Design dealer Sophie Pearce is the founder of Béton Brut, a London-based gallery and prop house specialising in rare and collectible furniture from Europe and Japan. With a background shaped by an academic exploration of the politics of space, Pearce took an unconventional path into the world of design.

Her aesthetic sensibility is rooted in Modernist principles—emphasizing honesty, rationality, and an organic approach to form. This philosophy defines Béton Brut’s carefully curated collections, which focus on functional art and sculptural design. Through her discerning eye and deep respect for craftsmanship, Pearce has positioned Béton Brut as a destination for collectors, designers, and creatives seeking pieces with both historical resonance and contemporary relevance.

Photo: Gareth Hacker.

For Sophie Pearce, creativity thrives when energy is allowed to flow freely—whether that’s moving a sofa an inch, practicing yoga, or taking a walk when momentum fades. 

In this conversation, the founder of Béton Brut reflects on the importance of embracing natural rhythms, the spaces that inspire her, and why knowing when to stop is just as vital as knowing when to push forward.

AS: What are some self-care practices that you find most benefit your work & creative output?

SP: Rearranging the furniture. As a child, I would tidy and rearrange my bedroom before I could concentrate on my homework. I come from a family of ‘knollers’. There is nothing like shifting that sofa an inch and getting your environment ‘just so’ before you get down to work. Tidy room, tidy mind.

Yoga is another. I practice with Francesco Mazetti and other teachers at Blok. Maybe there is something in getting your head upside down for creativity.

AS: In what ways do you nurture your mental and emotional health to maintain creativity and inspiration?

SP: I put time into my relationships with people and nature. All worries seem to lift once you’ve climbed a green expanse. Or when you’re near water. The sound of waves lapping a shoreline—there’s nothing quite like it. Everything settles.

“YOU DON’T NEED TO BE INVINCIBLE. SOMETIMES THE BEST THING IS TO STEP AWAY, REST AND RETURN FRESH THE NEXT DAY.” - Sophie Pearce

AS: What practices or routines do you incorporate into your daily life to support your work while maintaining your creative energy and mental well-being?

SP: Well firstly, I would want to dispel the myth around founders and morning routines. I will never be up at 5am. I will never maintain consistency throughout the day. Routine feels like a far horizon — receding as I move toward it.

Though I do start the day with a cup of Earl Grey tea and a list. Then I let myself embrace the energy rollercoaster. If I am in flow, I hold on and ride with it — no stopping at the end of the day if I’m going well.

If I come to a halt, I try not to beat myself up about it. I’d rather take myself off for a walk or batch-cook something nourishing so I’m ready for the next rush of energy.

Photo: Gareth Hacker.

AS: How do you handle setbacks or challenges in your creative endeavours while still prioritizing your well-being?

SP: I try to roll with setbacks—meet the problem head-on and flex to it. I would suggest, don’t cling too tightly to one idea; let go quickly and shift towards a solution. Tackle issues early, before they fester.

And knowing when to stop is just as important. You don’t need to be invincible. Sometimes the best thing is to step away, rest and return fresh the next day.

AS: What specific environment or settings do you find especially conducive to both self-care and creative inspiration?

SP: I like to circle between stimulating and calm environments. I retreat to my flat for quiet, focus and food, then head to the studio for more energy and to exchange ideas. The shifts create the right balance.

The Barbican’s fountain terrace and the lake in Victoria Park are great places in London for a reset — again being near water, perhaps linked to growing up by the sea.

When not working, I get my design inspiration from historic architecture and gardens. Observing how others have crafted places of wonder reminds me of why I do what I do. 

Locally, I love Eltham Palace, Pitzhanger Gallery and Sissinghurst.

Photo: Gareth Hacker.

AS: Best self-care advice you have received?

SP: Don’t try to be something you’re not. Don’t waste time on things you’re not good at. Embrace what you excel at, ask for help with things that challenge you.

I think sticking with things out of a sense of pride or duty can be a roadblock or leave you feeling stuck.

Sophie Pearce's portrait photo by Thea Løvstad.

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