TOP 20 GLOBAL INTERIORS GROUPS

There is a case for having a separate retail chart, given that the current boom in work in the sector has boosted the position of a number of design groups. Anglo-American chart-topper Retail Planning Associates is largely about retail, but it’s hard to compare with last year when its UK subsidiary RPA Europe reported 1.1m in fee-income.

Also strong in retail are 20/20, up slightly from last year’s 1.4m fee base, and Revolution, John Herbert Partnership and The Principals Group, none of which made last year’s Top 10 interiors chart. Rodney Fitch & Co’s figures, though up from 1.2m in 1997, aren’t strictly comparable as this year it has included its branding sibling Wickens Tutt Southgate in its submission.

Overall, one of the biggest upturns among UK-based interiors groups is BDG McColl’s surge from 3.08m in fees last year to 8.45m. The WPP-owned group covers the full interiors range, from retail and restaurants to offices. Fitch does not feature here as it couldn’t separate interiors and exhibition figures. The total fees were 6.5m.