Chicago holds a major place in architectural history as it was the home of the world’s first skyscraper. The Home Insurance Building was the idea of architect William Le Baron Jenney, and construction was completed in 1885. It was the first tall building to feature structural steel in its framework and proved that the skeletal design could work. It was originally ten storeys tall, but had two additional floors added in 1890. It was demolished in 1931, but a plaque in the lobby of the Bank of America property now on the site commemorates this important example of commercial architecture. Continue reading →

Architecture has experienced a major shift towards green building in recent years with property designers taking more time to consider the environmental impacts of structures. This has helped promote the use of sustainable materials and systems to generate clean energy. The move has had a huge impact on both residential and commercial architecture. Continue reading →

The commercial architecture sector is in a constant state of changes due to the evolving needs of businesses and their clients. Typically a project will strive to combine function and style to create spaces that look good and serve their purpose to the best of their ability. This idea is still crucial but many architects have moved a step further to research-led design. Continue reading →

The Design Museum recently shortlisted a collection of diverse London based designs for inclusion in a new book. Museum director Deyan Sidjuc focused on iconic images and architectural structures that perfectly define London’s traditional and contemporary landscape. Included in the list was Tower Bridge. Constructed over an 8 year period between 1886 and 1894, this is a tangible representation of London in the late 19th century and represents the way architecture reflects its surroundings. Continue reading →

Architecture and design is always evolving, and we take pleasure in undertaking projects that embrace the consistent evolution and development of design. Last year we were pleased to participate in Ron Arad’s Tailor My Tom Vac project with furniture company Vitra. The Italian designer was commissioned by Vitra and Dormus magazine to create a temporary installation for Milan’s Salone Dek Mobile. The project aimed to explore memory and novelty in art, architecture and design. Continue reading →

The tiny house movement has seen small homes appear all around the world, including in London where demand for properties is high but space to build new ones is limited. The rising demand for smaller properties shows the changing needs of consumers and can provide inspiration for architects in terms of how to make efficient use of space, even those engaged in designing much larger buildings. Continue reading →