Teacup illustration with 'A Cuppa With' branding and text about Vicky Charles and the Q&A series.
Woman sitting at a wooden table in a kitchen holding a cup.

Vicky Charles, Co-Founder of Charles & Co, brings two decades of design expertise and previously led global design at Soho House. Since starting Charles & Co in 2016, she’s become known for her intuitive, layered style and her ability to craft spaces that feel personal and refined. 

We were honored to partner with Vicky and her studio to bring the Frank & Eileen brand to life in New York on Madison Avenue. Vicky translated our vision even more beautifully than we could have ever imagined, making it especially meaningful to partner with a fellow female founder.

Woman standing in a room with shelves displaying folded clothes and a table with flowers and books.

Vicky is photographed wearing our Monterey Rolled Funnel Neck Sweater in Navy and the Westport Italian Wide-Leg Chino in Chalk.

FRANK & EILEEN: Before launching Charles & Co, you served as Global Head of Design for Soho House. How did that experience shape your approach to commercial spaces and the art of making them feel inviting and homey?

VICKY: Soho House’s design philosophy was about creating a “home from home” for its members. This philosophy applied not only to the way members were cared for, but to the design, which was integral to that vision and informed every decision, creating comfort, function, and a sense of place.
FRANK & EILEEN: Before launching Charles & Co, you served as Global Head of Design for Soho House. How did that experience shape your approach to commercial spaces and the art of making them feel inviting and homey?

VICKY: Soho House’s design philosophy was about creating a “home from home” for its members. This philosophy applied not only to the way members were cared for, but to the design, which was integral to that vision and informed every decision, creating comfort, function, and a sense of place.
F&E: Can you take us back to the early days of Charles & Co? What inspired its creation, and what did those first steps toward founding the studio look like for you?

VICKY: After almost 20 years at Soho House, it was time to build something for myself, and I was really encouraged to do so by the people around me at that time. It was also the right time in my life, having had children and spent time learning my trade from some of the best in the business. I was ready, which I think happens to a lot of women in their forties. Charles & Co was started at my kitchen table with the support of my family, friends, Nick Jones (founder of Soho House), and partner Julia. It was time, and you learn along the way.
F&E: Can you take us back to the early days of Charles & Co? What inspired its creation, and what did those first steps toward founding the studio look like for you?

VICKY: After almost 20 years at Soho House, it was time to build something for myself, and I was really encouraged to do so by the people around me at that time. It was also the right time in my life, having had children and spent time learning my trade from some of the best in the business. I was ready, which I think happens to a lot of women in their forties. Charles & Co was started at my kitchen table with the support of my family, friends, Nick Jones (founder of Soho House), and partner Julia. It was time, and you learn along the way.
Open wardrobe with folded clothes in a room with a wooden table and teacup.

Enjoy a cuppa tea as you shop at the Frank & Eileen Madison Ave Flagship designed by Vicky Charles of Charles & Co.

F&E: You’re known for crafting spaces that feel elevated yet deeply personal and lived-in, similar to Frank & Eileen’s ethos. How did you learn to strike a balance between refined design and genuine warmth over the years?

VICKY: I think there was a school of thought that luxury design couldn’t also be warm and comfortable, which Soho House challenged. If you approach design with the human experience at the center and the functional needs of a space in mind, then warmth and comfort follow. We all want the same thing at home: intimacy, connection, and to feel safe. The materials, colors, and scale of pieces all contribute to this when used in harmony together.

Two women sitting on a couch in a store setting with shelves and products in the background.

Vicky & Audrey at the Madison Ave Flagship. Audrey is wearing the Mini Cotswolds Cardigan in Ivory, Eileen Relaxed Button-Up Shirt in Vintage Stonewashed Indigo, and the West Village NYC Wide-Leg Trouser in 1984 Wash. Vicky is wearing the Monterey Rolled Funnel Neck Sweater in Navy and the Westport Italian Wide-Leg Chino in Chalk.

F&E: What was your creative and strategic process when you began the Frank & Eileen Madison Ave Flagship Store project? How did you approach shaping that environment from the ground up?

VICKY: It all started with learning about her, the Frank & Eileen woman, so we could create a space that truly felt like her home. There was such love and nurturing when we talked with Audrey and the F&E team about how we wanted the customer to feel. The design had to evoke a happy home that feels welcoming and authentic. I hope this comes through in all the materials chosen. I think you can tell when something is created with care and passion, which is really the thread that runs through Frank & Eileen as a brand, and the store reflects this.
F&E: What was your creative and strategic process when you began the Frank & Eileen Madison Ave Flagship Store project? How did you approach shaping that environment from the ground up?

VICKY: It all started with learning about her, the Frank & Eileen woman, so we could create a space that truly felt like her home. There was such love and nurturing when we talked with Audrey and the F&E team about how we wanted the customer to feel. The design had to evoke a happy home that feels welcoming and authentic. I hope this comes through in all the materials chosen. I think you can tell when something is created with care and passion, which is really the thread that runs through Frank & Eileen as a brand, and the store reflects this.
F&E: As someone who blends elegance with everyday utility in your design work, how does that thinking influence your personal style?

VICKY: I think my personal style is led by a feeling rather than a look. I travel often and take meetings on construction sites, in the studios of other designers, and at high-profile client presentations. So I want to feel comfortable, relaxed, but also look as I feel…that I got this. Does this sound like I am describing Frank & Eileen's wardrobe? It should.
F&E: As someone who blends elegance with everyday utility in your design work, how does that thinking influence your personal style?

VICKY: I think my personal style is led by a feeling rather than a look. I travel often and take meetings on construction sites, in the studios of other designers, and at high-profile client presentations. So I want to feel comfortable, relaxed, but also look as I feel…that I got this. Does this sound like I am describing Frank & Eileen's wardrobe? It should.
Woman standing in a room with folded clothes and a coat rack.

Vicky is photographed wearing our Eileen Relaxed Button-Up Shirt in Vintage Stonewashed Indigo and the Westport Italian Wide-Leg Chino in Chalk.

Passage into a room with patterned wallpaper and wooden flooring.

Fitting room at Frank & Eileen Madison Ave Flagship designed by Vicky Charles of Charles & Co.

F&E: As a female founder in the design world, what have been the most pivotal lessons you’ve learned about leadership and building something of your own?

VICKY: For me, there is nothing more motivating than being underestimated, which I think women often are professionally. I have always tried to work with people who are better at what they do than I am, including the colleagues on my team and other professionals we collaborate with. That way, you are always growing, learning, and the work continues to be fun. The hard things that are thrown at you are always what you didn't see coming. Worrying about things that haven't happened or could happen is completely pointless. It's all about hard work, a sense of humor, treating other people with respect and kindness, and weeding out those who don't show the same back.
F&E: As a female founder in the design world, what have been the most pivotal lessons you’ve learned about leadership and building something of your own?

VICKY: For me, there is nothing more motivating than being underestimated, which I think women often are professionally. I have always tried to work with people who are better at what they do than I am, including the colleagues on my team and other professionals we collaborate with. That way, you are always growing, learning, and the work continues to be fun. The hard things that are thrown at you are always what you didn't see coming. Worrying about things that haven't happened or could happen is completely pointless. It's all about hard work, a sense of humor, treating other people with respect and kindness, and weeding out those who don't show the same back.

F&E: Looking ahead, what’s next for you and Charles & Co.? Any projects you’re particularly excited about?

VICKY: More Frank & Eileen stores worldwide, obviously starting in the Cotswolds! Starting this rumor here…

Thanks for cozying up for 'a cuppa with' Vicky!

To keep up with Vicky and Charles & Co:

charlesandco.com
@charlesandcostudio

Photographed by: Chaunté Vaughn

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