RGS Guildford Dubai Reveals Elegant New Interiors Inspired by Its Historic Roots

Dubai, UAE: Royal Grammar Guildford School Dubai (RGSGD), the sister school of one of the most prestigious independent British Curriculum schools in the UK, has revealed a series of newly designed spaces that celebrate the school’s rich British heritage while reimagining traditional design for a contemporary setting. The transformation includes St Edward’s Dining Hall —fondly known as Teddy’s — the Drawing Room, the Principal’s Office, and the Society Room, each crafted to embody the legacy and character of RGS Guildford.

Moving away from neutral modern palettes, the design brief sought to create standout, story-filled environments that reflect the deep authenticity of the partnership with the home school in Guildford and pays tribute to the school’s distinguished history. Every detail, from the choice of colour to the craftsmanship of bespoke furniture, is a nod to tradition reinterpreted through a modern lens.

 St Edward’s Dining Hall – “Teddy’s”

 Named after King Edward VI, Teddy’s serves as a vibrant dining hall for senior school pupils. More than a lunch space, it is design as a place to connect, converse, and recharge. Designed with inspiration from classic Ralph Lauren cafés, the space accommodates up to 90 students and features mosaic flooring with custom tiles, bespoke tables, and elegant, brown-tinted mirrors.

Touches of the school’s signature green and deep wood tones run throughout, while ceiling batons and a custom green canopy at the entrance enhance the heritage aesthetic. Adding a playful twist, a life-sized teddy bear dressed in the school’s iconic striped blazer stands proudly in the corner, bringing warmth and charm to the refined setting.

For younger learners in the school, a miniature version — Little Ted’s by Edwards — has also been created. With hanging greenery, soft lighting, and scaled-down furnishings, it transforms lunchtime into an enchanting experience for the Foundation years.

 The Drawing Room and Principal’s Office

 The Drawing Room offers a warm welcoming environment for parents and guests. A rich space where first impressions truly matter. With deep Chesterfield sofas, green cabinetry, and displays of blazers, ties, and trophies from the UK school, it blends comfort with history. A large wall map showcases RGS’s international campuses, while a replica of Guildford’s iconic town clock provides a thoughtful link to the home campus.

Adjoining the Drawing Room is the Principal’s Office, relocated to the ground floor for greater accessibility to the school community. Featuring a commanding oak desk, RGS-green panelled cabinetry embossed with the school’s rose, and brass-accented custom lighting, the office embodies both authority and approachability. The design ensures a distinguished backdrop for meetings and online engagements alike.

 The Society Room

A dynamic addition for the senior years, the Society Room draws inspiration from the debating chambers of world-class universities. Designed to support oratory and critical thinking, it hosts up to 24 students in a C-shaped configuration that encourages open discussion and intellectual exchange. It reflects the school’s enduring emphasis on scholarship and dialogue.

Commenting on the newly designed spaces, Matthew Pearce, Principal of RGS Guildford Dubai, said: “These new spaces do more than reflect our heritage, they bring it to life. Every detail, from the tile patterns to the colour palettes, tells a story of connection between our historic roots in Guildford and our forward-thinking community here in Dubai.”

Anisha Merchant, AM Design Consultant, the team behind the project commented: “Our vision was to create interiors that resonate with the RGS identity while feeling fresh and relevant to the pupils who use them. We wanted every corner to inspire pride and belonging, a balance between timeless British heritage and contemporary Dubai sophistication.”

With these new spaces, RGS Guildford Dubai continues to build on its legacy of excellence, where tradition, innovation, and design meet to create an environment that is distinctly RGS.