What a wonderful relaxing experience – the whole setting, location was amazing. Olivia’s foot and leg massage was super – probably the best I have experienced. Thank you, I will be back!"
Liv
“Self- care comes in many forms.
Whether it’s a moment of peaceful solitude, a long-overdue chat with a friend, or a lively social gathering that fills you with joy...Find that balance. It’s not about favouring one over the other – embrace them all” - Liv
I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the world’s most beautiful spas, managing, training, and crafting unforgettable treatment experiences. Drawing on all that knowledge, my next step? to create a unique wellness space of my own, one that deeply connects with nature—beyond the high-street spa, offering authentic, immersive experiences inspired by stunning landscapes.
In 2023, I convinced my partner, Jared, an architect, to bring this vision to life. After stepping away from his practice for 6 months (though I promised him it would be 4…!), we began construction of the Studio in January 2024 at a farm workshop near Lewes, beneath the South Downs. Despite the challenging weather, our new puppy, Massimo, kept us motivated! By July 2024, the Studio was complete, treatments designed, and products bottled. We proudly launched our first residency in the heart of Sussex, welcoming our first clients.


Jared
“Designing with a client who knows their brief...
and has such a clear picture of what must be achieved makes for a simple process… Being married to them helps, but the quality of a design relies on the energy to see it through” - Jared
When Liv first brought the idea of the studio to me, I thought, “Well, this is either going to be genius or a disaster—I’m in”. For me, design is all about understanding and collaboration. When I work with a client who has a clear vision and a strong sense of what they want to achieve, the process becomes much more straightforward. The clearer the picture, the easier it is to transform it into something tangible.
Working alongside Liv brings a unique dynamic to the design process. We have a shared understanding of each other’s vision, which infuses the project with a special energy. It’s not just about the concept on paper; it’s about translating that vision into reality, and pushing through any challenges that arise along the way.
While the clarity of a brief is essential, I believe the true success of any design lies in the energy and commitment we put into bringing it to life. Design is a journey—it requires patience, trust, and a dedication to every step of the process. The reward? Seeing an idea evolve into something real, meaningful, and enjoyed by those who experience it.

The Start - Aug 2023
Every Saturday, when life allows, my partner and I head out for coffee, a chat, and a walk through the beautiful Sussex countryside. It was on one of these walks that FOLDE + SONDER was born—a seed of an idea we kept revisiting. One crisp morning in autumn 2023, we found ourselves coming back to a familiar question: “How can a spa experience be more like this. The simple pleasure of time, views and good company?” As we put our heads together—me with my years in the wellness industry and my partner bringing architectural expertise—we knew we could create something special - a reimagining of what a spa experience can be.

The Design - Nov 2023
We explored all sorts of options for creating a mobile studio space, even considering converting existing mobile tow-along vehicles. But nothing gave us the expansive windows and feel we were after. I convinced my partner to help design a totally bespoke space—and he really delivered! We dove into research to make sure our studio met standard building regulations, was well insulated and allowed us to be fully independent of amenities (power + water). Every material we chose had to be carefully evaluated to keep us under the road legal weight, so we can hitch it up and relocate it to different sites and settings. And above all, it needed to support the treatments and amenities we wanted for our incredible experiences. It was definitely a huge learning curve for us both!

The Build - Jan 2024
On a cold morning in January 2024, our flatbed trailer rolled into the workshop in Lewes, and the build was officially underway! Having a CNC machine on site meant we were able to cut the timber frame with exact precision and minimal waste. Progress slowed a bit with the nonstop rain—honestly, the wettest weather we could imagine—but soon enough, the main frame started taking shape, windows went in, and insulation followed. It was all starting to come together!


Fitting Out - Apr 2024
As we moved into the interior fit-out, the distinct spaces within the Studio began to take form. Ply timber edging and recycled fabrics are central elements in the finishes, adding a natural, textured aesthetic. Wiring for LED lights and figuring out the water pump system were new (and sometimes head-scratching!) challenges. Exposing certain elements, like the grey-speckled internal insulation boards with their slightly rough texture, brought an unexpected warmth to the Studio and preserved the build's hand built frame.

Cladding! - May 2024
Insulation boards covered in breathable fabric form the underlayer of our cladding, topped with a black, corrugated metal finish. We chose this material for its sleek look, nod to agricultural architecture, and lightweight quality. For the front and back, we opted for something a bit different. By this stage, we were mindful of our overall weight, so we selected a bronze polycarbonate—a very light material that pairs beautifully with the black metal. The bronze's subtle reflections add a dynamic quality, helping the Studio blend seamlessly into its surroundings.

Finishing Touches - Jun 2024
With the unique layout and compact interior, finding “off-the-shelf” furnishings was a real challenge—so we decided to design our own. From the armchairs to the massage bed, is custom-made and hand-upholstered, ensuring ideal sizing for comfort and ease of movement. Watching it all come together was incredibly rewarding: soft furnishings, cozy blankets, and curtains draped across doorways, accented by a bright orange pinboard material—a bold touch that we feel adds a punch of color and energy against the Studio's natural tones and the hues found in the landscape views outside.

Products - Jul 2024
As the build progressed, I immersed myself in developing our holistic treatments, crafting a unique blend of contemporary and classic massage techniques inspired by the rhythms of nature. In addition, our certified, hand-blended face and body oils perfectly complement our treatments, with each oil drawing inspiration from the Sussex landscape. We're hard at work preparing these products and expanding our range for bottling and sale - we can’t wait to share them with you!

Ashling Park Estate - Summer 2024
Our first residency this summer was at Ashling Park Estate, an established vineyard in the heart of Sussex, and we couldn’t have asked for a more spectacular launch. Nestled among the vines, our menu of holistic treatments were really well recieved by day visitors and guests staying in the estate’s lodges - we were touched by the very kind words left as testimonials... After three successful months, harvest time was approaching, and it was bittersweet to say goodbye to our last clients and to Ashling Park Estate as we eagerly look forward to our next residency.
