Quotes

SHH

‘At last, someone has evolved an exquisite form of more-than-minimalism.  The design aesthetic at SHH, a London-based award-winning architecture and interior design practice, would appear to be why make something (plan and) simple when it can be beautiful.’

SHH

‘Each project is almost gratuitously gorgeous’

CAFÉ LIBERTY

‘Refined, respectful to its history, but with a knowing nod to the store’s pioneering dedication to design, SHH’s Café Liberty is most definitely worthy of its lofty surroundings’

BARBICAN RESTAURANTS

‘The handicraft charm of the new interior perfectly harmonises with the raw charm of the concrete structure’

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING COMPANY

‘The new offices are spacious and dramatic, with cool contemporary furniture and interventions creating a strong contrast with the building’s classic fabric’

TEASPOON

‘SHH has created a new brand, visual identity and interiors concept for Russian tea and pancake house chain Teaspoon – which is aiming for an international launch.’

RIZON JET LOUNGE

‘SHH was briefed to create an ‘ultra-high-end space’ with a comfortable lounge feel.’

BARBICAN RESTAURANTS

‘We are aware of a creative approach that is closely linked to now, an orientation that carefully manages to construct a style that clearly reflects the modern-day living rituals and consolidate it using the roots of its long history.’

RENÉ DEKKER / TOP 50 INTERIOR DESIGNERS'

‘If it’s opulent luxury you lust after then Dekker can provide it.  He is, after all, head of residential interiors at SHH, which has been decorating for business magnates and foreign royals for 19 years.’

NORTH LONDON ECO HOUSE

‘The interior was to be open and light with clean lines and lots of storage, so that the house could be clutter-free.’

BARBICAN LOUNGE

‘The Barbican Lounge fits perfectly with the buidling’

SHH

‘Based in London, SHH consists of a highly talented team of architects and designers’

BARBICAN CENTRE

‘It’s Europe’s largest performing arts and conference centre and, more recently, a hot destination for cuisine’

MANCHESTER SQUARE OFFICES

‘London-based architecture and design firm SHH created this elegant office in London….Custom-work, limited edition pieces and classic furnishings such as Eames chairs accent each space, giving stunning jolts among the calm opulence.’

BARBICAN FOODHALL

‘A temple to gastronomy, with fine coffee, deli tables and street-food counters, redesigned by architects SHH…Old-school canteen, with a cool lighting display made from jars.’

BARBICAN LOUNGE

‘The Barbican’s Lounge restaurant has had a cool makeover’

SHH

‘SHH is a leading designing firm which has scored countless headlines in many publications’

KENSINGTON HOUSE

‘A daring interior design project’

SHH

'The go-to practice for the ultimate in residential projects'

BARBICAN LOUNGE

‘The first floor Lounge has material links to its ground floor sister space, but also boasts a very individual and bold design treatment in striking colours’

BARBICAN FOODHALL AND LOUNGE

‘Two stunning new restaurant spaces within one of London’s greatest 20th century architectural landmarks’

BARBICAN FOODHALL + BARBICAN LOUNGE

‘Iconic arts centre acquires beautiful new dining spaces....reverent, clever and sophisticated’

SHH

BARBICAN FOODHALL

‘But you know what really blew me away?  The branding.  Just love the way they’ve worked a stylised image of the iconic concrete towers onto the take-out bags, and worked it alongside pared-back typography and a take-no-prisoners colour palette.  It’s the kind of designer bag I’ll happily swing around town’

SHH

‘We sought out the UK’s leading names in architecture to ask for their secrets on how to squeeze clever storage into tiny homes'

SAVILLS

APPLEMORE COLLEGE

‘A cafeteria that’s good for you’

APOSTROPHE

‘This is our 16th site and is particularly exciting for us as we continue to push the boundaries with our interiors.  We’ve been working with renowned design consultancy SHH...’

MCDONALD'S OXFORD STREET

‘SHH’s scheme became an exemplar, with components to suit different settings and budgets made available to all franchisees worldwide’

SHH

‘Formed in 1992 and approaching its 20th birthday, the people behind SHH Architects are justifiably proud of its achievements’

APPLEMORE COLLEGE

‘The canteen, in Southampton’s Applemore College, has been transformed by SHH.  It’s now a large, open space with big slices of colour brightening walls, floor and furniture. The queue moves fast.  The kids, aged 11 to 18, get to make the most of their precious lunch break.  Add to that a reworked menu that offers healthy options and the makeover looks complete.’

KENSINGTON HOUSE

‘Designed by the ingenious SHH architects...radiates with extravagance.  The interior decoration of the spaces is prose poetry.  It cuddles, entices, exalts, contains, captivates your mind....In simple words, this house is simply staggering.’

MARYLEBONE HOUSE

‘On the outside it is no different from its neighbours – the interior is what makes it distinctive.  Here the team of the prestigious SHH Architects, inspirationally headed by Rene Dekker, have created a unique and surprising interior-scape extending over six floors.’

37° OLYMPIA

‘Architectural practice and design consultancy SHH has extensive experience designing sports centres and health clubs and is currently working on one in Northern Iraq.’

MANCHESTER SQUARE

‘Gentleman’s Delight’

NU ASIA

'Interior design as a means of dialogue between cultures'

NU ASIA

'21st century composition'

NEW ASSOCIATES

'SHH has appointed two new Associates to its management team, creating a six-strong tier of middle management, the largest in the company's history'

TEASPOON

'The new recently opened outlet with its successful combination of materials was designed by the SHH studio.  It makes the most of the environment, creating a sensual atmosphere where the inspiration of Russian folklore is clearly felt.'

DION

'Any limitations caused by the long thin shape of the bar and zero natural light were overcome by making creative lighting techniques and multiple reflective surfaces a major consideration.'

MANCHESTER SQUARE OFFICES

'Few offices boast seductively dark entrance halls with disco-fabulous lighting and arty wall projections...'

CHRISTIE'S

'In particular, the new works set out to make the Old Brompton Road site even more approachable for new and younger collectors or for general public novice users'

NORTH LONDON HOUSE

‘René Dekker, SHH’s head of residential interiors, has been named as the Bathroom Designer of the Year.  The judges noted that ‘it just shows what you can do if you are limited only by imagination...very, very impressive’

37° OLYMPIA

‘These fitness amenities have been designed specifically for people who are interested in holistic training that involves both the mind and the body, in a harmonious combination that respects the real requirements of Man.’

SAVILLS

'SHH redefines estate agent showrooms'

37° OLYMPIA

'The dramatic pool area has bright white tiling with a strong flourescent orange edging for delineation, surrounded by chocolate brown tiles.  A steel-framed tunnel is suspended over the pool, clad in stainless steel mesh'

SAVILLS

'SHH have created a new retail concept for the residential arm of prestigious global real estate company Savills'

SAVILLS

'Estate agent turns to architect SHH in search of sales growth'

SHH

'Varied in types and styles, we can always sense a true British spirit in their work'

KENSINGTON HOUSE

'Three wool and silk rugs designed by Dekker are laid out to separate the room into regions - a subtle design strategy that divides the space without detracting from the room's drama'

DION

‘The tone is definitely one of contemporary elegance’

KENSINGTON HOUSE

‘René Dekker is Head of Residential Interiors at a leading London architectural and design practice.  His execution of this exemplary London townhouse offers generous living space and superb attention to detail.’

DION

'A luscious gold cavern....those looking for a glossy, high-end hideaway will find that Dion certainly puts the fizz back into the Canary Wharf bar scene'

DION

‘We chose SHH because we had confidence in their ability to inject high-octane glamour into the project – but also because they are very professional and capable and great to deal with as people!’

DION

‘The design concept was to develop and accentuate dion’s status as a luxury brand’

MAYFAIR PENTHOUSE

‘Within the very heart of London, we find a fantastic penthouse...a true luxury for its owners’

KENSINGTON HOUSE

‘An appropriately stunning showcase of the designer’s talent....Welcome to elegance!’

VALLORINI

'A new contemporary take on the Italian deli/cafeteria'

DION

'A new luxury flagship complete with swanky Veuve Clicquot terrace'

VALLORINI

'The concept store in the food court at north London's Brent Cross has a sharp, bold feel that gives consumers slightly more architecture than they might expect.'

THE HUB

'There was a successful engagement with the client and a good consultation process.  Imaginative and interesting materials, colours and finishes have been used.  It is an easily maintained and hygienic environment.  Interesting lighting gives a different feel to each zone'

PARKCITY

'A good example of how to bring a tired building up to 21st century standards and done with flair and conviction'

VALLORINI

'SHH has been charged with providing the good looks'

MCDONALD'S OXFORD ST

'One of the highlights was the nature-inspired and abstract designed graphics on the walls'

KENSINGTON HOUSE

'The house combines all the conveniences of modern living with state of the art AV and comfort cooling without compromising on space and traditional proportions'

MAYFAIR PENTHOUSE

'A stunning and luxurious remodelled apartment'

37°

'A temple to wellness and the latest trends in fitness and body-care, a complex and extremely modern structure'

SHH

'This team has produced designs ranging from ultra-fun to super-chic with projects from school canteens to flagship McDonald's outlets all the way to Mayfair penthouses.'

SHH

'SHH's design work gives expression to the good taste of the British people. High-quality cherry wood, luxurious velvet carpet....the designers have an eye for detail.'

SHH

'We've hand-picked our favourite architects from around the capital..with a focus on strategic and financial planning and energetic creations, SHH has numerous awards under its belt for design projects as varied as bars and clubs to residential, leisure and more..'

37°

'Stunning'

37°

'What immediately differentiates the club is its architecture. Materials such as concrete, copper and wood combine with bold colours to create a modern, urban feel.'

THE HUB

'SHH's multifunctional, rationally organised plan takes various users into consideration.'

PATTISON ROAD

'Custom-designed for an architect and his artist wife, this house has all the elements required for sophisticated city living'

BATHROOM, FAMILY HOUSE NW3

'By selecting curvaceous modern components and mixing them with natural materials such as limestone and walnut – with a few antique elements thrown into the mix – Stuart has undoubtedly achieved a design triumph in this beautiful bathroom.'

MAYFAIR PENTHOUSE

'The interior treatment is seriously rich, dark and luxurious'

THE GREENHOUSE

'From beginning to end, dining at The Greenhouse is a profoundly civilised experience. In common with Abela's other Mayfair hotspots, Umu and Morton's, it is supremely calm and beautifully designed…Mayfair dining at its very best.'

THE PARKCITY

'The reception area is warm and inviting with subtle lighting, simple furniture, warm tones of brown and chestnut and contrasting but complementary textures of suede and leather'

NU ASIA

'SHH has used a rich and colourful palatte throughout the design to sum up the essential warmth of Asia cuisine.'

THE HUB

'According to Head Michael Shrew, the vibrant new dining area has revolutionised the atmosphere of the whole school.'

NU ASIA

'London consultancy SHH has created the brand identity and interior concept for a £2m three-storey, 300-seater restaurant called Nu Asia, which will open in Bahrain this winter.'

JOY LEEDS

'High street retailing may be suffering from a lack of footfall, lower spending, giant supermarkets muscling in on the little guy and on-line shopping - but you'd never know it to look at some of the amazing design that's being undertaken on behalf of the bravest retailers. There will always be a place for individuality and this month's tribute to exceptional retail design is SHH's new Joy store in Leeds'

MCDONALD'S

'Currently, McDonald's is working with a framework of just eight concepts, one of which is the hi-tech 'Blink' model, created by SHH, which was first trialled at McDonald's flagship in London's Oxford Street. Blown-up graphics, booths and plasma screens give a more clubby feel to the space, allowing it to stand out amid the more formatted, high street, fast food chains.'

THE HUB

'A dynamic, robust indoor and outdoor canteen'

McDONALD’S OXFORD STREET

'Judging by the excited buzz coming from customers, the re-styled McDonald's in Oxford Street is the place to see and be seen'

THE HUB

'The internet area allows pupils to play and eat at the same time, with special spill-resistant, wipe-clean keyboards set into Formica counters'

JOY LEEDS

'The store has instant visual appeal due to its multi-coloured candy striped logo use for fascia and projecting signage'

RENE DEKKER

'SHH has appointed Senior Designer Rene Dekker to its residential interiors team. Rene has 20 years experience in this field, having worked for Jan Swanepol, Christopher Rowley Interiors and Bill Bennette, before a two year period running his own design practice.'

LA FITNESS FINCHLEY

'The bold design clearly goes for modernity through the use of bright colours to delimit the different areas'

NEIL HOGAN of SHH

'At SHH we like design with a capital ‘D’. Keeping creativity is paramount – design is not a styling exercise.'

UMU

'Umu's clever combination of innovative surface materials make it a place to linger…subtle, ingenious design details'

FAMILY HOUSE, NW3

'It's a united nations of tastes and applications, a marriage of old and new, and a match made in heaven'

JOY, MANCHESTER

'Joy retains its cheeky personality for its seventh space, with a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed space designed by architect and interior design consultancy SHH'

JOY, MANCHESTER

'A more considered interior layout gives greater direction for the customer with themed room sets that add slightly more organisation to the chaos. Think kooky department store on a smaller scale'

STUART MCLAUCHLAN, SHH

'We encourage clients to see the potential of the bathroom as a space…there's no need to stereotype by sticking to the same old basin and bath. The space should be used to create a relaxing, functional bathroom'

MCDONALD’s OXFORD STREET

'McDonald's pushes the envelope of fast-food retailing with the futuristic remodel of its three-level restaurant on London’s busy Oxford Street'

NOLITA

'The owner behind Little Italy and Bar Italia, the restaurant, café and bar establishment based in Soho, London, has appointed SHH to design the interiors of its latest venture, a late night restaurant and bar, Nolita, located in North London'

NEIL HOGAN, SHH

'There are massive changes afoot in retail, especially in terms of zoning and mixing previously unassociated offers. SHH clients as diverse as McDonald's and JOY are currently planning some very adventurous expansions on traditional roles'

THE MARKETING STORE

'The project for the reception of the London HQ of promotional marketing consultancy the Marketing Store showcases how a low-budget installation can utilise a relatively small area for maximum effect'

GRAHAM HARRIS, SHH

'Being faced with a new brief is the ultimate for an architect…..It's always great if people can think on a higher level; buildings need to have soul….In 10 years time I'd like to think the practice is considered as an innovator. I don’t think we fit well into an architectural pigeon hole.'

UMU

'Dominated by dark materials, Umu takes simple, clean and narrow lines typical of classic Japanese design into the 21st century, creating a decadent and elegant space.'

JOY

'Maureen O'Brien, head buyer and co-founder of Joy, says, 'It is the first time we have worked with a consultancy. We needed help to go forward…SHH was appointed last month and will work on designing outlets that are scheduled to open in Manchester, Leeds and possibly Liverpool'

UMU

'The floors, furnishings, table settings, staff uniforms – just about everything, in fact – are wrought out of the most gorgeous materials'

THE GREENHOUSE

'It won for its highly praised menu, stunning interior and an extensive wine list with 2000 options'

JOY

'Urban lifestyle retailer Joy has commissioned designers SHH to revamp its interiors concept as it prepares to expand outside London.'

UMU

'The feel of the interior is decadent and elegant with a rich palette of colours and striking individual features'

UMU

'Umu's style is a welcome antidote to the painful, polished minimalism of some of our top-notch Oriental eateries.'

McDONALD'S OXFORD STREET

'So what does the new outlet do for McDonald's? It seems to make an honest brand of it. It is bright and fun, but still a hard-use, overtly fast-food environment. It achieves a marriage of form and content, while upgrading the whole experience to something contemporary and user-friendly. As with the best pieces of design, SHH makes it look easy'

AURA BAR

'Aura communicates an air of luxurious old world chic, though the design by SHH architects and design consultants is cutting edge contemporary'

THE GREENHOUSE

'The Greenhouse is now an elegant, grown-up space, with mature, understated yet creative interior design, with an immaculate finish'

THE GREENHOUSE

'Interior areas were designed to be minimal while maintaining customer's interest, with hothouse plants and flowers mixing with superior finishes including American Walnut and Limestone'

THE GREENHOUSE

'A lovely, long, low restaurant, quiet and grown-up'

THE GREENHOUSE

'The result is an exotic and elegant space which uses natural materials and details mixed with cool white lighting to create an edgy yet fresh look'

McDONALD’S OXFORD STREET

'Worth visiting to understand that design CAN do wonders.'

McDONALD’S OXFORD STREET

'It's McDonald's with a difference.'

McDONALD’S OXFORD STREET

'SHH has effected a major change for fast-food chain McDonald's at its largest London outlet, at the east end of Oxford Street.'

McDONALD’S OXFORD STREET

'A flagship restaurant designed to transform McDonald's into a destination venue'

SHH

'SHH are a dynamic and thriving practice and design consultancy. Celebrating their tenth birthday in 2002, SHH has earned a distinguished reputation.'

HAMPSTEAD HOUSE

'Already the winner of both the UK Bathroom and Kitchen Designer Awards, Stuart has now clinched the award for International Designer for Bathrooms…..The international judging panel echoed the UK judges saying that Stuart’s use of space and lighting created a spectacular effect.'

McDONALD'S OXFORD STREET

'the new edgy, youth-oriented scheme'

McDONALD'S OXFORD STREET

'SHH have just delivered a space which looks very little like a fast food outlet.'

PRINCE'S GATE MEWS

'The elegant tapered sidepieces of this staircase, and the porthole window behind, are slightly reminiscent of a 1930's liner. The whole effect is sleek and graceful.'

DAVID SPENCE’S HOUSE

'An architect has reinvented suburban life for his family in a converted Victorian cottage…David and Smadar's Spence's house in Richmond seems a little different every time you look, always evolving and shifting.'

McDONALD’S OXFORD STREET

'The squishy banquettes – not to mention the large-scale graphics – in the revamped Oxford Street restaurant are a vast improvement'

KING’S ROAD SPORTING CLUB

'Independent sporting goods stalwart the Kings Road Sporting Club (KRSC) has had a makeover courtesy of architectural and design consultancy SHH. KRSC appointed SHH to redesign the store's branding, signage and interiors.'

DENNING ROAD

'SHH Architects has been granted planning permission to construct a contemporary house amid the Victorian properties of Denning Road in Hampstead, London.'

AURA BAR

'Exceptionally excellent at just about everything, Aura matches its serious dedication to drink with excellent design, superior service standards, fab food and a well-considered music policy. The end result offers the capital’s glitterati the perfect place to play'

HQ FOR ANGELS THE COSTUMIERS

'Far from being a cramped affair, the new headquarters of Angels the Costumiers is a cavernous 145,500 sq ft. It’s the ultimate dressing-up box. 'This place is magical' says Tim Angel, chairman of the world's largest costume company.'

THE MARKETING STORE

'Tourists exiting at Covent Garden's bustling tube station will now be confronted by an array of glowing neon and rainbow colours, courtesy of The Marketing Store's revitalised façade and reception area. The space…has been mellowed and lightened, giving the interior a friendly and approachable image.'

AURA BAR

'Aura has the warmth of a friend's meeting house…pure transformer-chic! ….breathtaking walnut bar… glamour and sawdust…21st century art deco, with a twist'

AURA BAR

'Bar of the Week….Indo-Chinese harem made unseedy and very smart for the Mayfair crowd'

SOUL DANCE

'SHH has created a new retail concept for Bond, one of Asia’s leading makers and suppliers of leisure fashion clothing'

ANGELS THE COSTUMIERS

'It is when a visitor steps into the main entrance that the magic begins…stunning architectural appeal'

VICTORIA PARK PLAZA

'The brief was to add colour and life to an otherwise 'dull tunnel area', making it into a positive feature…The response was to create a 24 hour gentle and subtly effective continual light show which adds dynamism to the space'

CAMDEN ISLAND

'SHH was responsible for all the public areas of the building, designed on an industrial theme, including the main entrance, reception, lift and stair cores.'

CAMDEN ISLAND

'The office spaces are generous, neat and practical'

PILGRIM’S LANE

'Property Developers Blackfriars Investments gave architects SHH a brief to create a modern five-bedroom family home on the site of a 1960's house in a Hampstead conservation area….It makes a surprising modern vista at the end of a terrace of Victorian houses'

BROOK STREET

'Architects and designers SHH has completed a major refurbishment of the former Revlon headquarters bulding in Brook Street, London W1. The concept was to create contemporary office accommodation within an historic envelope.'

DEVONSHIRE PLACE

'Sometimes, designer homes grow in the unlikeliest of spaces. Take Peter Tanner's hi-tech basement bachelor pad. Today sunlight filters through this quiet, tranquil place. But a few years ago it was a decaying Marylebone dental laboratory….Now it’s a real Tardis – and a good-looking Tardis at that.'

SHH

'On meeting SHH architects and designers for the first time at their offices in Hammersmith, I came face to face with one of the founding partners and MD Graham Harris. Good looking, good humoured and ambitious, he unassumingly took me through the range of projects they handle from offices and leisure projects to show homes and luxury flats.'

WORLDSPACE

'SHH architects and designers created a 24 hour 'transparent' office for the European headquarters of Worldspace. The new London premises are in media-city Soho, which is also a Grade II listed building.'

LA FITNESS FINCHLEY

'As keen all-round sports enthusiasts, we've witnessed one or two cricket club interiors in our time – and none of them looked even remotely like this fantastic scheme at Finchley CC. The North London site – which also contains the training facilities of Middlesex County Cricket Club (MCCC) has recently been transformed by SHH for health and leisure operator LA Fitness plc'

ICHIZEN

'Over at slick noodle bar Ichizen, meanwhite, white walls are rendered an incredibly intense pink with cunning lighting. The idea is to evoke the neon lights of Tokyo – it’s shocking pink in the truest sense of the word'

ICHIZEN

'The restaurant’s offering of Oriental cuisine with a Western influence have already captured the attention of design magazines and the local Fitzrovia population of trendy media-types.'

ICHIZEN

'One day all restaurants will be like Ichizen… Ichizen is a blueprint for a future style of casual eating…modern, minimalist and cosy'

ICHIZEN

'SHH is drawn to what the directors call 'special projects'; funky, imaginative contracts which allow staff the potential to use their creative talents to the full. But the company is moving away from its image as a young organisation. It has become a serious operation handling contracts to the tune of total £30 million at any given time'

ICHIZEN

'Ichizen, a small but beautiful noodle bar/takeaway, designed by SHH Architects and Design Consultants'

DEVONPORT BUILDINGS

'Prime contract…Work is to start in the new year on this 8934 sq ft conference, training and accommodation centre in Greenwich. The scheme is a public private partnership between developer the Mount Anvil Group, the University of Greenwich and Hyde Housing Association. Masterplanner for the scheme is architect SHH.'

ICHIZEN

'minimalist and welcoming'

PRINCES GATE MEWS

'The kitchen was another area where David Spence and I had similar views..That's so important when you're employing an architect. Basically you're creating a mini design partnership for as long as the job lasts. Not only was it fun working with David, but we ended up with what we wanted: a modern home that works on a practical level and looks very stylish'

PRINCES GATE MEWS

'Reconfiguring the house turned a dark, claustrophobic area with a warren of small rooms into an airy, contemporary space full of natural light'

Building Design, March 1996

'Three 19th century artists' studios have been turned into luxury dwellings in Yeomans Row, Knightsbridge. Architects SHH converted the red brick studios into apartments with 4m-high windows and central cast metal staircases with timber treads.'

The Sunday Times, 22 October 1995

'With architects SHH, St Luke's Investments has created three ultra-modern, light and spacious houses with state-of-the-art kitchens and bathrooms'