Guild Member Launches Exclusive New Design Collective to Champion Skilled UK Artisans
A Hove interior designer and long-standing member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen, who has worked in the industry for almost three decades, launched a first-of-its-kind exclusive networking group for the finest UK architects, designers, craftspeople, and other skilled artisans on 3 April at Rockwater Hove.
House of Cybele is a unique collective that celebrates and supports the specialist skills used to construct and enhance residential and commercial properties. It was established by Jennifer Anderson Haysom following years of experience running her Hove-based design businesses, Anderson Haysom Design and Bluebird Interiors, where she frequently collaborated with talented builders, architects, and craftspeople.
Named Metro Bank 2024 South East Entrepreneur of the Year, Jennifer has built a respected career working on a wide range of residential and commercial projects across the South East. Her regular interactions with highly skilled artisans highlighted a recurring issue: there was no dedicated space where these specialists could connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate on inspiring ventures.
Research by the charity Heritage Crafts also revealed that 62 traditional artisan crafts are currently at risk of vanishing without sufficient support from the building and design industries. Skills such as stained-glass window-making and silk weaving are among those now endangered—making the creation of this new design-focused coalition more timely and necessary than ever.
The invite-only inaugural event was a sell-out, attracting 55 attendees. The afternoon featured expert talks tailored to the design and craft sector, offering insight and inspiration. Two charities supported by House of Cybele—United in Design and Heritage Crafts—were showcased and received £320 in donations on the day.
United in Design works to create equal opportunities in the interior design industry for individuals from black, Asian, ethnic minority, and socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Heritage Crafts celebrates, supports, and safeguards the UK’s traditional craft skills.
Jason Hayward from The Guild of Master Craftsmen also gave an inspiring address, highlighting the importance of The Guild’s work in promoting excellence in British craftsmanship and how it continues to support professionals within the industry.
Jennifer Anderson Haysom commented:
“It’s a huge privilege to be able to support the skilled industries that I feel so passionate about and have worked alongside all my working life. I believe House of Cybele’s unique and exclusive networking platform will create valuable connections and opportunities for many types of businesses, especially those skilled specialists that are perhaps accidentally forgotten about and at risk and who need a place to grow strong partnerships.”
House of Cybele is named after Cybele, a Phrygian figure who found her way in a Greek and Roman world. Her story of resilience resonated with Jennifer’s own industry experiences—particularly in relation to gender and appearance—and reflects the collective’s spirit of inclusion and strength through unity. House of Cybele’s modern interpretation of that story serves as a reminder that when architects, designers, craftspeople, and artisans come together, remarkable opportunities can be uncovered.
Upcoming House of Cybele Events
26 June – Saltdean Lido
18 September – The Old Ship Hotel
3 December – Brighton Pier
Tickets cost £55 and for further information visit houseofcybele.co.uk or email enquiries@houseofcybele.co.uk. All applications are vetted prior to acceptance. More information is available via House of Cybele’s Instagram @houseofcybele_, Facebook page, and LinkedIn.
As a proud Guild member, Jennifer continues to champion the importance of traditional and specialist crafts—ensuring their value is recognised and their future is safeguarded.
