Jasper Sanders + Partners’ new Creative Director, Rebecca Finney discusses recent studio developments and the core ethos of ‘Total Design’ with Material Source.

Rebecca recently stepped into her new role as Creative Director at Jasper Sanders + Partners, a natural progression as the studio continues to expand and evolve. Having been with the firm for almost five years, she has been instrumental in shaping the studio’s culture and embedding its core design philosophy alongside founder Jasper Sanders. Together, they have developed and refined an approach they call ‘Total Design’ – a comprehensive and holistic philosophy that blends sustainability with joyful, purposeful design.

Rebecca explains that Total Design goes beyond the typical “less is more” approach often associated with sustainability. Instead, the studio embraces a “more is more” ethos, where having what you want and being sustainable are not mutually exclusive. This philosophy promotes positivity and prosperity, aiming to bring more meaning and function to spaces while fostering a strong sense of community for clients and end users alike.

For Rebecca, great design is not simply about aesthetics but about solving real problems to create spaces with soul, identity, and emotional resonance. The studio’s process focuses on understanding how people interact with spaces and tailoring each project to its unique context, architecture, and purpose. Material choices play a crucial role, not only contributing to the atmosphere and durability of a scheme but also enhancing acoustics, tactility, and sensory experience. This human-centred approach ensures that each design is both beautiful and highly functional.

Sustainability remains at the heart of the studio’s work, with careful consideration given to the lifecycle of materials, their origins, and their impact on the environment. Rebecca highlights projects like the student living scheme at Potterrow in Edinburgh, where existing materials were thoughtfully retained and enhanced, and a build-to-rent development in Liverpool inspired by the textures and traditions of fabric-making. These projects demonstrate the studio’s layered, iterative process, one that balances creativity, innovation, and environmental responsibility.

Looking ahead, Rebecca is excited to lead the creative vision of Jasper Sanders + Partners, collaborate closely with the talented team, and nurture relationships with clients. As the studio embarks on new projects and explores emerging ideas, she sees her role as vital to maintaining the high standard of design and innovation that defines the practice.

With a clear focus on human experience and sustainability, Rebecca’s leadership signals an inspiring new chapter for the studio’s future.

Read the full article in Material Source