Founded by architect Alex Nikjoo, London-based architecture practice and interior consultancy Nikjoo prides itself on creating adaptable design solutions that flex with the demands of everyday living. With a roster of both private and commercial clients that includes a school, private homes and a world-famous department store, the firm is as adept at conjuring up a temporary installation as it is in transforming an ex-mission-house-turned-home-studio.

User experience is paramount, as is the idea of future-proofing a space, and Nikjoo always has the long game in mind. ‘We do this by creating buildings and spaces that can adapt over their lifetime to the changing needs of their current and future occupiers. Feeding into our commitment to improving the environmental and social fabric, through a circular economy approach for each project we undertake.’

Aucoot Property Sales.
Lode, Stoke Newington N16

nimtim is a young architecture practice operating across London and further afield. Adapting their service and role to suit the needs and requirements of their clients, the team takes a fresh and flexible approach to practice, ignoring architectural snobbery and high-mindedness. As well as bringing their own individual experience to projects, they also apply deep and creative thought to all their work and focus on providing simple, elegant and pragmatic solutions.

Photography by Megan Taylor & Mark Haddon

Norlha was founded by mother and daughter Kim and Dechen Yeshi. Dechen travelled to the Tibetan Plateau in 2005 to research the region’s economical and cultural dynamics and, after developing a strong connection with the place, decided to stay. Dechen’s knowledge and care for the communities she met, combined with Kim’s passion for textiles and sustainable development, lead to Norlha being established as the Tibetan Plateau’s first Yak Khullu Atelier in 2007.

Norlha uses yak khullu for its textiles, which is the soft under down that yaks grow in the autumn, and shed in late spring. Its incredibly enduring, soft and warm, and ethical too – the fibre is collected from the yaks as it starts to loosen naturally, so the animal is never deprived of its winter protection. Norhla place the exceptional qualities of this rare fibre, the skill of the artisans they work with and the creation of high-quality products at the heart of everything they do.

@norlha_atelier

Norman-Prahm architects was established in 2013 by Tim Norman-Prahm. A RIBA chartered architect, Tim was awarded the Bannister-Fletcher Medal from The Bartlett School of Architecture and previously worked at the award-winning London practices; Adams & Sutherland and David Chipperfield architects.

The studio believes in architecture that unifies place and purpose, embracing traditional and modern building techniques appropriate to each setting, and utilising them to create vital intimate spaces. The studio works in close collaboration with their clients, often beginning the process from the inside out, focusing on how one wants to behave or feel in a space. This allows Norman-Prahm to create buildings and interiors that feel natural to inhabit and maintain practicality. The studio’s work consistently reflects a high level of care and attention to detail at every scale, and has been published in Monocle, Wallpaper*, Grand Designs Magazine and The Times.

@norman_prahm_architects

Image credits: House in Barnes by Ståle Eriksen (cover and 1-4); Little House on the Quarry (5-8) and House in St John (9-12) by Johnny Barrington.

Danish design brand, NORR11, craft pieces from natural and textural materials such as oak, ash, leather and rattan in a neutral colour palette to create their sophisticated and sculptural designs.

The Copenhagen-based design team draw inspiration from nature and Asian aesthetics, both of which heavily influence the brand’s furniture and lighting design. A commitment to sustainability means materials are responsibly sourced and a zero-waste policy is strived for in production. The pieces are built to last; the company’s goal is for them to be passed down through generations, becoming the design classics of tomorrow. Functionality, comfort and longevity are at the core of NOR11’s design sensibility, bringing personality and timelessness to modern interiors. 

@norr11

Founded by Sheena Murphy in 2014, Nune is a small design studio run by the London-based Murphy and her New York-based partner, Tor Sauder. The studio’s cross-Atlantic presence sees them taking on residential, commercial and staging projects all over the globe. Nune believe that simplicity is key to a good interior, and that simple, considered design positively contributes to the wellbeing of those immersed in it.

As well as upmost consideration for the desires and needs of their clients, Nune put priority on the health of the planet and its people. With this as a central tenant, small businesses and craftspeople are used as much as possible, collaborating with Nune on spaces that make their inhabitants or users feel good, be them a home’s kitchen, a coffee shop or a hotel room.

Image credits: Queens Park Avenue by Michael Sinclair (1-3 & cover); Slope Kitchen, 18th Street Loft & Bruey Cottage by Nicole Franzen (4, 8-9 & 11-12); 4th Street Townhouse by Sarah Elliott (5-7); Hopefield House by Genevieve Lutkin (10)

@studio_nune

O’Sullivan Skoufoglou Architects was established in 2016 by Jody O’Sullivan and Amalia Skoufoglou. Both Jody and Amalia studied Architecture at the University of Po­rtsmouth and the University of Cambridge, before going on to work for deBlacam and Meagher Architects in Dublin. Based in London, O’Sullivan Skoufoglou Architects pride themselves on creating imaginative yet considered responses to their clients’ briefs. Meticulous with their materials and careful with construction, the practice works on projects of assorted scales and styles, and in varying locations.

@osullivanskoufoglouarchitects

Images credits:

Dewsbury Road (1 – 2) by Rory Gardiner

Grove Park (3 – 4) Balcorne Street (5), Fohlenweg (6 – 7), Guernsey Grove (8 – 11), Kensington Palace (12 – 13), RAW (14 – 15) by  Ståle Eriksen.

Oblure’s name was inspired by its very mission – to create alluring objects. This pursuit has remained at the company’s core from its inception to today. Founded in Gothenburg, Sweden, Oblure create innovative lighting that seeks to add something new to the field. Scandinavian aesthetic tradition combines with international design influences for a collection that balances elegant simplicity with considered character. While their headquarters resides in Gothenburg, Oblure have stores all over the world – including two in the UK – and an online store.

@oblure_official

Since its inception in 2013, Office S&M has worked with private clients, corporations and public sector organisations on projects that have included new-build housing, high-street regeneration and public-realm schemes. They focus on the colour, materiality and narratives of the spaces these projects inhabit – and this is evident in the vibrant, imaginative, detailed work that they create.  Their work has collected many accolades along the way – and featured frequently in the national press.

Some photography by French + Tye

Founded in 2016, the South London-based Oliver Leech Architects has grown an impressive, award-winning portfolio of contemporary new-build homes, extensions, interiors and basements. A Chartered British Architect, Oliver graduated from the Bartlett School of Architecture and worked at a handful of highly acclaimed practices, before founding his own studio.

An experienced team of four form the core of the practice, but Oliver Leech Architects also work closely with experienced carpenters in order to deliver joinery and bespoke furniture design. A personal service is paramount to the practice, and so Oliver is involved in the design of every one of their projects.

The considered remodeling of a Victorian terraced house in Vestry Road, London, saw the design practice scoop ‘Compact Design Of the Year’ at the 2020 Don’t Move Improve Awards. While the internal renovation of Hipped House in Epsom, Surrey, made the shortlist and the final list for both the Dezeen and British Home Awards respectively, in 2021.

@oliverleecharchitects

Image credits: Hipped House (cover and 1-2) and Vestry Road (3-4) by Ståle Eriksen; Kylemore Road by Nick Dearden (5-6); Reeded House by Ståle Eriksen (7-8); St Maur Road by Tim Crocker (9-10); and Featherbed Barn by Oliver Leech (11-12).

Oliver Lyttelton Studio is a London-based design practice working across interior design and creative direction. The studio collaborates with both private and commercial clients, offering a tailored approach to spatial design, creative direction and storytelling.

Oliver studied Product Design at Central Saint Martins and began his career at the original Conran Shop in Chelsea, where his appreciation for beautifully crafted objects and materials was shaped. His work is defined by a strong focus on bespoke furniture, innovative lighting and creating an environment that harvests memories.

Each project is approached with fresh perspective, grounded in research and a deep understanding of design history and craftsmanship resulting in spaces and concepts that feel considered, timeless and unique.

Paper House Project is an award-winning architectural agency based in East London but covering projects from all over the UK. Their diverse team draws on experience working around the world, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the work that they do. With a passion for experimental, exceptional design they work to a common goal of improving the places in which we eat, sleep, work and play.

Aucoot Property Sales.
Greenview House, Newington Green, London N16