“We are convinced of the power of design to transform everyday human experience - to influence the way we feel and behave.”
Jo White
Our Studio
We are a creative studio with a reputation for thoughtful, original architectural design. Our projects include workplace, restaurants, leisure and residential within Europe especially London and Paris. Our clients are varied including leading UK and international developers such as Astrea, Aviva, British Land and Northwood. Our team of designers and architects work together to provide solutions which prioritise people and human connection. Whether listening to our clients, collaborating with partners, designing scheme options, developing detail with makers or protecting the design through the construction phase, we are dedicated professionals.
Founder
Jo White founded the practice in the 1990s after gaining a name as a designer within commercial architecture firms. She has a BA Hons in History of Art & Architecture and an MA in Interior Design. After graduation, she worked as a guide to historic buildings in Paris. The study of art and architectural history was her inspiration and provided a foundation on which to build her own contemporary design aesthetic and philosophy.
Philosophy & Method
We are convinced of the power of design to transform everyday human experience - to influence the way we feel and behave. We are interested primarily in space and how it shapes our actions, decisions and movements. And in the expressive quality of materials, texture and their combinations which speak to our senses and emotions. Our approach is both instinctive and methodical. As well as standard methods, we use hand drawings as a fast tool for spatial analysis, to test and eliminate options, to aid the imagination and capture the vision.
Why our clients appoint us
We create engaging and practical spaces which are people-centred and stand the test of time. We are experts in reinventing challenging buildings and giving them new life. We excel at spatial modelling and organisation for both new build and repositioning projects. We can work to a strict budget and add value to assets by transforming the occupant and visitor experience. We care and are trusted advisors to our longterm clients.
The New Workplace & Wellbeing
The pandemic has led to a rapid transformation of the physical workplace with flexible, hybrid working here to stay. Now, more than ever, we need inviting, supportive offices which inspire remote employees to commute in to connect, collaborate, learn, build meaningful relationships and invest in company culture. Recruitment and retention of talented staff is a priority and employee expectation of wellbeing has increased. Good design is an essential tool to create compelling work environments offering professional, social and mental benefits which balance the advantages of home.
Sustainability
We are aware that embodied carbon from the construction and refurbishment of buildings is a major contributor to climate change. We are improving our ability to design using alternative materials which reduce embodied carbon and seek, wherever possible, to increase energy efficiency within our projects. Above all, we minimise climate impact by creating considered, timeless environments which are long lived. In furniture, we try to specify enduring modern classics and we champion re-use and up-cycling. We believe that key to sustainability is good design which serves well and stands the test of time.
Our Services
We work on a wide variety of projects and our services are always geared to individual client needs. The process will often include:
Feasibility & Spatial Analysis - Our clients often employ us early to assist the brief through open exploration of spatial solutions and uses, including the unexpected. We pride ourselves on our thorough, analytical approach to this first stage of architectural design.
Design Concept - Once the brief is defined, we apply our process - creating, testing and gradually eliminating scheme options until we arrive at a preferred scheme which becomes the vision. This is drawn and presented alongside our proposed materials, product and references.
Design Development - Following client feedback, we develop the scheme, collaborating with other consultants on cost, structure, services, etc. We provide a close study of our proposed materials and products, inviting clients to experience and try these in person.
Detailed Design - Known for our forensic approach to detailed design, we sketch by hand, collaborate with makers, and produce tight construction drawing packages which enable accurate tenders.
Construction - During construction, our wealth of experience in the procurement process and care for detail allow us to collaborate well while protecting the design quality through to completion. We lead the drawings approval process and design and manage contractors’ mockups.
FF&E - We handle large scale furniture contracts from design concept to installation, and for every brief and budget. We constantly research and test new designs from established brands and start-ups to add to our go-to pieces. The same is true for lighting and textiles.
Styling - We are often asked to complete our projects with this final stage: the selection and procurement of everyday objects with human appeal which inspire and show care. We offer this service down to the last detail including the selection of plants and art.