The Inner Circle Interview Series
Nick Leith-Smith
Founder, Nick Leith-Smith Architecture & Design
In our Inner Circle interview series, we speak to The Circle Business members, to find out what inspires them, how their brands are differentiated and what we can expect to see in the not-too-distant future.
With inspiration, knowledge and creativity front of mind, we caught up with Nick Leith-Smith, the man at the helm of Nick Leith-Smith Architecture + Design.
Q: What are you most proud of from your career?
I am very proud of the team I have built over the years. The people who have joined me on that journey and my longstanding employees. It is a testimony to the strong team culture. There have been several pivotal projects and clients which stand-out.
- The Manolo Blahnik exhibition at the Design Museum led us to a long working relationship with the fashion icon and propelled us into the world of luxury fashion.
- The London HQ for Grainger plc resulted in a long working relationship with the residential developer, and then on to other HQs for Hiscox Insurance, etc.
- Le Peep Boutique, the quirky Mayfair restaurant / live music venue earnt us a Restaurant & Bar Design Award and on to other exciting Hospitality projects.
Q: Take us back to when Nick Leith-Smith Architecture + Design was established.
I started my own business just after graduating from the Architecture Association, I had an opportunity to do a project first and went for it, the business evolved from there!
Q: Tell us more about your architecture & design studio?
My practice evolved into what I was passionate about in architecture: creating buildings and interiors that challenge the status quo to deliver craft focused projects with purpose.
Spaces that communicate positivity, enhanced experience, and humour.
Q: What are you most proud of from your career?
I am very proud of the team I have built over the years. The people who have joined me on that journey and my longstanding employees. It is a testimony to the strong team culture. There have been several pivotal projects and clients which stand-out.
- The Manolo Blahnik exhibition at the Design Museum led us to a long working relationship with the fashion icon and propelled us into the world of luxury fashion.
- The London HQ for Grainger plc resulted in a long working relationship with the residential developer, and then on to other HQs for Hiscox Insurance, etc.
- Le Peep Boutique, the quirky Mayfair restaurant / live music venue earnt us a Restaurant & Bar Design Award and on to other exciting Hospitality projects.
Q: What does 2024 have in store for Nick Leith-Smith Architecture + Design?
2024 is an exciting year for us with lots of interesting and diverse projects:
- A flagship for an International Fashion Brand
- A global headquarters/family office
- Chelsea Penthouse Development
- Luxury Vintage car showroom
- New flagship for top luxury homeware brand
- Creating the pub of the future – experiential, competitive gaming, local character and story telling.
Q: What core values are you prioritising this year?
Innovation and sustainability are starting points for every project and work hand in hand. This year we will continue to explore more efficient structural solutions and materials with lower embodied carbon and clever reuse.
You can see Nick Leith-Smith’s superb design first-hand at The Rug Company’s new showroom in London’s design district, Chelsea Harbour. The Rug Company is renowned for crafting the finest luxury rugs in the world, and the spectacular showroom encapsulates this ethos. The feel of the space is a creative laboratory meets luxury apartment. A must-see destination located at 3 Design Centre North, Chelsea Harbour, London, SW10 0HG.
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