Designing Experience: An Interview with Nicholas Peter Bartlett

Nicholas Peter Bartlett, co-founder of Bartlett de Choc, transforms design into an immersive experience. As the brand prepares to open its flagship boutique, Nicholas reveals his philosophy and process behind creating spaces that go beyond chocolate—inviting curiosity, connection, and discovery.

At Bartlett de Choc, every detail is intentional, from the feel of the space to the way people interact with it. Co-founder, Nicholas Peter Bartlett, is not just designing a boutique; he is crafting an immersive experience. With a background spanning fine art, architecture and spatial design, Nicholas brings a unique philosophy to his work: That design should be as much about feeling as function, as much as about storytelling as structure. As the brand prepares to open its flagship boutique and demo kitchen, we sit down with Nicholas to explore his design process, inspirations and how he is helping shape a space that reflects Bartlett de Choc's core values of creativity, connection and craftsmanship.

Design as Philosophy

Interviewer: Your approach to design seems deeply rooted in experience rater than just aesthetics. How do you define good design?

Nicholas Peter Bartlett: Good design in felt more than its seen. The eyes are just one part of our sensory experience of the world and its through a combination of our senses we build an emotional connection to our environments. Its about the way a space makes to behave, the way it invites you to interact. I think a lot about flow, how someone moves through a space. What draws their attention, how materials and lighting subtly shift the atmosphere. A well designed space should guide you intuitively, without needing to explain itself.  

At Bartlett de Choc, we are not just creating a shop, we are creating an experience. Every element; textures, materials, the way light changes throughout the day, are designed to compliment the way people engage with our chocolate. Its about making something effortless yet deeply considered, where everything has a purpose.

The Evolution of the boutique

Interviewer: Bartlett de Choc started with small, bespoke spaces. How has your design approach evolved with the new boutique?

Nicholas Peter Bartlett: From the start we wanted our spaces to reflect who we are. Crafted, welcoming, considered. Our early designs were about making the most of small footprints, using materials and form naturally created a larger experience. It was about creating a sense of place, even in a temporary setting. We wanted to express how we believe the art of chocolate stands as an equal with other art forms. Celebrating our crafted chocolates in a gallery style experience. Giving the chocolate its own credible stage.

The new boutique is an evolution of that thinking. Just on a larger scale. The demonstration kitchen is a key part of this. We want people to see the craft, to experience the process firsthand. Chocolate making is a sensory journey and the space needs to enhance that, not just be a backdrop to it.

Inspiration & Process

Interviewer: you've worked across disciplines, from fine art to architecture. How does that influence your design process?

Nicholas Peter Bartlett: I see design as problem solving. Each project starts with a question: How do we make this space not just functional but meaningful? My background in art helps me approach things conceptually, but im also very practical. I like to experiment, to push ideas beyond the obvious. However, these ideas need to enhance the human experience not inhibit it. 

Inspiration comes from everywhere: travel, nature and the way people interact with their environments. I am particularly drawn to how different cultures shape spaces. Japanese interiors, for example, have this beautiful restraint, a focus on flow and balance. European craftsmanship, on the other hand, values texture, materiality and human touch. I like to blend those influences. To take tradition and push it forward in a wy that feels fresh and relevant.

Collaboration & Material Choices

Interviewer: How does collaboration shape the design of Bartlett de Choc's spaces?

Nicholas Peter Bartlett: Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Tracy has a deep understanding of brand storytelling. Her experience in luxury hospitality and design gives her a unique perspective on how people engage with a space. She sets the vision and i take this and translate it into something tangible. Tracy has a clear understanding of what she wants. From the logo to the packaging she has been in the driving seat of the creative process. We work as a team to enhance and celebrate that vision. Material choices are a big part of that. We want our spaces to feel warm and welcoming, yet still elevate the encounter to be a special luxury one. A momentary sensory escape. The brands material pallet is all about natural stone with highlights of gold. We wanted to bring in some other softer elements to help encapsulate the sense of feeling welcome and comfortable. I love the use of hand made Japanese paper as a feature and introducing some sculptural wooden elements.

Creating a Space with purpose

Interviewer: What do you hope people feel when they step into the new boutique?

Nicholas Peter Bartlett: I want them to feel intrigued to slow down, engage their senses and experience chocolate in a way they may not have done before. The space is not just about retail, its about discovery. Whether it's watching a chocolatier at work, learning about the origins of our ingredients or simply enjoying the way the space makes them feel, i want every visit to be memorable. We want people to feel lifted and inspired by the Bartlett de Choc experience. From the chocolates and how and why they were created to how they are presented.

At the core of our design is the idea that luxury should be inviting, not exclusive. Our boutique is a place where people can connect, not just with chocolate, but with the craft, the people behind it and the story it tells. That to me is what makes design truly meaningful. 

More than a boutique, Bartlett de Choc's flagship space is a reflection of its philosophy; one of creativity, craftsmanship and thoughtful innovation. Through his design, Nicholas Peter Bartlett is proving that a well-crafted space is not just seen, it is felt.