Four decades of practising the finest architecture and design in London is quite the milestone. It’s a celebration that Lees Associates is rejoicing in; taking this moment to take stock of what we have achieved throughout the years. With an excellent, loyal client list and a team of professional experts too, what is the secret to our ongoing success? What are some of my fondest memories of working at one of the capital’s top boutique architecture practices? LA partner, Kathryn Archer explains.
My beginnings
I first joined Lees Associates after my Part 1 Architecture degree as work experience. Moving to London seemed the natural thing to do, to explore the exciting opportunities in one of the most buzzing cities of the world. Within a few weeks, I was jumping into the back of a black cab from our Covent Garden office, down The Mall to Saloman Brothers famous Victoria Plaza dealing room. Let’s just say it was a real ‘pinch me’ moment.
After heading back to Newcastle for my Part 2, I soon completed my degree. I was very fortunate to get jobs with Anthony Hudson working on multi-award winning Baggy House and recording studios for Goldcrest Films. I then worked with the theatre design architect Andrzej Blojnski, great for my love of the theatre.
I returned to Lees Associates, moving GNI Ltd to its new Cannon Street office and supporting the firm’s growth over a period of several years. Our Covent Garden office was very convenient for work with The Savoy Hotel and we supported their constant remodelling for a number of years, notably the first extension to the hotel in over one hundred years and the refurbishment of the famous reception. The opening was very prestigious – it was anointed, as it were, by Princess Margaret!
The project was my introduction to working on a very sensitive listed building and I revelled in the importance of the history of every little detail and enjoyed the ‘behind-the-scenes’ involvement with such an important institution.
Prestigious retail clients
Since then, I have had the opportunities to work with many amazing clients and on some great iconic buildings. In Harrods we have worked alongside some great designers and also on conservation projects such as the refurbishment of the famous façade and the beautiful Georgian Restaurant Art Deco laylight.
Harrods’ Art Deco Laylight
I actually got another taste of the ‘behind-the-scenes’ involvement when at Harrods. Harrods has all sorts of unexpected treasures – even a well supplying spring water!
I remember our first commission with Selfridges, where we worked alongside Vincent van Duysen on the Lab Café. It was the start of a long-lasting relationship with the department store and with Vincent and his team.
An especially exciting time was working on Vittorio Raddici’s and Future Systems’ iconic Selfridges store in Birmingham. We worked on the interiors with Vincent van Duysen and also Italian designers Aldo Cibic and Partners. It was fantastic to be involved with the best designers from all over the world.
When you work with these clients – The Savoy, Selfridges and Harrods – you become part of the family for a little while. Whenever I visit or pass by these places, I feel connected to them and the people whom I worked with.
Memories
These are some of my fondest memories; these and working for private clients on their homes. Construction can be stressful and it is lovely to give them the benefit of our experience and knowledge to make it as smooth and seamless as possible.
We are proud of the personal service that we give to our clients. We make sure we ask the right questions and get to know the roots of what they like. Many architects get swept up in their personal thrill of designing, whereas we make sure that we get under the skin of the client, ensuring that our designs are right for the property, its owners and the site.
When we worked on The Savoy, we were introduced to David Linley and his team, who went on to consult us on the extension of their shop on Pimlico Road. Going beyond the brief, we developed the rear of the site allowing the proceeds to create a much larger shop with design studio overlooking via an impressive atrium space. This really exemplifies Lees Associates’ innovation, and how we can make fantastic suggestions that the client had never imagined.
Linley, Pimlico Road
I have worked at the same company since 1988. But at the same time, I’ve worked with so many different teams, skilled professionals, contractors, artisans and suppliers, for many amazing clients with many fantastic colleagues. I have truthfully enjoyed every single day. Architecture is such a varied profession with different opportunities to explore, new problems to solve and so much to learn every day. It all comes with the important bonus of great, lasting results to show our clients.
Andrew and I are proud of the legacy that Lees Associates is creating, and look forward to even greater successes in the years ahead
Find out more by watching our special 40th anniversary video below: