Happy New Year! The studio are raring to go at the start of 2023 on a range of exciting projects that are currently on our drawing boards and on site, including a new luxury retail store in Doha and a new build manor house in Surrey. Check back soon or watch out for our studio newsletters for more info.
The studio is currently developing an exciting design proposal, featuring a roof terrace, Juliet balconies and a luxurious en-suite with Italian shower for this period property in Battersea.
We are excited to see our latest collaboration with Manolo Blahnik open in the prestigious Lotte Main Department Store in Seoul. This is the 5th location to implement our futuristic grid concept that the studio developed specifically to reflect the digital culture of the fast-paced South Korean capital.
This week our team went to Farnham for a site visit, to assess progress on building work and to decide on interior finishes for the house
Construction is currently underway on a new build house in the heart of Surrey, that NLS have been appointed to as interior designer. This exciting project has 5 bedrooms with en-suites and generous living space, set in 1 acre of the Farnham countryside.
This month's edition of Living etc has featured one of our projects in Clerkenwell, London . The article is about roof terrace ideas and how to elevate the urban space. To read the article please click here.
Great progress has been made at our project in Hampstead, where excavations have begun for the basement extension and demolition of the conservatory. Nick Leith-Smith have worked closely with the client to develop a layout for the house which better suits their needs and emphasises the best elements of this historic structure.
Looking forward to sharing more images on the new Manolo Blahnik store which opened in new Place Vendome Mall in Lusail City in Qatar, but here’s a sneak preview of the windows.
We're pleased to share news of our latest collaboration with Manolo Blahnik, a 50 sqm location in the 4th largest department store in Japan. Our distinctive local concept of a "Bauhaus Sanitorium" was reimagined using new bespoke details developed for the unique space including a ribbed wall upholstered in 8 tonal colours. We look forward to sharing more images and details shortly.
NLS have recently been appointed to begin work on an exciting new residential project in the North London suburbs. Currently in the early design stages, a number of options are being assessed; from full demolition to an extensive rebuild. Consideration of the environmental impact, sensitivity to the surrounding neighbours and protected trees and meeting the client’s needs culminates in a challenging brief that NLS are delighted to take on. More updates to follow shortly.
Wallpaper* has featured a Nick Leith-Smith project in an article about "Amazing additions: home extensions for expanded living spaces" To read the article please Click here
Exciting news is that we’ve been appointed for a complete renovation of a large townhouse in Notting Hill. More details to follow in 2022.
Great article from The Rug Company featuring our collaboration with Manolo Blahnik shop in Villagio, Doha, and other Manolo Blahnik projects. Click to read the article
Opening in August, the new 40 sqm shop in the prestigious Hyundai Department store features a grid of striking white and gold futuristic boxes. The new opening is the latest in a growing family of locations to roll out the regional concept developed by Nick Leith-Smith helping to establish a distinctive brand presence influenced directly from the city, its urban environment and digital culture.
Another fantastic planning result. We achieved planning approval and listed building consent for a full refurbishment, including a striking lower ground extension.
Another great planning wins at this sensitive urban site. Achieving planning for a basement with the added complication of being near an underground railway line and the complications of dealing with Network Rail, requiring us to expedite technical design. ‘Nick has demonstrated an innate ability to simplify spaces and how materials and structure define them and how they can be constructed with ease practically and affordably.’
The full refurbishment of a listed townhouse in the heart of St James's is nearing completion. This project is a turnkey service for an American client including Architecture, Interior Design, and Furniture - including this beautiful bespoke marble coffee table.
Listed Buildings – Intricate transformations. Our success working with protected buildings is due to our strong design sensibility and depth of experience working with historic buildings. Our diligent and highly professional approach means we deliver these results in a timely manner.
A spectacular result and happy client! We won the planning appeal against RBKC for the front mansard of this Chelsea mansion block apartment. The transformation has resulted in a total planning gain of 80sqm + roof terrace creating a stunning duplex penthouse!
The hoarding is up and the hard hats are on at the new Manolo Blahnik store in Selfridges on Oxford Street. Occupying a premium corner site in the world renowned 'Shoe Galleries' this exciting new project is due to open early next month. Keep an eye on our website for more details.
Adding to the impressive number of outlets already in Japan, we are proud to have designed a new Manolo Blahnik store opening this month in Gotemba, a city which sits in the shadow of Mount Fuji. Taking inspiration from the iconic mountain, the walnut floors continue onto the walls before drifting into pure white just like a snow capped mountain.
The studio’s ongoing relationship with London-based luxury label, Malone Souliers continues to grow with another new space opening this month in Harvey Nichols. Bespoke glass and bead blasted steel shelving units take centre stage against a dramatic branded wall covering and strong pops of colour providing the perfect showcase for the jewel coloured fabulous footwear.
Our new bars and kitchens on the top level concourse were completed in time for an impressive grand opening at The Brits Awards last week. The new hospitality offering has completely transformed a previously unloved space into a vibrant and exciting hub for guests. Now onto the next level as we have lots more projects at The O2 on the go and due to complete in 2019!
The new year started with a bang with our appointment on an impressive residential mansion block project in Chelsea. With an ambitious loft conversion and creation of a new roof terrace plus a full interior design service this exciting new project will be one to watch.
The studio has been very busy over the last few months working on the refurbishment of the concourse hospitality offering at the O2 arena in Greenwich. Our strategy team saw us redefine underutilised areas which we have now turned into exciting new bars and food kiosks making sure the O2 retains it’s reputation as the go to premier venue in London. It has been a massive project for the team but the first phases are nearing completion. We can’t wait to photograph the final project once it’s all done.
We are excited to be providing a full architectural and interior design service for the extensive refurbishment of a 5 storey, Grade II listed townhouse in the heart of the historic St James’s conservation area. With the planning application now submitted we can’t wait to get our hard hats on and get started on site.
NLS are excited to have completed the conversion of a Victorian pub into 5 residential units in Blythe Road, London. Find out more on the Blythe Road project page.
NLS are thrilled to have our Geneva project featured in the Rug Company's latest publication, 'TRC LAB', which focusses on the brand's bespoke hand tufted rug service.
If you like our work why not join our team? We currently have opportunities for top notch architects and interior designers. Find out more at: www.dezeenjobs.com/company/nick-leith-smith-architecture-design/
It's an exciting time here at Nick Leith-Smith Architecture + Design as we have several new retail stores opening soon, as well as our new design for the Director's Club at the world renowned Chelsea Football Club coming up in the next couple of weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for more details!
Nick Leith-Smith Architecture + design are pleased to announce the opening of our second Singapore store this year with our long term client, Manolo Blahnik. Be sure to check out our projects page for more info.
Our latest Manolo Blahnik store in Takashimaya, Singapore is now open!
Nick Leith-Smith's new Manolo Blahnik store in Burlington Arcade, London has been featured in the Telegraph. You can read the online version of the article here
Our interior designers have been soaking up the stunning features at this beautiful heritage site this week.
The bathrooms at our Blythe Road site are looking every bit as elegant as they were designed to be - all thanks to the hard work of the Finch Lockerbie builders!
Nick is thrilled to have been selected as a judge for Perspective's A&D Trophy Awards 2018.
Our latest Manolo Blahnik men’s store in Burlington Arcade, London is now open!
Our design for Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill at Chelsea Football Club has been a real hit! Opened just in time for the World Cup, the design reinterprets the existing sports bar with wall panelling paying homage to the traditional sports club and rare sports memorabilia beautifully presented around the walls... Dotted around the room are 16 big screens so you never miss a moment of the action!
NLS are thrilled to be shortlisted for the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards, under the category of 'Restaurant or Bar in Another Space'.
Our Frankie's sports bar project, located at the Chelsea Football Club ground, is almost ready!
The Farrow & Ball paints chosen by talented interior designers really bring out the sculptural elegance of this staircase at our latest retail site.
Our intrepid architects were on site this week, checking up on the workmanship at Blythe Road as the project comes towards it's finishing stretch. As you can see they are pleased with the results!
Nick spoke exclusively to Interior Design magazine providing a rare glimpse into the process that has made the studio's long-standing relationship with Manolo Blahnik so successful. Please click here to read the full article.
Our new store for Manolo Blahnik, has just opened in Geneva. Inspired by Josef Hoffmann, the store mixes a geometric style with a salon feel.
The Liberty Cafe is still gathering media attention with articles by Enki and World Interior News out this month.
The workmen on our Blythe Road project have done a fantastic job on the herringbone tiling in the family bathroom, to stunning effect.
Nick showed his support for women's rights by attending the Womankind auction this month and bidding for two items. Womankind has directly supported over 74,000 women worldwide through it's projects and services, which range from providing a safe space to escape violence to facilitating business training. If you would like to donate to the charity please click the link below:
https://www.womankind.org.uk/support-us/donate
Lovely to see the designs coming to life at this beautiful residential site.
Our interior designers have been busy designing a gorgeous bespoke rug inspired by Gio Ponti's Villa Planchart and made with a little help from our friends at the Rug Company!
NLS kicked off January with the opening of a new luxurious retail store, consultation space and workshop in Leather Lane.
NLS celebrated a great year with a staff party at Canova Hall, a wonderful new venue in Brixton.
Work progresses on Clapham Common project with electrical fit out starting this week.
NLS are pleased to find Arthur's Restaurant featured in the latest edition of Liberty of London's magazine. Pick up your copy in store now!
Work is coming along on site at Blythe Road with completion expected in March 2018
NLS are pleased to announce the opening of a new Manolo Blahnik store in Japan
Read the latest Liberty article on Arthur's Cafe and Restaurant at Liberty of London.
A sneak peak of the concept work for our latest restaurant project
NLS are pleased to announce the opening of Arthur's Cafe at Liberty of London.
Exciting to see work developing on site at Blythe road, with new windows installed this week.
A bright POP of colour for this new Manolo Blahnik Japan Pop Up
Another month, another retail project completed!
Works starts on the Liberty fit out
New Manolo Blahnik concession in Warsaw, Poland
Exciting to start working with the 02.
Great to see the design come to life as Aston Villa's Directors' lounge is finished.
Nick's home featured in June's Marie Claire Maison.
Interview with Nick in this month’s Design: Retail USA luxury report issue
The new Manolo Blahnik Tokyo store has been gaining coverage from online retail bloggers. For more details see Retail Design Blog, CPP Luxury and Retail Focus
The new Manolo Blahnik Tokyo store has been gaining coverage from Asian media outlets. For more details see Retail News Asia, Retail in Asia and Habitus (Asia Pacific).
Site visit to Aston Villa football club.
Frame article on NLS's strategy of 'merging shopping experience and local culture for Manolo Blahnik'.
NLS shortlisted for Design Week Awards in Retail Interiors category.
Honoured to have received gold at the International design Awards for Manolo Blahnik's new shop in Malaysia.
New Manolo Blahnik shop has opened in Ginza Six, Tokyo. For more coverage see Archello, Perspective and Habitusliving.
Great to read Nick's 'My Icon' interview in Interior design Today.
New exciting work starting on site in Brook Green.
More glowing coverage of NLS's Doha design of 'mathematical complexity and intricacy of Islamic architectural detailing' in Domus and Retail Design Blog.
Exciting to see the work starting on this residential project in Hammersmith.
Great to see even more interest in Manolo Blahnik's Doha debut in design:retail and CPP-Luxury.
Nick just came from São Paulo meeting new clients in hospitality and getting inspiration from beautiful 60s and 70s Brazilian architecture.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia featuring the opening of Manolo Blahnik's new store in Doha, Qatar. Fantastic to read that NLS's design is well received. For the full article please click here.
Houzz comments in their '10 Great Design Ideas for Tiny Terraces' on NLS's use of lights and stainless-steel ball chains to create a simmering canopy.
It is great to see the finished space in Qatar. We are now excitedly looking ahead towards upcoming projects in the area.
This month Nick had a successful trip to New York meeting exciting new suppliers and a range of new clients. We can't wait to start work on these great new projects across the pond.
Great to see NLS interior featured in Houzz article this month. Shows what can be achieved with bold use of colour and pattern even in the smallest spaces. Click here to read the full article.
Very proud to win awards in not one but two categories at the 2017 Houzz Awards. To browse the full list of professionals singled out this year please click here.
Nick spoke exclusively to Design Trends this month to share an insight into the studio and our award winning project for Manolo Blahnik in Japan. Please click here to read the full article.
Pleased to see our retail design for Manolo Blahnik in Malaysia on Domus today. please click here to read the full piece.
We are very excited to read our January 2017 issue of Living Etc this month as it features a great article on Nick's own home. With thanks to Sarah Hogan for the amazing photographs and Mary Weaver for her styling, pick up your copy to see the full article.
We're pleased to see Retail Focus once again feature design work from NLS. Follow this link. to see the full piece covering the launch our first ever design in Malaysia for Manolo Blahnik. Occupying 100 sqm in the Pavilion Mall in Kuala Lumpur the striking space uses a forest of bamboo as the central motif.
Great to receive our copy of The Edge Malaysia magazine this morning. This week's publication features an in depth interview with Nick and images from our new Manolo Blahnik project in Kuala Lumpur which is due to open this week.
We're pleased to announce the latest Nick Leith-Smith and Manolo Blahnik collaboration has opened in the Vesna shopping mall in Moscow. Featuring grey oak wall panelling, gold metal detailing and lace inspired laser cut Corian panels the design is a striking evolution of our original design for the Moscow flagship store in 2010.
Delighted to be able to announce we scooped up a silver award at the Hong Kong Design Awards + Summit for our recent Manolo Blahnik retail interior in Japan. To see the full list of winners click here.
We are delighted to have our work for Manolo Blahnik in Japan shortlisted for the prestigious Design 100 Awards in the Retail Interior Design Category. Fingers crossed for the 8th November when the winners will be announced.
Pick up a copy of Interior Design Today this month and read the great article covering the studio and our recent work for Manolo Blahnik in Japan.
We're looking forward to taking part in Houzz's popular design consultations at Design Junction later this week. NLS will be on hand to give exclusive 30 minute design consultations to the lucky winners. To be part of such an innovative cultural event is really exciting, we can't wait to get started.
Thank you to Houzz for awarding us '100K Saves' badge which sits proudly along side our other awards. Great to be recognised for our continued hard work.
Great piece in Retail Focus covering the two new NLS designed spaces in Japan. To see all the project images and read the article please click here.
Pleased to see our latest work for Manolo Blahnik published on Domus this week. Click on the link to read online.
We're proud to share the first images from our latest completed project for Manolo Blahnik in Osaka, Japan. Featuring a bespoke shelving installation, typical of timber and bamboo scaffold structures and feature brass and timber furniture, the concession is the first of three upcoming projects in this exciting new market for the brand.
Manolo Blahnik is the latest in a long line of luxury brands to take over the coveted pop-up space at the Isetan Department store in Shinjuku, Japan. The NLS design was inspired by Manolo's studio and so features a desk dressed with inspirational artefacts and books. Striking blue walls with brass detailing form the perfect backdrop to showcase the brands latest promotional images.
Nick offers his insight into the evolution of luxury brands and their retail offering in Retail Focus this month. Great to see feature images from our Manolo Blahnik project at Selfridges as well. Click on the link to read online or pick up a copy of the magazine from next week.
NLS are currently on site with our exciting contemporary extension in Southwark. Work is progressing well with the ground slab poured and the facade retaining steels in position. We look forward to sharing more images as the project completes towards the end of this year.
It's fantastic to see our new project for Manolo Blahnik at Selfridges featured in so many international publications, click here to see the latest feature in Design Week.
We are very excited to see our Georgian inspired design for Manolo Blahnik in Selfridges featured in The Evening Standard, AD Russia and Retail Focus.
NLS has been hitting the press in Grazia daily, Footwear News and Women's Wear Daily today with the news that our design for Manolo Blahnik at Selfridges in London has opened today. Looking forward to sharing final photographs later this week. Follow the links to see the pieces in full Grazia Daily Footwear News
Our design for a luxurious outdoor shower has been featured in a new article published on Houzz sharing "10 Tips for Creating a Tropical Garden in a UK Climate". Click here link to see the full story.
Great to see our Grosvenor Square project has been selected as 'House of the Week' on Architectural Digest - Mexico. Click this link to read the full piece.
Nick shared his expert advice on how to achieve the ultimate outdoor spa area at home with feature images from our Dallington Terrace project. Pick up May's issue of Modern Gardens to read the whole article.
Our new retail concept for Manolo Blahnik is currently on site at Selfridges. We're looking forward to sharing final images after completion in early July.
We are proud to announce that we will be part of Manolo blahnik's Asian expansion. The shoe designer will set up its first shop-in-shop in Singapore, Japan and Malaysia this winter while the flagship store in Tokyo will be ready in 2017. You can read more about it on Footwear news, IBT and Asian Times.
Pleased to share the first image from our new project in Shepherd's Bush designed in collaboration with Nicky Bailey Interiors. More photos to follow soon.
Nick Leith-Smith is honoured to be selected to judge this year's Evening standard's New Homes Awards. An exciting year in Architecture and Construction!
We are delighted that Manolo Blahnik London has been awarded Best on Archilovers 2015. The project was selected for high standards in aesthetics, functionality and creativity as well as being one of the most 'loved' out of the 50,000 projects published last year. Look out for the feature in Archilovers editorial newsletter or click here to see the full project.
We are glad to see our Grosvenor Square apartment makeover featured on this week's Houzz Tour UK. You can read the full article here.
NLS is happy to be featured on the latest colour trend article 'Seeing Green', and in the 2015 UK report by Houzz. You can read the full story here.
NLS is proud to be featured as the 'Celebrity of IW' in the latest issue of Interior World magazine in Korea. You can read the full 11 pages article here.
NLS is delighted to share this photo of a recently completed Family room and wine bar in Knightsbridge. Take a look at its eye catching glass installation.
We are very proud to be the winner of the Best of Houzz Design Category for the second year in a row. The winning projects were picked by the Houzz community from the site's most popular photos. Click here to see all awarded photos.
Nick Leith-Smith talks about his links with the fashion world and much more in the latest issue of the Cheshire Magazine. You can read the full interview here.
Nick Leith-Smith A+D is proud to be part of the charity auction at this year's Christmas Carol Concert hosted by Great Ormond Street Hospital. The highest bidder will receive an architecture and design consultancy by NLS with the proceeds being donated for charity.
"In London there is a true paradise for those who love shoes or, rather, for those who obsess over them". You can read Francesca Tagliabue from The Moodboarders speak in glowing terms about NLS design for Manolo Blahnik's boutique at Harrods here
The Dailymail Online has just showcased Le Peep Boutique amongst the other Restaurant and Bar Design award winners. You can read the full article here
Following Le Peep Boutique's win at the Restaurant and bar design awards ceremony, Nick Leith-Smith A+D has received worldwide coverage. Archdaily, Vogue (Australia), The Coolist, Infurma (Spain), B.O.B (Korea) and Domus just to name a few.
We are proud to have Dalligton Terrace named as Houzz's most saved 'garden' in the latest Home issue of the Sunday Times. read the full article here.
NLS A+D hits the press again. Please click here to read the double page interview and see exclusive photos of Lansdowne Gardens online.
We are very proud to announce that our design for Le Peep Boutique has won the standalone bar/club award last night at the 2015 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards in the Old Truman Brewery! See our entry here.
We are pleased to have our design for Manolo Blahnik in Harrods featured in the International magazine of space design BOB .
We’re happy to announce we’ve made it through to the next round and our design for Manalo Blahnik latest boutique in Harrods is on the final shortlist for the Retail Week Design Awards '15. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on 4th November.
We are happy to hear that Le Peep Boutique has been longlisted for the World Interior News Award 2015. See our entry on the WIN awards website.
We are proud to announce that Le Peep Boutique has been shortlisted for the Restaurant and bar design awards. Read Nick's interview on the front page of the blog.
We are very excited to see our timber frame house design - The Blackett house - featured in the Grand Designs Magazine. You can read the full story here.
Pleased to see the latest shoe boutique design from NLS has been showcased on Descroll. Click here for the full story.
Nick Leith-Smith is featured in FX magazine, Retail Focus, talking trends and challenges facing the sector today.
NLS is proud to be named 'Architect of the Week' in The Modern House architects directory- Agents for the finest Modern architecture. Click here to view the link.
On this beautiful spring day we’re excited to share the first peek at our nearly complete project in Kensington and its blooming trees, designed by NLS.
We're excited to share the first peek of our new Manolo Blahnik design at Harrod's. Please visit our website soon to see a complete photo gallery and project profile for this exciting new project.
Our latest timber frame residential project hits the headlines again on Archdaily. Please click here to read the full article online.
NLS Architecture's Frances Avenue was selected to feature on Archello's websites. To see further images from the project and read the full articles please click here
The furnishing is almost complete and we're excited to share the first peek of this new stunning apartment in Grosvenor Square. Custom furniture pieces and styling underway.
We are pleased to have our latest night-club project - Le Peep Boutique - featured in the International magazine of space design BOB .
Silverkris the Singapore airlines travel magazine showcased our latest design at Le Peep Boutique in London. You can read the full story here.
NLS are designing a new Manolo Blahnik store in Harrods as part of the new 'Shoe Heaven' department. The first stages of design are developing well and we look forward to sharing more images as the project continues.
Our new Spun Sweet Shop hits the online press again. Please click here to read the full article on Domus Online.
We are proud to launch a new chapter in the history of Data Nature Associates. After 10 successful years, Data Nature will now be known as Nick Leith-Smith Architecture + Design.
Spun Sweet Shop was selected to feature on Design Curial. To see further images from the new NLS project and read the full article please click here.
NLS are excited to announce that our firm has been appointed as lead consultant to design and oversee a new luxury nightclub located in central London. Construction is due to get under way in the next few weeks with a proposed opening this summer.
We are pleased to have our recent Spun project featured on AIT Online. To see the featured images and a selection of technical drawings please click here.
NLS have just achieved planning for this new build contemporary 4 bedroom family house. This environmentally friendly building boasts a 10 week construction programme due to timber frame technology. We'll be excited to share photographs when the project is completed early next year.
We're proud to announce the NLS designed Manolo Blahnik shop in Seoul has now opened at The Galleria, a local institution for luxury shopping. To see the full project profile please click here.