About us

Spa and wellness design, shaped by nature and experience

We believe in the restorative power of spa and in the role nature can play in how we rest, recover and reconnect

Butterscotch Design brings together specialist spa knowledge, thoughtful design and a close connection with the natural world to create wellness environments for hotels, retreats and private homes.

We think about how a space feels as much as how it looks. The way people move through it, the quality of light, the materials, water and connection with nature all shape the experience.

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Designing for a deeper sense of wellbeing

We believe exceptional spa design begins with understanding people, how they experience a space, how they move through it and how the right environment can positively influence their wellbeing.

Our approach brings together specialist spa knowledge, creative thinking and an understanding of the restorative benefits of nature. Every element is considered as part of a connected experience, from the relationship between spaces to the balance of light, materials, water and temperature.

We look beyond established conventions, exploring new approaches to thermal experiences, hydrotherapy and sensory wellbeing. The ambition is always to create something individual to its setting and purpose.

Spaces that feel natural, refined and memorable, with wellbeing at their heart.

Founding story

Butterscotch Design was founded by Russell and Caroline King, bringing together two distinct backgrounds into a single practice.

Russell's grounding in spa design began at a leading international spa consultancy, where he developed a close understanding of how these spaces are planned, operated and experienced. Caroline's background spans brand, interiors and creative design, working on the softer, sensory elements that shape how a space is actually experienced, material, colour, texture and the detail that brings the place to life.

Butterscotch Design grew out of combining those two disciplines. Every project carries both: the technical and experiential rigour of spa design, and the same attention to brand and identity that shapes how a space feels distinct, considered and coherent from the moment someone walks in.

Our people

Butterscotch Design Russell King reviewing hand-drawn swimming pool and wellness spa plans on a studio mood board, with architectural sketches and natural material samples.

Russell King
Principal Consultant and Lead Designer

Russell leads Butterscotch Design with over 25 years of international experience in spa and wellness design.

Before founding the studio, Russell held senior design roles within a leading international spa consultancy, delivering hospitality, resort and private wellness projects across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. His work has included spa facilities for Chelsea Football Club, Porto Elounda Golf and Spa Resort in Crete, Monte Rei Golf and Country Club in Portugal, Kempinski Hotel Beirut, and Chiva-Som International Health Resort in Thailand.

That breadth of experience, across markets, scales and client types, underpins the technical depth and delivery-focused approach Butterscotch Design brings to every project.

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Every project is different. Our job is to understand what the client wants to achieve and help find the right way to get there.

Caroline King, working on material and mood boards for clients at Butterscotch Design.

Caroline King
Co-Founder and Creative Director

With over 25 years of experience across brand, interiors and creative design, Caroline leads the creative direction of Butterscotch Design, working closely with Russell throughout each project.

Her focus is on the sensory experience of a space — developing materials, colour, texture and finishes, and considering how light, nature and atmosphere can shape the way an environment feels. From early concepts through to detailed specification, she creates a cohesive design language that connects the interiors with the wider wellness experience.

Drawing on her background in wellness, hospitality, brand and interiors, Caroline brings together the different elements that give a project its character and sense of place, ensuring the experience remains at the heart of the design.

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The smallest details matter. Material, light, texture and colour can completely change how a space feels.

How we work

Every Butterscotch Design project benefits from direct senior involvement throughout the design process, bringing together experience across hospitality, residential wellness, interiors and brand.

We work closely with operators, architects and homeowners from the earliest stage of a brief through to handover, staying involved through delivery rather than stepping away once a concept is signed off.

Where a project requires it, we work alongside trusted specialist consultants and technical partners across disciplines including pool engineering, MEP, lighting and structural design, bringing together the right expertise around each brief while maintaining a clear and consistent design vision.

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01 – Discover

Potential, understood

We begin by understanding your vision, your guests and your space. Whether you have a clear brief or are still exploring what's possible, this stage shapes everything that follows.

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02 – Design

Shape, emerging

From concept development and spatial planning through to material selection and detailed design, we create welcoming and restorative environments that work beautifully in practice as well as in presentation.

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03 – Delivered

Calm, realised

We stay involved through to completion, working closely with contractors, suppliers and your team to ensure the finished space reflects the original vision and performs from day one.

Every project begins with a conversation. There's no set agenda, just a genuine curiosity about your space and what it could become.

We work with hotel groups, resort and retreat operators, developers, architects and private clients to create spa and wellness environments shaped around their setting, audience and ambition.

Who we work with

Aerial view of the swimming pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas at Silverlake Hurricane Spa in Dorset.

Let’s explore what’s possible

Every project starts with a conversation. Tell us what you’re planning and we’ll explore how our experience, creativity and approach could help bring it to life.

Prefer to chat, call us on +44 (0)1189 594 277