Amelia Tillott- MA Interiors
The Wander Exchange
As an interior designer, I believe in designing with community at the heart of urbanism.
Community, connection and craftsmanship are central to my practice. I experiment with techniques more commonly seen in clothing to spark spontaneity and conversation within interiors, while reimagining derelict spaces to benefit the local community.
The Wander Exchange project explores the growing disengagement of 18–24-year-olds from employment, education and training in the UK, set within the former Theatre Royal on St Peter’s Street, Manchester. The spatial design revitalises the building for congregation, participation and collaboration, placing young people at the heart of the spatial planning. Learning is reframed as community participation, built through informal, collective bonds rather than formal instruction.
Crafted textile partitions divide the space, allowing it to adapt to different users and uses. Across three floors, an open atrium kitchen hosts workshops and pop-ups with local hospitality partners. The Exchange room, at the rear of the ground floor, provides a flexible space for young people to showcase their skills, while the communal workspace supports collaborative working alongside on-site childcare.
Together, these spaces offer longevity, flexibility and independence for young people seeking experience, practical learning and the foundations of adult life. Bespoke modular furniture pieces are placed throughout the building, inspired by my grandma’s sewing box. A cushioned, adaptable seat weaves around the table, inviting conversation and interaction. Its softness fosters confidence and connection, while its circular form reflects the wider concept of wandering, encouraging movement and connection throughout the space.
