Quotes

‘Design company SHH’s Manchester Square project is a perfect example of the trend towards less clinical and more boutique interiors’

(Estates Review, June 2010)

Client Stuart Marchant commented ‘We are very happy with the new design’, adding that the new working environment was ‘very comfortable and attractive to work in’

(Designdirectory, April 2010)

‘My favourite London architectural firm SHH transformed the abandoned six-storey building into the crème de la crème of sports clubs’

(Renovate architectural blog, Canada, February 2010)

‘An extraordinary accumulation of rich layers and textures’

(The White Book, Essential Interiors 2009)

‘A domestic dream come true, a real tour de force....elegant, aristocratic, opulent, with just the right amount of bling to spice it all up’

(Igloo, Romania, October 2009)

‘Simple redecoration in white created a pure backdrop for a number of creative solutions to lighting, storage and high-impact graphic designs.’

(Interior World, Korea, August 2009)

‘Behind the polite exterior lies a highly original and quirky home.’

(IDS, Malaysia, June/July 2009)

'A once-dull and lifeless dining hall was transformed into a buzzing eatery and hang-out space, extremely popular among the students'

(Cool Hunter website, May 2009)

'The architects opted for a spatial layout that harmoniously integrated the needs of mass catering with the formal choices. The numerous seats have been created from elegant white units, surrounded by round tables destined to small groups and shelf-like surfaces with tall stools that energize and interrupt the interior landscape'

(DHD, Italy, Dec 08 - Jan 09)

`A fantasy interior of quirky decadence with a healthy dose of testosterone....the overall impression is one of quality and incredible attention to detail'

(OnOffice, Dec 08 / Jan 09)

'SHH have been inventive and creative at every stage', commented client Hamad Isa of Al-Hilal Enterprises Group'

(Designdirectory.co.uk, November 2008)

'An imaginative integration of a new design into an old and difficult building'

(FX Award Winners Brochure, November 2008)

‘The Nu Asia restaurant in Bahrin is a delightful example of contemporary architecture.  Designed by UK-based SHH Architects, the three-storey building uses a great combination of dark timber, dark glass, stone staircases and lively decorated walls to develop an intimate atmosphere for its customers.’

(Stylecrave.com, November 2008)

'As you walk through the stately and regal entrance, be welcomed by the contemporary and elegant furnishings a well as warm colour tones and rich fabrics'

(Architectural Interiors - Hotels book, Autumn 2008)

'The design is sympathetic to the original function of the building and the thoughtful use of materials adds to a feeling of harmony between old and new.  The reception is crisp and fresh, the open-plan gym is impressive and the studio suite on the top floor is, I believe, amongst the very best anywhere in London'

(Mhairi FitzPatrick of ARK Leisure Management Ltd in Hospitality Interiors, June/July 08)

'Dion lets us enjoy the luxury of its rooms and the exquisiteness of its design as a whole'

(Actually Home Magazine, Spain, May 2008)

'SHH was commissioned to create the interior and branding and has created a clean and bold identity that references the colours of the Italian flag.'

(Theme, February 2008)

'The ground floor of the venue is moody and luxurious'

(Xtra Restaurants book, Hong Kong, Spring 08)

‘The designers have not only achieved a strong, yet contemporary, blend of natural tones and textures, but have also managed to create a luxurious flow that culminates in an understated bedroom extension.  The simplicity of the freestanding bath within a bay window is theatrical in itself, with key design elements of stone and warm timber finishes completing the props to a well-balanced stage setting.’

(WA’s Best Kitchens and Bathrooms Annual 2008, Australia)

‘It’s completely insane, and totally mad but you can’t deny it’s completely unique in its execution and choice of materials.  It just shows what you can do if you are limited only by imagination – it’s bonkers, but the installation is very very impressive.’

(Judges’ comments on winning bathroom, KBB Awards 2008)

'This superb house....an ideal place to live in, but also to admire'

(www.actuallyhome.com, February 2008)

‘The Japanese strive for ultimate perfection. It underlines everything they do’, says Graham Harris, MD of SHH, the design company that worked on Japanese fine dining restaurant Umu.  It has weight coming from the man whose remit at Umu included custom-designing the ice cubes to ensure they not only complement the glasses, but also evaporate at precisely the right rate for each of its 70 prize sakes.

(Esquire, January 2008)

‘The interior concept allows for different need-state consumers, via different seating areas and a clear and easy route to counter service.’

(iDS Magazine, Malaysia, Dec 07/Jan 08)

‘Showcases the designer’s avant-garde approach towards blending traditional period-architecture against modern-day classicism...Continue to be mesmerised as you explore further...the ability to blend white on white makes this interior space all the more captivating’

(iDS, Malaysia, Oct/Nov 2007)

'Sleek and sexy'

(Designdirectory.co.uk, 6 November 2007)

'The inside has been space-planned to suit the client's every need'

(Luxury Home Design, Australia, September 2007)

'Dion in Canary Wharf not only boasts the longest champagne list in London, but an exclusive 100-seater Veuve Clicquot Terrace, designed to prolong the 'City Summer'

(Urban Junkies, September 2007)

'It cleverly exploits the space, embracing rather than concealing the raw concrete shell....just the right feel for an urban environment.  A lot has been achieved for £2m'

(CAA Awards 2007 - judges' comments)

'The use of redundant garden space shows how good designers can maximise the possibilities of a client's brief'

(CAA Awards 2007 - judges' comments)

'An elegant and timeless design'

(New Interiors book, Summer 2007)

'SHH created the identity for the brand in elegant and contemporary red lettering...The offsite identity is particularly bold, with huge-scale red graphic icons used for the business cards and the rear of the headed paper and compliment slips'

(designdirectory.co.uk, August 2007)

'With bright colours, smooth surfaces and glamourous accents, the pool has the effect of a Greek temple to wellness'

(Architektur & Wohnen, June/July 2007)

'A new-build bungalow in leafy Twickenham combines Modernist Californian architecture with child-friendly spaces - bringing a sense of calm and fun together. Even diehard urbanites would fall for the absurdly pastoral charms of architect David Spence's new-build home'

(Inside Out, February 2007)

David Spence, Bathroom Designer of the Year finalist
'David's bathroom design was beautifully executed. And, you can't fault the quality materials used.'

(KBB Review press release, January 2007)

'SHH has created a full range of environmental brand applications for showroom use by the tractor and groundcare division of Kubota (UK) Limited. The range of applications has proved so successful that the work will now be used as a roll-out across 60 UK dealerships.'

(Designdirectory.co.uk, November 2006)

'SHH developed a slick, glamourous and highly flexible kit of parts for Evita Peroni which can be adapted to any size store'

(Dexigner.com)

The UK's 50 Best Shops
'It caters for everyone from sports fiends and local socialites to Madonna and Pierce Brosnan. This is definitely the place to come if you want to stand out on the treadmill'

(The Sunday Times 'Style', October 2006)

'Palladian grandeur with pool and parking'

(UK Properties, September 2006)

'The building underwent a considerable transformation, with the new scheme maximising the development potential of the house'

(RIBA Interiors Review 2006)

'Bold colours and unusual materials are used to delineate different areas. The colours complement an uncompromisingly industrial aesthetic overall.'

(Building for Leisure, July/August 2006)

'37° also boasts some outstanding features, including a dynamic, double-height gym area (with a 9m high ceiling), traversed by a 5m high raw steel bridge; a highly atmospheric 'batcave' pool area, surrounded by black tiling, and a series of artfully-placed windows, offering tantalising glimpses through the centre.'

(Designdirectory.co.uk, 27 June 2006)

'It takes confidence and vision to rip out and replace the guts of a 100-year-old house.replacing narrow hallways and rooms with sliding doors and walls to create the irresistible feel of a warm and open family home.'

(Living Etc, June 2006)

'The sunken bath was my idea but David's vision. The rough, dark granite felt right, and gives it a lovely, moody feel. The bathroom is the most relaxing space in the flat. I just lie back in the bath and let the stress of the day fade away.'

(Client quote, Inside Out, April 2006)

'The judges commented: ‘This is such a good design. It's real problem solving at its best in that it responds to the way people live. Its flows as he’s obviously thought about how people get up in the morning. To have a sequence of rooms rather than just sticking in a bath is great. It's how people want to live.'

(KBB Review Industry Awards 2006 Winners’ Brochure)

'SHH have created some fine interiors with the assistance of some quality furniture and furnishing suppliers. The Parkcity has set a benchmark of quality in the area…'

(GS Magazine, Winter 2005)

'A £10m, four-star, 64-room luxury hotel, comprising 62 rooms and two three-bedroom apartments, capitalising on the potential of the area.'

(Retail Leisure International, November 2005)

'The interiors include a spectacular re-worked original four-storey staircase, which tilts slightly, allowing for wonderful views up through the house'

(RIBA Interiors book, Summer 2005)

'Versatile interior design company SHH has turned its talents from flagship fast food outlets to a luxurious family home in London'

(idFX, July 2005)

'The Leeds store is an experience in itself, drama and humour mixed with glitz and glamour'

(Absolute Leeds, June 2005)

'The scheme is richly coloured, with feature walls in shades of cherry pink and purple, and mouth-watering chocolate brown walls and ceiling'

(Total Retail, May 2005)

'By claiming some land just outside the dinner hall, the dining area is extended to include an outside eating and study area…The design even proposes windmills for generating electricity, and raised vegetable beds so that pupils can learn about growing healthy food'

(Joinedupdesignforschools Book, Spring 2005)

'Early in 2004, it underwent a major refurbishment, emerging more beautiful and more comfortable than ever. In terms of its looks, it is now truly a haven for urbane diners, with furnishings wrought from lovely materials and with well-spaced tables and fine-tuned acoustics.'

(Square Meal: The London Guide to Bars and Restaurants 2005)

'Set in chichi Berkeley Square, Morton's private dining club is building a reputation for excellence among those in the know…Everything, absolutely everything, about Morton's is fine – fine as in the finest, not as in the 'just ok' sense of the word'

(RARE, Winter 2005)

'The interior environment created at 14-16 Bruton Place is a shining example of how thoughtful, enlightened design can enhance and sustain the impression a customer takes away with them long after the flavour of the food is forgotten'

(VIVID newsletter, Spring 2005)

'Winner, Commercial Interior Design Project of the Year.
The judges applauded the brave redefinition of the McDonald's corporate identity, which gives the space in London's Oxford Street a visually stimulating appeal not usually associated with fast food outlets…Above all, the whole design belies the fact that the space delivers the incredible level of durability necessary for a high-volume restaurant.'

(idFX Awards, December 2004)

'On its return to the highest level, The Greenhouse has given London a bright new beacon of excellence. It is a most deserving winner of our Restaurant of the Year award.'

(BMW Square Meal Awards 2004)

'Never before has wood been used for more good than at Kyoto restaurant Umu'

(FX, December 2004)

'There are moments of quite beautiful interior design here'

(New London Interiors book, Autumn 2004)

'Everything about Umu…exudes stealth wealth'

(Time Out, 15-22 September 2004)

'This smart Mayfair dining room has all the luxury ingredients you could wish for'

(Food & Travel, July 2004)

'The new décor is sober and seriously grown-up – tobacco leather chairs, luxurious cream linen napery….the new Greenhouse effect is chic'

(The Daily Telegraph, 29th May 2004)

'It won 'for reinvigorating a well-established technique,' said the judges and demonstrates 'good contemporary lighting doesn't have to come with a big bill.'

(Lighting Design Awards 2004 brochure)

'McDonald's on Oxford Street shows what can be done with a bit of imagination…..I'm lovin' it'

(FX, February 2004)

'McDonald’s have really pushed the boat out with their radical new flagship store on Oxford Circus'

(Theme, January 2004)

'This newest addition to the LA Fitness chain is almost all located under ground, accessed by two entrance pods at ground level, the first of which features a dramatic service drum lit with fluorescent lighting and shaped in tiers like an inverted wedding cake'

(FX, November 2003)

'Members enter the LA Fitness club via a dramatic curving stair with overlapping balustrades'

(Health Club Management, October 2003)

'a stunning two bedroomed house boasting fantastic reception room on an exclusive mews street'

(Foxtons brochure, August 2003)

'Planning permission has been granted for the construction of a spectacular new house in the heart of old Hampstead Village. Award-winning architects SHH, whose work is already well known in Hampstead, have had plans accepted for a modern house of cutting-edge design to be built.'

(London Property News, July 2003)

'An existing lightbox forming a wall in the reception area was transformed from a static graphic element into a sculptural light wall'

(Light, May 2003)

'This award-winning architectural practice has created brilliant residential projects and public spaces like cool W1 noodle bar Ichizen'

(Fabric, April 2003)

'The new premises..a former Miss Selfridge's distribution centre, which has been converted from a dour warehouse into a graceful, airy affair, with a fountain in the foyer and swanky toilets in which each cubicle door bears an enormous black-and-white picture of a film star.'

(The Independent, December 2002)

'Anyone visiting the lavatories at theatrical costumier Angels is sure of keeping starry company. Humphrey Bogart, James Dean and Marilyn Monroe are just some of the larger-than-life heroes who greet users of this hall of fame.'

(The Evening Standard, 26 June 2002)

'The new garden feature at the offices of Angels is nothing short of a showstopper….During its refurbishment of the Angels headquarters, SHH Architects opened the heart of the building and created an atrium to draw light into its centre. Views of the greenery can be enjoyed from most offices.'

(The Evening Standard, 15 May 2002)

'Most architects would consider it an achievement to get planning permission for one contemporary house in a conservation area. SHH has the distinction of getting permission for two – albeit on the same site…The resulting house has white walls, vertical boarding and, a special touch, a shallow curved roof floating above the dominant form in the street elevation.'

(The Architect’s Journal, January 2002)

'Offices for Proxicom designed as a live-work concept for an e-business consultancy with technological features integrated throughout.'

(GDR’s Innovations Report, Autumn 2001)

'This is no noisy canteen; it's a far more intimate affair…..Ichizen is a funky hang-out with sweet staff.'

(Metro newspaper, 14 June 2001)

'Affordable but stylish'

(VOGUE, May 2001)

'The practice has made a virtue out of the necessarily tight space, introducing ideas that are economical with the small space available, and employing materials that didn’t stretch the budget too far'

(Interiors for Architects and Designers, Jan/Feb 2001)

'The brief given to SHH was to create an environment that was funky, yet reflected the corporate and business values that Worldspace have developed'

(Interior Designer, Nov/Dec 1999)

'If you spot an unexpected splash of colour on the Edgware Road, it's probably Café Maroush….Columns finished in multi-coloured mosaics, a bright red shopfront and signage designed by SHH’s in-house graphics department make the most of the corner site'

(The Architect's Journal, 28 May 1998)

'SHH has carved out dramatically proportioned spaces in its refurbishment of terraced houses in Knightsbridge….Aimed at the upper end of the market…SHH's redesign anticipates owners who enjoy entertaining.'

(The Architect's Journal, 7 March 1996)