Manchester Musings With Franky Rousell

Franky Rousell, Founder Jolie Studio

Jolie is a full-service interior design studio, founded in 2017 and led by Founder Franky Rousell and Creative Director Sarah Wakefield. Together their aim has been to move away from trend-driven design, towards a more human-centered experience based on the senses. Now with offices in Manchester, London and soon New York, the Jolie team implement sensory design across international, award-winning projects, ranging from private and commercial residential, through to members clubs and boutique hotels to workspaces and restaurants. Each space is designed to help people connect back to their environments in an elemental and intuitive way through soundscaping, fragrancing and intentional combinations of materials and colour.

Tell us what drew you to Manchester

Having grown up in the Cotswolds, I moved to Manchester to begin my career. At the time, Manchester was one of the few cities in the UK to experience a commercial property boom in the wake of the 2008 recession. Whilst working on commercial projects, I needed to find a way to create spaces that resonate with thousands of occupants. I realised that sensory design could be a common language and it proved successful. And ten years later, my team and I have stuck to this unique approach of collaborating with neuroscientists, composers and perfumers to create design solutions that always start with the five senses.

What’s a hidden gem we should know about?

Companio is one of the best hidden gems in Manchester. It has the best baked goods in the city, making it the ideal spot for a casual coffee catch-up, this is one of our team's favourites. 

Companio

Favourite place for a cocktail?

Ad Hoc in the Northern Quarter is a great spot to try some new wine—I think it is the perfect spot to sample something exciting while soaking in the vibrant, post-work vibe. Or I love Kitten, a Japanese Izakaya and cocktail bar that we designed which features fresh sushi, robata-grilled dishes, and expertly crafted cocktails in a stylish, zen-inspired setting.

Best dinner spot in the city?

My personal favourite place to dine is at The Sparrows—it's an absolute must-visit. I’m also a big fan of Climat which is set on a rooftop in Manchester. I like perching up at the bar for an up-close view of the chef’s counter! For lunch, Erst is my go to - it’s a chic, industrial-style natural wine bar serving up delicious seasonal small plates.

Kitten, Manchester

Where do you go for inspiration?

The University of Manchester’s Research Library is a beautiful Victorian neo-Gothic building with stunning details and a serene atmosphere. It’s been open to the public since 1900 and was founded by Enriqueta Augustina Rylands in memory of her eponymous husband, John Rylands. It has a beautifully  serene feel.

A hotel you love

I think you can’t go wrong with the Kimpton in Manchester! It feels like a home from home for me.