Renowned British architect and interior designer Ben Pentreath, known for his transformative work on traditional English style and his collaboration with King Charles III, has opened up about his approach to the good life in a comprehensive lifestyle interview. Pentreath, whose bustling practice operates in London's Bloomsbury district, has gained international recognition for his ability to blend historical architecture with modern living needs.

Pentreath's impressive portfolio includes working closely with King Charles to conceptualize and build Poundbury, the innovative urban housing development in Dorset. His design philosophy centers on the belief that in England, houses serve as living, breathing cultural institutions that must adapt to modern life while honoring the past. This understanding has made his traditional style approach one of the most sought-after looks in contemporary design.

Currently, Pentreath has completed his most accessible project yet: the complete redesign of Fortnum & Mason's historic 318-year-old flagship store in Piccadilly. The renovation features a stunning new double-helical staircase, one of only a few in the world, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's famous design at the Château de Chambord. This project allows anyone visiting London to experience his design work firsthand.

Operating alongside Pentreath & Hall, the design shop he co-founded with Bridie Hall just around the corner from his practice, Pentreath has built a comprehensive design empire. His work spans homes across the globe, each project reflecting his signature ability to make traditional elements feel fresh and desirable for contemporary living.

In sharing his personal preferences and life philosophy, Pentreath revealed insights into his daily routines and favorite things. His travel preferences include British Airways for its calm approach and Kirkwall Airport near his home in Orkney, Scotland. His daily routine involves strict bedtime discipline, starting his bath and reading at 9:30 PM and lights out by 10:30 PM, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle by avoiding weekday drinking and walking daily.

Pentreath's architectural inspirations include Montacute House in Somerset as his favorite building, and he draws knowledge from James Gibbs' "Book of Architecture" for professional reference. For leisure reading, he favors "The Bonfire of the Vanities" by Tom Wolfe and works by novelist Robert Harris. His movie preference is the romantic comedy "Notting Hill."

The designer's lifestyle reflects a blend of London sophistication and Scottish countryside simplicity. He splits his time between his Bloomsbury practice and his home in Orkney, where local lobsterman Johnny Peace delivers fresh lobster in plastic bags for £10 each. His hideaway consists of tiny stone cottages called bothies on Scotland's west coast, and he dreams of upgrading his beloved Morris Minor to a Morris Minor Traveller with half-timbered details.

Pentreath's design aesthetic extends to his personal choices, from his preference for S.W.C. Dellow sneakers and classic Barbour jackets to his use of Uni-ball Eye pens with fine nibs. He maintains a practical approach to clothing, sourcing most items from Uniqlo, while his weekend dining often takes place at local pubs enjoying lazy roasts.

Central to Pentreath's philosophy is his key piece of advice: "Only worry about the things in your direct control." This principle seems to guide both his professional approach to design and his personal lifestyle choices. He believes in focusing energy on actionable items rather than dwelling on circumstances beyond one's influence, a philosophy that has clearly contributed to his successful career spanning royal collaborations to commercial renovations.