Sean Cochrane: From World Champion MMA Fighter to Multi-Award-Winning Interior Designer

Sean Cochrane’s journey to becoming a multi-award-winning interior designer is one of grit, versatility, and creativity. While his current acclaim is rooted in his innovative designs and luxury transformations, his path to this success was anything but conventional. In fact, it started far from the world of design.

A Humble Beginning: From Tree Surgeon to Fighter

Sean’s first job wasn’t anywhere near a design studio or showroom—it was outdoors as a tree surgeon. Working with his hands, shaping landscapes, and mastering the art of balance were early lessons that, unbeknownst to him, would later influence his approach to design. But it wasn’t long before another passion took over: combat sports.

Sean dedicated years to martial arts, becoming a world champion kickboxer and Mixed Martial Artist (MMA). His determination, discipline, and focus in the ring taught him valuable life lessons—chief among them, the resilience to overcome any challenge. These traits would later define his approach to business and creativity, as the demanding world of design requires an equal blend of tenacity and adaptability.

A Shift in Focus: Investing in Property

After achieving success in the world of sports, Sean looked to the future and began investing his earnings in property. This marked the beginning of his journey into design. What started as a savvy financial decision quickly grew into a passion. With each new property, Sean found himself more deeply involved in the aesthetics and design process. He had a natural talent for visualising spaces and creating environments that balanced functionality with luxury. The more properties he transformed, the more confident he became in his creative vision.

It was during this time that Sean’s love for interior design blossomed, and he realised that his true calling lay in creating beautiful, livable spaces.

From Passion to Profession

Once Sean decided to turn his passion into a profession, there was no looking back. His unique background—combining the hands-on skills from his time as a tree surgeon, the discipline of a world champion athlete, and the entrepreneurial drive from property investment—set him apart from the rest.

He founded his own design firm, #NU & Cochrane, which quickly gained recognition for its bespoke interiors and cutting-edge designs. Sean’s ability to push boundaries while maintaining a client-first approach led to a string of high-profile projects, cementing his reputation in the industry. He quickly became known for his meticulous attention to detail, bold use of materials, and ability to seamlessly blend classic and contemporary styles.

The Awards and Recognition

Sean’s work has earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the UK Property Awards, Liv Hospitality Design Awards, International Property Awards, International Design & Architecture Awards, and IDFX Awards. Each of these honors reflects not only his innovative designs but also his commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.

His unique journey from tree surgeon to fighter, investor, and finally, designer, has infused his work with a distinct character that sets him apart from his peers. Sean’s designs reflect his life—bold, fearless, and impactful.

A Legacy of Excellence

Today, Sean Cochrane is regarded as one of the most influential interior designers in the UK. His portfolio spans luxury homes, hotels, and commercial spaces, with each project embodying his signature style and unwavering commitment to perfection. Sean’s story is a testament to the power of reinvention and following your passions, no matter where life takes you.

From shaping trees to shaping spaces, Sean Cochrane has proven that there are no limits to what one can achieve with passion, discipline, and vision.Sean Cochrane: From Tree Surgeon to Multi-Award-Winning Interior Designer

Contact us if you'd like to discuss your interior design project. You can fill out the contact form, call us on 020 7731 6841, email info@nuprojects.co.uk or use the Whatsapp link in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen. We're dedicated to providing prompt responses, even on weekends.