Archinect - Features

A Studio Visit With Frederick Fisher & Partners as They Embark Upon the Next Phase of Practice

2020-12-17T09:30:00-05:00

For nearly 30 years, Frederick Fisher and Partners (FF&P) has occupied an enviable position within contemporary architecture as a design practice that takes on diverse and adventurous clients in realms that include residences, artist studios, universities, and other cultural institutions and foundations.

The Los Angeles and New York City-based practice was founded in 1981 by Frederick Fisher, the son of an architect who initially resisted pursuing a career in design himself but reconsidered after having read Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture. After attending architecture graduate school at the University of California, Los Angeles, Fisher spent a few years working with Frank Gehry before launching his own practice. With the help of a skilled team, FF&P has developed an evolving architectural perspective that fuses the practicality and comfort of domestic architecture with the raw and malleable nature of artist spaces, bringing material refinement, organizational flexibili...

A Conversation with Mia Lehrer on Her Origins, Civil Service, and Design Leadership

2020-05-27T13:32:00-04:00

Born in El Salvador, Mia Lehrer grew up under a mother and father committed to making a difference in their local community, a quality the pair passed along to their children. It was at a young age that Mia and her siblings began advocating for the well being and empowerment of those around them through pursuits like teaching locals to read at their self-led summer school in the family’s home garage. Later, the family left Central America due to the break out of civil war and young Mia began to develop an inclination towards design. She explored vocations in architecture and landscape design and soon enrolled at Tufts University, pursuing a degree in Environmental Design.

With a growing and solidified interest to work on the design of cities, Mia embarked on a self-directed education through reading and attending lectures, leading her to the Master of Landscape Architecture program at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. In 1982, Mia Lehrer + Associates was founded, and t...

Studio Visits: Studio-MLA

2020-05-19T12:57:00-04:00

The city within a city is a common architectural idea, but few times does one have an opportunity to experience this loose concept as a physical reality. Studio-MLA captures the essence of this dynamic interior urbanism, as it situates itself as a kind of indoor campus greenhouse. But, instead of districts and cities, there are conference rooms, workstations, plazas, and outdoor environments designed to enrich and enlighten the experience of its users. Color, light, and space delineate the the unique character of Studio-MLA, a character that radiates from the studio's eclectic leader and founder, Mia Lehrer.

For our latest Studio Visit, Archinect’s Paul Petrunia sat down with Mia Lehrer to talk about the city within a city that is Studio-MLA, its many uses, the workplace culture, and its special place as a community hotspot.

Studio Visits: Lehrer Architects

2020-01-29T12:00:00-05:00

When you first walk into Lehrer Architects’ studio you’re struck by something you can’t quite put your finger on. It only takes seconds to get a full picture of the studio’s essence. Absent of obstructions and barriers, large arrayed work surfaces centralize the primary workstations and activity, computer screens illuminate the faces of the staff, some peering intently, mouse in hand, and others cutting away at rough mock-ups.

On the western end of the space, adjacent to the centralized desks, are an aggregation of working models of varying scales. The eastern end holds the firm’s libraries and works as a subtle divider of the layout. The south sports two large garage-style doors that lead to a quiet outdoor space and to the north is a raised wooden platform, staging another large model encircled by a gallery of the studio’s numerous awards.

Studio Visits: Bennetts Associates

2020-01-24T13:25:00-05:00

Bennetts Associates are well known for their work within the cultural sector, having restored and renewed, to name a few; The Old Vic, Shaftesbury Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Their architectural interventions on the projects mentioned, can at times be upstaged by the consequent buzz of the thriving community, old and new, that flock to these spaces. Because of their work, these perhaps forgotten places have once again become cultural hubs, with improved accessibility, additional seating and spacious foyers that spill out onto the streets creating all-day destinations.

Their skill for creating architecture that supports and stimulates its inhabitants is manifest in their own studio; a curious adoption of neighboring buildings including an 18th-century barn, an old Italian restaurant, and an early 20th-century print-works. The flexible, adaptive space allows for team members to communicate easily and walls filled with current projects encourage transparency and shared idea...

Studio Visits: Mizzi Studio

2020-01-19T15:12:00-05:00

I met Jonathan Mizzi and the Mizzi Studio team in their West London studio back in the summer. The team were all busy working away on various exciting projects as I was shown around and there was a feeling of excitement in the air. Having just moved their studio (only upstairs mind), there was an abundance of interesting models, sketches and samples for me to explore.

Jonathan, born in Malta, started the practice in 2011 after an interesting and fruitful alignment of events. An extremely passionate individual, he talks with great enthusiasm about all their projects past and present but one in particular - the Malta Bus Reborn. These characterful, emblematic, buses were retired for failing to meet EU standards for carbon emissions in 2011 but have been brought back to life by Mizzi Studio. Initially started as a passion project it is now fully supported by the Maltese Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects and is very quickly gaining speed. I found out more abo...

Studio Visits: Assembledge+

2020-01-13T11:54:00-05:00

When David Thompson graduated from Tulane University in 1991, he began searching for his place in the design world. Eager to tackle something manageable for a recent grad, he tried his hand at furniture design, winning some early commissions and gaining some experience as a young professional. To complement this ambitious pursuit, the young grad secured a position with a renowned architect and inventor, a posting that solidified his entrepreneurial inclinations. After 6 years of professional practice, building his chops as a designer and a businessperson, David took a dive and went out on his own — Assembledge+ was born.

Studio Visits: Bestor Architecture

2019-12-18T09:00:00-05:00

Since 1995, Bestor Architecture has upended architecture and design by infusing their projects with a bold use of pattern, color, and graphics. The steadily growing practice is almost single-handedly responsible for generating California’s now-ubiquitous “Bohemian Modern” style that blends Mid-Century Modern formalism with earthy materiality and contemporary image culture references to generate a cool but comfortable aesthetic that has global appeal.

Known mainly for ground-breaking residential designs, lively office interiors, and tasteful historic restorations, as Bestor Architecture hits its mid-20s, the firm has its sights set on going even bigger. With her finger on the pulse of contemporary culture and a self-motivated staff in the office, firm founder and principal Barbara Bestor is striving to broaden her reach to include transformative urbanism, housing, the 2028 Olympics, and more.

For our latest Studio Visit, Archinect’s Paul Petrunia got in touch with Bestor to dig into...

Studio Visits: CO-TA Arquitectura

2019-11-12T09:19:00-05:00

Heading up the Tulum-based CO-TA Architecture is Paulina Villa who was born in La Paz, Baja California Sur, but grew up in Monterrey. Not intending to open a practice in Tulum, she found herself lured in by exciting opportunities and convinced to stay by the ease and simplicity of the transition to the Caribbean coast. The office, which involves a small team of full time staff and a network of regular freelancers and contractors in the local area are currently working on a number of hotels spread along the coast, as well as residential and commercial projects inland.

Based in the town of Tulum they share their office with a clothing atelier and a digital arts studio specializing in animation, mixed media and virtual reality. I met up with the team to find more about how the local environment informs their work and what the next steps for CO-TA Arquitectura are.

Studio Visits: Gruff Architects

2019-08-03T12:28:00-04:00

For the first time on this studio visit I not only visited the studio but got to go on-site. Gruff Architects are based in Brockley south London as are many of their projects including founder Rhys Cannon’s own house, currently under construction. Exploring the house in it’s early stages of construction the team talked me through all the details often referencing early developments originating from previous projects. Now being their own client all these exciting, bold and fun ideas melting away in the boiling pot over the years are being fully explored without limitations.

A team of seven, they are also working on several other house refurbishments, a tennis pavilion as well as some outdoor public installations in Lincolnshire. Rhys along with director Emily showed me around the studio and their workshop across the road telling me all about studio life at Gruff Architects along the way.

Studio Visits: dMFK

2019-07-31T13:39:00-04:00

The short walk to dMFK from the tube is a uncommonly green one. Upon arrival Julian, the founding director, showed me the secret communal gardens the studio shares with their residential neighbours which includes several tennis courts, a BBQ and the recent addition of a pizza oven. It is easy to understand why they have called this studio home for so long.

A proudly collaborative studio, (currently they are working with other London based practices Hawkins\Brown and ACME), they are particularly skilled within the heritage and residential sector. I met with the three directors, Julian de Metz, Paul Forbes and Ben Knight to find out more about their approach, current projects, and how they socialise as a team.

Studio Visits: Feix & Merlin Architects

2019-07-20T05:38:00-04:00

Julia Feix and Tarek Merlin met while working for Will Alsop at aLL Design in the early 2000s. Encouraged and inspired by Alsop they first collaborated together after winning a competition to design a beach house for the 21st on the Lincolnshire coast. Finding a synergy in their approach they have been working together ever since growing their own practice. Now, past the ten-year mark, they are working on larger and more complex projects than ever before including several hotels, one in Hamburg; one in Krakow and another in Warsaw, multiple housing projects and the refurbishment of Walworth Town Hall in Elephant & Castle.

I met Julia, Tarek, and the team earlier in the summer to find out more.

Studio Visits: Softroom

2019-07-16T05:32:00-04:00

Softroom was founded by Christopher Bagot and Oliver Salway in 1995. They have since worked with Eurostar, The Victoria & Albert Museum, Wahaca and the British Museum to name a few. A multi-disciplinary team of sixteen they deliberately work within in a wide variety of sectors choosing to diversify as a tactic to inspire a fresh approach to each project. Based in South London, the studio is divided over two floors, the upper their workspace and lower a communal space and materials library, beautifully designed to showcase the teams capabilities.

Studio Visits: Jonathan Tuckey Design

2019-04-11T09:03:00-04:00

Jonathan Tuckey Design focus on amending existing buildings working hard to create a new discourse catalyzed by the connection between old and new. Their studio in West London is the perfect example, a previously derelict pub built in 1884. Reimagining the functional elements from its original use the team has created considered and playful architectural interventions adaptable for new creative endeavors.

Find out more about the team, their current projects, socializing together and their interesting music choices in our latest Studio Visit.

Studio Visits: SODA Studio

2019-04-05T13:32:00-04:00

SODA's now recognizable branding designed in-house acts as a vehicle for them to explore their ambitions, often updated or recolored, it visualizes the constantly evolving, growing ethos of the studio. Working across sectors and disciplines the team approach each project in the same way: as an opportunity to think anew and break the mold.

Recently nominated for the BD Young Architect of the Year the team is currently working on a theatre in Soho, several co-working spaces as well as a nightclub. I met with Directors Laura Sanjuan and Russell Potter to find out more about the Clerkenwell based practice.

Studio Visits: Stanton Williams

2019-03-01T08:26:00-05:00

I visited Stanton Williams architects early in the new year on a cold bright afternoon. The studio, close to Angel, is sunken into Regents canal with wide open windows framing the lapping water and visiting ducks. During my visit, the sun promenaded in exposing corners of curiosities housing copious materials, drawings, and models. The outside welcomed in, as elemental to the office as the desks and chairs.

This habitat embodies Stanton Williams’ ambitions with their own architecture; sensitive and responsive to its environment - architecture as an experience for the senses and a wonder to be in.

Utilizing their extensive experience within the arts and culture sector, they are currently working on the new Museum of London in Smithfields with Asif Khan as well as a project at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, a part of The Louvre in Paris, in addition to many other projects. I met with Patrick Richard one of the Principal Directors to find out more.

Studio Visits: Tate Harmer

2019-01-31T11:46:00-05:00

Tate Harmer's office is nestled away in a quiet courtyard in Dalston, East London. If you were visiting the very charming nearby Brunswick East cafe, an office favorite, you would never guess that just across the way a team of curious architects were designing some truly inspiring projects. For example, their hotel for the Eden Project in Cornwall will have a timber frame and when completed, will be the most sustainable and accessible hotel in the UK.

The team recently celebrated their ten-year anniversary with a party at Brunel Museum, their ongoing project located in Brunel's Thames Tunnel Engine House that is an embodiment of both their skill for unlocking the potential of overlooked spaces and their professional and personal investments in their projects and the communities they work with.

Studio Visits: Gibson Thornley

2018-12-04T12:10:00-05:00

Ben Gibson and Matt Thornley met at AHMM over ten years ago. Collectively, during their time there they worked on a multitude of award winning buildings, including the Stirling Prize winning Burntwood School. In 2013 they joined forces and established Gibson Thornley.

Now hitting their stride, the team are working on a number of diverse projects across the city. At the time that I visited the team they were working on the final touches to the Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up exhibition at the V&A, a very eagerly anticipated show and we now know, very successful show, which was opened for an additional two weeks to meet the high demand.

A design-led team with lot of energy and enthusiasm for their projects and in addition, it must be said, an extremely welcoming and friendly team. Find out more about Gibson Thornley in our latest studio visit.

Studio Visits: SPPARC

2018-11-30T09:00:00-05:00

SPPARC was founded by Trevor Morriss just over ten years ago. The practice has a diverse and exciting portfolio of high-quality architecture and masterplanning projects across the city, many of which are situated in historic conservation areas.

What became immediately clear from my discussion with Trevor, the Studio Manager Serena Woodhouse and one of the architects at the practice Bryan Ratzlass was the team's innate curiosity for people and place. Each project is thoroughly researched, not out of duty but because they are passionate about the history and context of the site they are working on. 145 Kensington Church Street, for example, has an ingenious façade that cites the unique candle-making heritage of the area, a source of inspiration from the past and means to create a legacy for the future.

I popped into their very unique studio, which they designed themselves, to find out more about what it’s like to work at SPPARC.

Studio Visits: Nissen Richards Studio

2018-08-30T09:00:00-04:00

Nissen Richards, comprised of Pippa Nissen and Jim Richards, have managed to successfully nurture a practice built from their inherent love of architecture, strengthened by their additional love of graphics, and theatre and exhibition design. A multi-interdisciplinary practice, with an extremely versatile workforce, the team have worked on projects at the V&A, British Museum and Printworks to name a few.

For this Studio Visit, I went to visit them along the canal near Haggerston in East London and spoke to the two founders, Pippa Nissen and Jim Richards as well as Associate Tetsuro Nagata, to find out more about their current projects and how they utilise their specialist skills set.

Studio Visits: Piercy & Co

2018-03-08T09:00:00-05:00

Recently, Piercy & Co have received a lot of attention for their impressive use of materials and textures done in collaboration with craftspeople and fabricators, most notably on their project, 25 Savile Road in London's West End. Their sensibility and attention to detail is evident in all their work and is now manifest in their newly built studio, which they designed and built (as much as possible) themselves.

Find out more about how they went about designing their space and what the team's current projects are, in my latest Studio Visit.

Studio Visits: PH+

2018-02-27T13:43:00-05:00

PH+'s London office is tucked away in Aldgate, East London. Visiting their studio, I was keen to learn more about their work, having regularly walked past their lushly green residential building with a living ivy façade on Orsman Road along Regents Canal. Working closely with the Borough of Hackney, the team worked hard to create a building that enhanced the surrounding ‘Green Corridor’ and maximized the biodiversity along the river. The project embodies the studio's ethos and fascination with the people and places they work with, as well as, their ambition to continuously add value to the built environment.

For this Studio Visit, I spoke to Luke Neve, who manages the studio’s internal and external communications and Andy Puncher, one of the two Founders of pH+.

Studio Visits: Miralles Tagliabue EMBT

2018-02-06T12:28:00-05:00

Last autumn, while in Barcelona, I was lucky enough to visit Miralles Tagliabue EMBT's studio—known most notably for Santa Caterina Market in Barcelona and The Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, the latter of which won the Stirling Prize in 2005. Tucked down a cobbled street a stones throw for Las Rambles, the studio was a homage to the old and new, filled to the brim with drawings, models and ideas.

We spoke to Benedetta Tagliabue, whom answered the Proust Questionaire a while back, to find out more.

Studio Visits: Hawkins\Brown, Manchester

2018-01-30T11:46:00-05:00

For our most recent Studio Visit, we went to visit Hawkins\Brown in their Manchester office. Set up by Katie Tonkinson who previously worked in the London office for 13 years, 'Studio North', has been incredibly successful growingly rapidly to 28 staff members after only two years in the city.

We spoke to Sam Beddingfield, a Part II Architectural Assistant, to find out more about their favourite parts of the studio, what they're currently working on and buildings they most admire in Manchester.

Studio Visits: ACME

2018-01-05T05:00:00-05:00

I walk past Acme's London office regularly and there is almost always a passerby staring into their window with a rather bemused, albeit intrigued, look on their face, not quite sure what to make of this golden cave of wonders. This is no accident, Friedrich Ludewig who founded the practice in 2007, told me on our latest Studio Visit. Having heard of a Japanese architect who shared his studio with his florist wife, Friedrich was inspired to create a similarly curious studio space with a speculative function to tantalize clients and the local community alike.

This playful and idiosyncratic approach is synonymous with Acme and can be seen in all of their projects, most recently the award winning Victoria Gate shopping mall in Leeds with its striking diagrid facade.

Having just celebrated their ten year anniversary we found out more about their journey so far and what the future holds for this exciting studio.

Studio Visits: Tonkin Liu

2017-12-19T05:30:00-05:00

Tucked away on a charming residential street just around the corner from Exmouth Market, you will find the award winning architecture practice Tonkin Liu. During the day the founding partners Anna Liu and Mike Tonkin, who started the practice in 2002, share their beautiful Grade II listed Georgian home with their team, utilising the first three floors as studio space.

They also recently renovated the back yard creating Sun Rain Room a manifestation of their design style and principles, recently nominated for the annual 'Don't Move Improve Awards'.

On our latest Studio Visit we had a look around this rather unique studio, had tea and biscuits with the team and found out more about their current projects.

Studio Visits: AECOM London

2017-11-22T10:00:00-05:00

Our latest Studio Visit was to Aecom's London office in Aldgate Tower which they designed and built themselves and moved into last year. Taking the opportunity to look closely at their own culture and working practices they aimed to create a much more collaborative work environment that is built around and enables innovation and creativity.

We got the opportunity to explore their new office, speak to Jennifer Dixon Architecture Leader of AECOM EMIA, and find out what it is really like working as part of a global giant with over 80,000 staff members globally.

Studio Visits: Duggan Morris Architects

2017-11-08T05:00:00-05:00

For this Studio Visit, I traveled to Duggan Morris Architects in a charming old warehouse building in the back streets of East London. Their office, beautifully lit with autumnal sun on the morning I visited, was jammed packed with models—many recognisable including the recently completed workspace R7 in Kings Cross and the award winning project The Loom.

We spoke to Joe Morris who told us more about the studio, the teams favoured local coffee shop Westland Wine and Coffee and what projects they are currently working on.

Studio Visits: Schmidt Hammer Lassen

2017-10-30T09:01:00-04:00

Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects was founded over 30 years ago in Aarhus, Denmark by Morten Schmidt, Bjarne Hammer and John F. Lassen. Known for their work within the cultural sector, especially libraries, the firm believes they "make buildings that meet the challenges of our modern society and that make people come together in new ways". Recently it was announced that they will be working with renowned artist James Turrell on a new extension project for ARoS Aarhus Art Museum in Copenhagen a project they previously collaborated on with multi-disciplinary artist Olafur Eliasson.

We spoke to one of the Senior Partners Kristian Lars Ahlmark to find out more about working as part of the Copenhagen team.

Studio Visits: Allford Hall Monaghan Morris

2017-10-13T09:00:00-04:00

Established in 1989 AHMM have offices in London, Bristol and Oklahoma City. They are well known for their renovation projects particularly in London including The Barbican, The Tea Building and Scotland Yard. In 2015 they won the prestigious Stirling Prize for their transformation of Burntwood School, a 1950s modernist school in Wandsworth. We went to have a look around their London office in Clerkenwell.