Business Details
We are a team of over 250 problem solvers dedicated to making the physical world around us better for everyone. Our team of architects, designers, makers, engineers, and landscape architects share a motivation to design soulful and impactful places celebrating the complexities of the real world. We lead from human experience rather than fixed design beliefs, ensuring every project prioritizes emotional connection and practicality. With studios in London and Shanghai, we create buildings, spaces, objects, and infrastructure that enhance people's lives. Our approach begins with curiosity, asking questions and challenging assumptions to uncover authentic solutions. We combine ingenuity with inspiration, delivering designs that are affordable, buildable, and sustainable.
Over decades, we have built a portfolio demonstrating our commitment to innovation and human-centric design. Thomas Heatherwick, our founder and design director, instilled a culture of practical invention and collaborative creativity. We have won over 100 international awards, including the Prix Versailles and RIBA National Awards, affirming our excellence. Our workshop enables constant testing of ideas, translating concepts into materially interesting, three-dimensional realities. We collaborate with craftspeople and specialists to bring unique visions to life, ensuring every project reflects our dedication to quality and impact.
Over decades, we have built a portfolio demonstrating our commitment to innovation and human-centric design. Thomas Heatherwick, our founder and design director, instilled a culture of practical invention and collaborative creativity. We have won over 100 international awards, including the Prix Versailles and RIBA National Awards, affirming our excellence. Our workshop enables constant testing of ideas, translating concepts into materially interesting, three-dimensional realities. We collaborate with craftspeople and specialists to bring unique visions to life, ensuring every project reflects our dedication to quality and impact.
Highlights and features
- We have over 250 multidisciplinary experts solving complex design challenges.
- We hold over 100 international awards for design excellence.
- We combine inspiration with practicality to deliver buildable, sustainable solutions.
- Our dedicated workshop enables hands-on testing of innovative ideas.
- We collaborate with specialists to ensure unique, high-quality outcomes.
Services
Healthcare Innovation
We designed Early, a non-invasive at-home urine test device enabling biomarker tracking from home. This service targets individuals seeking convenient health monitoring, offering greater personal insight and preventive care opportunities. By integrating design with healthcare technology, we improve user accessibility and comfort in medical testing.
Cultural District Development
We co-designed London's Olympia transformation, a 1.3bn cultural district revitalising public spaces. This service benefits urban communities by creating vibrant, multi-functional areas that foster cultural engagement and economic growth. Our approach blends historical context with modern functionality to craft enduring civic landmarks.
Astrotourism Design
We developed an astrotourism visitor centre and masterplan for remote desert locations. This service caters to emerging space tourism markets, providing educational and experiential facilities that connect visitors with celestial phenomena. Our design merges architectural innovation with environmental sensitivity in extreme climates.
Heritage Regeneration
We are rejuvenating Smithfield's historic Annexe market buildings in London. This service preserves cultural heritage while adapting spaces for contemporary use, supporting local commerce and community interaction. Our approach respects historical context while introducing modern functionality for sustainable urban life.
Youth Creativity Programs
Our 'In the Making' initiative has engaged over 1,000 young people in creative workshops. This service nurtures emerging talent by providing hands-on design education and inspiration. By opening our studio as a learning space, we empower future generations with practical creative skills and industry insights.
