Dee Gibson is a British-Sri Lankan designer, hotelier, and founder of Kalukanda House and the London-based Velvet Orange design studio. Known for her emotionally resonant, culturally rich approach to interiors and hospitality, Dee has built a career defined by reinvention, creativity, and purpose.
Her path into design was anything but conventional. Originally trained in Electronic Engineering, Dee spent a decade in finance before making a bold transition in her early 30s to pursue her passion for architecture and design. That decision marked the beginning of a second career, one grounded in intuition, storytelling, and human connection. Her journey reflects a deep understanding of what it means to change direction, challenge expectations, and embrace uncertainty in pursuit of a more meaningful life.
In her London studio, Velvet Orange, Dee has delivered a diverse portfolio of residential projects known for their individuality, tactile richness, and thoughtful functionality. Her work is rooted in what she terms Emotional Design—an approach that prioritises how spaces feel as much as how they look, blending global influences with ethical and sustainable practices.
In 2017, Dee returned to her Sri Lankan roots to create Kalukanda House. Conceived and built from the ground up, the house is both a personal and creative expression of her philosophy to bring together local craftsmanship, slow living, and a deep respect for place. Kalukanda House has since gained international recognition, featured by Condé Nast and HIP Hotels, and celebrated as a leading destination for design-conscious, experience-driven travel. In 2025, she was awarded Woman Leader in Hospitality by International Women in Travel and Tourism.
Alongside her work in design and hospitality, Dee is a regular speaker and panellist for the British Institute of Interior Design and at international design and travel forums. She speaks on topics including Emotional Design, Sustainability, the Circular Economy, and the role of design in shaping communities and human experience.
As a passionate advocate for social impact through business, particularly in supporting women and underserved communities, she is Chair of the Board of Trustees for Sri Lankan NGO Their Future Today
Splitting her time between London and Sri Lanka, Dee hosts gatherings, retreats, and events that reflect her belief in connection, creativity, and conscious living, extending the spirit of Kalukanda House far beyond its walls.
