So, it follows that our design starts at the “micro” scale of furniture and equipment, the quality of space, light, acoustics and materials, from which we create an interior. We then develop this to create a building envelope around that interior, at which point we address the “macro” scale of the public realm, reconciling our proposals with the surrounding environment, whether urban or rural, ancient or modern.

Such projects usually start with a story. A story that shapes them initially and guides their development, but also a story that entertains, informs, sometimes remembers (where we are working in a historic context) and, most importantly, offers a future. We like the idea that form follows fiction, not function, as this allows our buildings and interiors to create a strong emotional connection with the user, promoting a strong identity and, eventually, as strong sense of community.

Such story telling requires research, analysis, and a lot of listening. Indeed, we feel listening is our most valuable skill and, after all, listening is where all the great stories come from.

We have no preconception of what the story might be or where it might take us, but it offers a starting point and a route for us to explore, with our collaborators, to create the vision and sustain the project through to completion, and to give it life and meaning thereafter.

We guide the narrative of the story with our writing, designing and sketching while making sure that the operational requirements, programme and costs are all under control, as we are very aware of the commercial context within which we operate. Our approach has created many successful operations where the high footfall arising from our strong design approach has enriched both the users and their hosts.