Suzanne Koshnoodi On The Grove Group’s Vision For Barbados Luxury

Suzanne Koshnoodi of The Grove Group tells Abode how the company is redefining luxury living in Barbados.

Describe your signature style

I intentionally avoid conforming to a single signature style, as the diverse array of clients and projects we undertake at Grove Group fuels my passion for adaptability and innovation. This versatile approach allows the development of fresh, relevant solutions uniquely tailored to each project, ensuring every creation is distinctive, meaningful, and impactful. My work stands out because I trust my intuition and follow my gut - whether designing a hotel, commercial space, or an intimate private residence, I prioritise both the emotional and physical aspects of the space equally. The primary goal is to bring joy to clients and users through thoughtful, purposeful style. I believe that when you work with the homeowner centre stage and choose elements such as lighting fixtures or furniture with intention, your work resonates deeply, fostering a genuine connection that elevates the overall experience. It really is about having an open heart and educating your eye. Great design can inspire, evoke emotion and elevate daily experiences.

How do you approach the design process ?

My favourite part is establishing the look and feel of the space because it sets the stage for everything that follows. You need to reach a point where you feel confident and comfortable in your vision - when it feels right to you - then you can move forward with full momentum. This is why I love this stage so much; once you've nailed the most crucial creative aspects, it becomes clear how the space will tell its story. From there, confidence grows, and you’re empowered to bring the vision to life. I didn't attend design school, I wasn’t a professional designer, so my toolkit has been shaped by the projects my partner Max and I started over a decade ago. My approach is deeply personal and story-driven, emphasising functionality and individual style over fleeting trends. Good design is about storytelling - creating a space that authentically reflects the people who live in it, rather than just filling a room with pretty objects.

How do you keep your designs fresh?

Continuous learning, the immense importance of ongoing education and training are key. Calculated risk-taking and an openness to explore and experiment with materials, colours, and techniques are crucial for innovation in design. I find inspiration in every corner of life - art, design, travel, nature, fashion, and social media - the list goes on. Instagram serves as both a platform to connect with a community and a constant source of new ideas, a wellspring of inspiration for my creative spirit. There’s always some kind of inspiration of nature involved. This may be plants, natural stone, or even prints throughout the space featuring natural fibres. Fashion, for me, is a vital outlet for exploring design beyond my professional scope. I approach personal style much like interior design - by blending contrasting styles and textures to create a dynamic, artful mix.

Do you prefer designing for a particular room or item?

Every room has a central element - the "hero" - around which the entire design is built, guiding the overall direction. I especially enjoy designing powder rooms because their small size makes them feel like a "little jewel box," allowing me to use extravagant materials and techniques that might be overwhelming in larger spaces. The compact, self-contained nature of a powder room gives me the freedom to experiment with bold elements such as vibrant colours, dramatic wallpaper, or rich textures without the risk of overdoing it. I love that fact that it’s often the only space guests visit, providing a perfect opportunity to make a statement and create a "surprise and delight" moment that leaves a lasting impression or sparks conversation.

Where do you see the future of design heading?

While many perceive the advent of AI as a challenge, I view it as one of the most powerful catalysts for growth and innovation. AI has dramatically amplified Grove Group’s creative capabilities, enabling us to push the limits of development. As creators, we bear the responsibility to elevate our craft and scope out environments that thoughtfully and artistically mirror the complexities of this world. AI serves as an essential tool in this pursuit, empowering us to explore uncharted territories and craft extraordinary, meaningful spaces in ways previously unimaginable.

Grove Group have just celebrated their 10-year anniversary. How has the company evolved over this period?

When we first began developing Mullins Grove, we never imagined it would evolve into the brand it is today. From the outset, we believed there was tremendous potential for growth beyond a single condo hotel, and I am pleased to say our instincts proved correct. Over the past year, through our new division, D.B.L. (Design. Build. Live), we’ve been fortunate to secure six new projects beyond Grove Group developments, which we produce annually. Our reputation has steadily expanded through word of mouth across different shores, which has led Latin American countries to reach out for international collaboration and growth. Our progress isn’t just international; here at home, we’ve also grown significantly by welcoming talented architects from Spain and the UK to strengthen our team and support our global ambitions.

Any exciting collaborations in the pipeline?

We are currently diversifying our business by venturing into the commercial sector, moving beyond our usual focus on residential development. Alongside this, we’re developing several innovative concepts centred on health and wellness, aiming to transform how wellbeing and architecture are integrated. This strategic move reflects our dedication to personal growth and enthusiasm for exploring new opportunities across different areas of product design.

Click here to learn more about the Grove Group.