Annie Shephard (née Perks) is a prominent British interior designer, garden consultant, and media professional known for her distinctive aesthetic and her marriage to television presenter Ben Shephard. She is the founder of The House Editor, a digital platform and design consultancy that blends luxury British style with practical, lived-in comfort. With a career spanning high-end fashion magazines like Vogue and House & Garden to her current status as a distinction-holding garden designer from the London College of Garden Design, Annie has established herself as a leading voice in contemporary British lifestyle.
Annie Shephard Career Overview
Annie Shephard began her professional journey in the high-stakes world of British fashion and interior publishing during the 1990s. She held influential roles at legendary titles such as Vogue, Glamour, Elle, and Red, eventually rising to the position of Advertisement Manager before shifting her focus toward family and independent design work.
This background in luxury media provided her with a foundational “education in British style,” which she now applies to her design business. Today, she is widely recognized for her ability to curate spaces that feel both sophisticated and personal, a skill she shares through her blog and professional consultations.
Education and Academic Background
Annie attended the University of Birmingham in the mid-1990s, where she pursued a degree in Philosophy. During her time at university, she was highly active in academic circles, notably leading the Philosophy & Epistemology society, which sharpened her critical thinking and conceptual approach to design.
It was also during her university years in 1995 that she met her future husband, Ben Shephard. This period was pivotal, as it marked the beginning of her dual journey in both personal partnership and the professional development that would lead her to the London College of Garden Design decades later.
Interior Design and The House Editor
Annie Shephard founded The House Editor to channel her passion for interiors and storytelling into a cohesive brand. The platform serves as both a portfolio for her design projects and a resource for those looking to elevate their own living spaces through thoughtful editing rather than mere decoration.
Her design philosophy centers on the idea that a home should be an evolving reflection of its inhabitants. She specializes in “layered” interiors—combining antique finds with modern functionality—to create rooms that feel timeless yet uniquely contemporary.
Professional Garden Design Transition
In recent years, Annie has expanded her expertise from the indoors to the outdoors by becoming a professionally trained garden designer. She graduated with a Diploma with Distinction from the London College of Garden Design, based at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
In 2023, her talent was officially recognized when she was awarded the Judges’ Prize by renowned designer Jo Thompson. Her garden designs are noted for their “decidedly English” feel, characterized by complex planting, relaxed structures, and a deep understanding of how families use outdoor spaces.
Marriage to Ben Shephard
Annie and Ben Shephard married in March 2004 in a private ceremony on Burgh Island, Devon, after nearly a decade of dating. Despite Ben’s high-profile roles on Good Morning Britain and This Morning, Annie has largely maintained a private life, rarely appearing in the spotlight unless supporting her husband at major events.
Ben frequently credits Annie as the “most important factor” in their family life, highlighting her role in grounding their household. Their relationship is often cited in the media as one of the most stable and enduring marriages in the British entertainment industry.
Life in Richmond, London
The Shephard family resides in a stunning, architecturally significant home in Richmond, West London. This location serves as both a sanctuary and a canvas for Annie’s design experiments, featuring a large, lush garden that she has personally curated.
Their home is frequently showcased on social media in glimpses, revealing a blend of “edgy” modern kitchen aesthetics and warm, traditional dining areas. Richmond’s proximity to botanical landmarks like Kew Gardens continues to inspire Annie’s professional work and her personal love for the English landscape.
Family Life and Parenting
Annie is the mother of two sons, Sam and Jack, who are now entering adulthood. She has navigated the challenges of raising children in the public eye by keeping their lives relatively private while fostering an environment that encourages their individual interests in academics and sports.
As her sons move toward university and independent travel, Annie has been vocal about the transition into the “empty nest” phase of life. She and Ben have spoken candidly about rediscovering their own relationship as their roles as active parents evolve.
Personal Interests and Philosophy
Beyond her professional work, Annie is a self-described “Sunday lunch roaster” and “welly-wearing veg grower.” She finds balance through solitary activities, such as visiting art galleries, tending to her garden, and exploring the Surrey Hills.
Her philosophy on life mirrors her design style: it is about finding beauty in the “patinated” and the “complex.” She values solitude and space, often preferring the quiet of her garden or a museum to the clamor of celebrity parties.
Practical Information for Clients
Consultancy Services
Annie Shephard offers bespoke design services through Annie Shephard Design Ltd. She works with clients on both large-scale garden renovations and interior styling projects, primarily serving London and the South East of England.
How to Contact
Potential clients can reach out via her official website, The House Editor, or through professional directories like the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID). Her projects typically begin with a deep-dive consultation to understand the client’s lifestyle and aesthetic goals.
What to Expect
Clients can expect a highly collaborative process. Annie is known for her “three-dimensional” vision, providing detailed CAD models and hand-drawn sketches to help homeowners visualize the final transformation of their space.
FAQs
Who is Annie Shephard?
Annie Shephard is a British interior and garden designer, former magazine professional, and the wife of TV presenter Ben Shephard. She is the creator of the design blog The House Editor.
What did Annie Shephard do before design?
She had a successful career in the magazine industry, working for Condé Nast titles like Vogue and House & Garden as an Advertisement Manager.
How long have Ben and Annie Shephard been married?
The couple married in March 2004, having been together since they met at the University of Birmingham in 1995.
What is Annie Shephard’s design style?
Her style is described as “decidedly English”—layered, colourful, relaxed, and focused on creating a “magical atmosphere” within functional family spaces.
Does Annie Shephard have children?
Yes, she has two sons, Sam and Jack, both of whom are currently in their late teens/early twenties.
Where did Annie Shephard study garden design?
She graduated with a distinction from the London College of Garden Design, which is located within the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
What award did Annie Shephard win?
She was awarded the 2023 Judges’ Prize by Jo Thompson at the London College of Garden Design for her innovative approach to garden briefs.
Is Annie Shephard on social media?
She maintains a professional presence on Instagram where she shares updates on her gardening projects and interior design inspirations.
What is “The House Editor”?
It is Annie’s personal brand and website where she offers design advice, shares her portfolio, and discusses the philosophy of creating a “curated” home.
Where does Annie Shephard live?
She lives in Richmond, West London, in a home that features extensive gardens and custom-designed interiors.
What is Annie Shephard’s educational background?
She holds a degree in Philosophy from the University of Birmingham, where she also led the Philosophy & Epistemology society.
Does Annie Shephard take on private clients?
Yes, she operates Annie Shephard Design Ltd and takes on a limited number of interior and garden design commissions each year.
How does Annie Shephard balance her career and private life?
She is known for being “publicity-shy,” focusing on her craft and family while supporting her husband’s career from behind the scenes.
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