I'm John McCarthy, a senior architectural, interiors and technical designer focused on bridging concept development, masterplanning and technical delivery across hospitality, workplace, high-end residential and luxury retail. I specialise in fabric-first and natural materials, translating design intent into coordinated, buildable packages, backed by hands-on self-build experience. As founder of Number 39 Ltd and principal designer for international studios, I lead projects from concept through delivery, collaborating with clients to achieve low-energy, breathable environments and meticulous detailing. My work spans boutique resorts, luxury hotels, flagship retail rollouts and corporate spaces across the UK and Gulf states, underpinned by collaboration, clear communication and practical problem-solving.

John McCarthy

I'm John McCarthy, a senior architectural, interiors and technical designer focused on bridging concept development, masterplanning and technical delivery across hospitality, workplace, high-end residential and luxury retail. I specialise in fabric-first and natural materials, translating design intent into coordinated, buildable packages, backed by hands-on self-build experience. As founder of Number 39 Ltd and principal designer for international studios, I lead projects from concept through delivery, collaborating with clients to achieve low-energy, breathable environments and meticulous detailing. My work spans boutique resorts, luxury hotels, flagship retail rollouts and corporate spaces across the UK and Gulf states, underpinned by collaboration, clear communication and practical problem-solving.

Available to hire

I’m John McCarthy, a senior architectural, interiors and technical designer focused on bridging concept development, masterplanning and technical delivery across hospitality, workplace, high-end residential and luxury retail. I specialise in fabric-first and natural materials, translating design intent into coordinated, buildable packages, backed by hands-on self-build experience.

As founder of Number 39 Ltd and principal designer for international studios, I lead projects from concept through delivery, collaborating with clients to achieve low-energy, breathable environments and meticulous detailing. My work spans boutique resorts, luxury hotels, flagship retail rollouts and corporate spaces across the UK and Gulf states, underpinned by collaboration, clear communication and practical problem-solving.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Founder at Number 39 Ltd
January 1, 2010 - Present
Established to continue commercial consultancy whilst developing specialist capability in fabric-first, natural fibre materials strategies, applied across selected residential and commercial design / build projects.
Technical designer at Space
January 1, 2025 - Present
Technical designer (2025)
Senior designer at JHP
March 6, 2006 - December 31, 2010
Leading award-winning architectural / interior design, masterplanning and project management for a 1-hectare visitor centre, factory and offices, plus flagship and retail rollout across the Gulf states (2007–2013).
Head of shop design at Jane Norman
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2005
Head of shop design
Retail design Manager at Zebra Projects
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2004
Retail design manager
Senior designer at Portland Design
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2003
Senior designer
Interior Designer at Creative Action
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2003
Middle weight interior designer role
Interior Designer at Caulder Moore
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2003
Middle weight interior designer role
Interior Designer at Foley Cooke
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2002
Middle weight interior designer role
Interior Designer at The Formation
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2000
Middle weight interior designer role
Interior Designer at The Jones Design Co
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 1999
Middle weight interior designer role

Education

BA (Hons) Three Dimensional Design: Interior Architecture at Kent Institute of Art & Design
January 1, 1994 - December 31, 1997
BA (Hons) Erasmus exchange: Interior Architecture, Furniture & Product Design at Academie Beeldende, Maastricht
January 1, 1996 - April 1, 1996
BA (Hons) Three Dimensional Design: Wood, Metals & Plastics at Gwent College of Art & Design
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1993
Foundation Art & Design at Nene College, Northampton
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1991

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Interior Architecture
October 10, 1994 - June 27, 1997

Industry Experience

Travel & Hospitality, Real Estate & Construction, Professional Services