Story telling is at the forefront of the Bartleby design ethos. A good story teller needs only a few elements to inspire a work of art.

With a careful and considered approach to a clients’ needs and wants, we endeavour to interpret an artful knowledge that is uniquely personal to a client. In addition, and just as important, we look at a dwellings’ past and where it is now. Only with a true understanding and appreciation of the many layers of a buildings history, can we really pave, grout, nail, sand and decorate its future.

With a special talent for honouring heritage, led by Principle designer Lucinda Sleep, we specialise in restoration, renovation, and re-envisage historical dwellings. eg. Georgian and Victorian through to Artdeco and post war eras. With a very much hands-on approach our aim is to find a cohesive balance between old and new, and encapsulate an emotive and personal response to a space for the client. Modern enhancements can be introduced sensitively, whilst preserving the character and quality of a period dwelling to be admired and appreciated for many years to come.

The name Bartleby is derived from a short story by Herman Melville who’s character is famous for his incessant exclamation of “I would prefer not to.” Much to his peers confusion and disbelieve.

We too, say; I would prefer not to, conform to fleeting trends of the day, the obvious and the constrained. Be true, always.