What excites me most right now is how much the industry is evolving. Events are becoming far more immersive, with design playing a central role in shaping the overall experience. At House of Verve, that’s exactly where we’re focused. We have an extensive hire collection which gives us a strong foundation, but it’s our ability to design and fabricate in-house that really sets us apart. It allows us to create something completely original every time. For me, it’s always about that moment when people walk into a space and feel it instantly. You can’t always explain it, but you know when everything has come together, the atmosphere, the detail, and the energy all working as one. That’s what we’re always aiming for…”
Debbie Marks, CEO & Creative Director, House of Verve
Debbie Marks is the award-winning CEO and Creative Director of House of Verve, based in the UK. She is a luxury event designer and décor fabricator, working with individuals and brands to create extraordinary experiences across events, weddings and private celebrations. Debbie is also the author of the best selling book ‘Extraordinary Parties’. House of Verve was recently instrumental in the launch of floral designer Tomas de Bruyne’s ‘THE ART OF DESIGN’ (pictured above) held at luxury hotel The Chancery Rosewood in Mayfair, London. Here we discuss books, design, and upcoming events…
C&B: “Debbie – congratulations on your recent collaboration with Tomas de Bruyne on the launch of his book, ‘THE ART OF DESIGN’. How important was it for your brand to be involved?”
DM: “Events such as Tomas’ book launch are incredibly important. It’s not often you get to be in a room filled with that level of talent, creativity and experience all at once. This industry demands a lot, long hours, high pressure and constant problem-solving, and unless you’re in it, it’s hard to fully understand that. So being surrounded by people who just ‘get it’ is invaluable. At the level we operate, business is built on relationships. It’s about trust, collaboration and knowing the people you’re working with can deliver. Events like Tomas’s book launch give me the chance to connect properly, not just online but in person, which is where the real relationships are formed. They also allow the other guests to experience your work first-hand, which is powerful. Seeing design in real life is very different to seeing it on a screen, and that’s often where future collaborations begin…”
At Tomas’ book launch, we played a key role in the production of the décor, delivering a number of the feature elements within the space. This included custom fabricated red velvet drapery, floral installations within the hanging cloud structures above the bar, and a large-scale escort card wall. The escort installation became a real focal point, made up of 100 sculptural hands, each holding a butterfly escort card, creating both movement and detail within the design. We also worked closely with Tomas on the centrepieces, fabricating the structures based on his designs for his team to complete with florals. Alongside this, we produced the surreal stage set, which anchored the room and added a strong visual centrepiece to the overall experience…”
Debbie Marks, CEO & Creative Director, House of Verve
C&B: “How would you describe the impact of the collaboration between all the designers?”
DM: “The end result was incredible. It was one of those events where everything came together in a way that felt effortless, even though there was so much detail behind it. Collaborating with such a strong creative team made a huge difference, and working alongside Tomas de Bruyne was a real highlight for me. Being part of bringing that vision to life, and learning through that process, was something I’ll take forward into future projects. It’s the kind of event that stays with people, not just on the night, but long after. For me personally, it marked a real shift, from the conversations in the room to the opportunities that have come from it since. It’s definitely one I’ll look back on as a pivotal moment…”
At House of Verve, we transform spaces into immersive, design-led environments through bold luxury décor and refined styling. We specialise in opulent weddings, private parties, corporate events, brand activations and large-scale seasonal installations. Our clients come to us for concepts that feel unique, elevated and unforgettable, brought to life with a balance of creativity, precision and innovation. With an in-house team spanning floristry, joinery, styling, production and fabrication, we deliver exceptional quality and attention to detail at every stage. For us, it’s about turning ideas into something truly iconic…”
Debbie Marks, CEO & Creative Director, House of Verve
C&B: “Have you dreams of creating similar design collaborations in the near future?”
DM: “Yes, I’d love to continue developing more custom-built décor in collaboration with leading planners and designers. Because we fabricate everything in-house, the possibilities are endless, we’re not limited to what already exists. That opens up so much creatively.I really enjoy working in B2B partnerships where we’re bringing bigger, more ambitious ideas to life. Every project is an opportunity to push things further and create something new…”
C&B: “As House of Verve is such a key name in the luxury events sector, do you initiate any in-house programs to guide and support ambitious newcomers to the business?”
DM: “I’m really passionate about supporting others in the industry to grow and scale their businesses. It can be incredibly challenging trying to do everything on your own, so having someone who’s been through it can make a big difference. I work one-to-one with my mentees, supporting them with strategy, visibility, systems, processes and sales, all the things that help build a strong and sustainable business. I tend to work with ambitious individuals who have big goals but need clarity and direction on how to get there. My role is to help them build both the strategy and the confidence to move forward. I run a six-month signature programme where we focus on developing their next level, refining their business, holding them accountable and supporting them through that growth…”
We’ll be designing The Queen Charlotte’s Ball again this year, which is always a highlight. Alongside that, we’re also working on a very exciting large-scale wedding, which is top secret at the moment…”
Debbie Marks, CEO & Creative Director, House of Verve
C&B: “Debbie, what would you say have been your most significant House of Verve projects, to date?”
DM: “There have been so many, but some of the standouts are always the ones where we’re able to fully transform a space. We’ve created highly themed bar and bat mitzvah celebrations, including a La Folie Douce-inspired party where we turned a ballroom into a full ski resort, and a Sephora-inspired event where we built a complete luxury beauty store experience. We’ve also designed pop art-inspired parties and a number of weddings where we’ve been given full creative freedom, which is always where the most exciting work happens. One event that remains a highlight every year is designing The Queen Charlotte’s Debutante Ball at One Whitehall Place in London; it’s an iconic event, and being part of shaping its visual identity year after year is something I really value…”
CONTACT: http://www.houseofverve.co.uk
