element influenced the way you work with clients and lead your team today?

When it comes to clients, I approach projects with the same values I grew up with, understanding that work isn’t just about delivering beautiful interiors but creating homes that our clients feel truly proud of. We don’t impose a fixed “house style” or chase trends for the sake of building a portfolio. If a client wants to include something sentimental, like a great-grandmother’s favourite armchair, our role is to incorporate it seamlessly and elevate it within the scheme.

When leading the team, the family ethos remains at the heart of the business. I have known some of our colleagues for over two decades, from my school holidays working in the warehouse, to popping in when I was younger. Now many of those same people are starting families of their own which makes it a particularly special, full circle.

Are there any current trends you think will make us think ‘what were we thinking?’ in the future?

Honestly, I don’t think so. Interior design is incredibly subjective and constantly evolving. One Example that comes to mind is Brutalism, once divisive, but now reinterpreted in ways that feel fresh and relevant. This then shows that even trends once viewed with scepticism can be reimagined into something timeless.

How do you think social media has changed the way clients think about design?

Social media has been a complete game changer for design. Today’s consumer is constantly exposed to design inspiration whether through Pinterest, Instagram or even LinkedIn. Its no longer just about homes, people are drawing ideas from hotels, luxury retail spaces, and even airport lounges. Clients can now bring us inspiration from anywhere in the world from the swipe of a screen whereas a decade ago they would have to subscribe to niche publications or physically visit showrooms. That accessibility has raised both awareness and expectations with ultimately pushes us as designers to keep innovating.

Alexander James Interiors is a Wentworth Lifestyle Partner