COLLABORATE
Gareth isn’t afraid to break perceptions of craft. His explorative nature, openness to digital technologies and wealth of traditional skill and knowledge has forged some iconic collaborations with internationally recognised partners, such as the legendary architect Zaha Hadid, luxury skincare brand Aesop and Scottish whiskey makers Glenlivet.
We carefully consider why something is made, how and from what. These decisions allow us to tell the story of a brand or setting through simple but critical choices in material and form. We work out a creative method that will bring out the best in everyone involved, before working towards a final outcome, which may be a beautifully crafted object, a collection of furniture or a two-dimensional product such as a film.
Aesop Retail Interior and Furniture
It all begins with an idea.
When David Paphitis, the founder of Aesop was looking to open the third store in Shoreditch, they were keen to work with local artisans and designers who shared an ethos that complimented their brand and could assist with the brand’s awareness within the east end.
We designed and built the overall look of the store with rough cut lumber shelving and used our CNC cut and groove technique to create the point of sale in what was an unassuming building on Red Church Street. Through careful choices in technique, form and materiality we told Aesop’s story through a physical expression, creating a connection to the locale with tactile but durable design.
Glenlivet Dram Chair
It all begins with an idea.
WATCH NOW The Dram Chair for Glenlivet
Tasked with designing a chair to launch Nàdurra, a connoisseur whisky by The Glenlivet, it seemed critical to us to ensure the chair took inspiration from the whisky with its materials but not necessarily in its form.
We were keen to create a design that when viewed had the ability to take your imagination to a place of relaxation beside a wild river, leaping with salmon, in the highlands of Scotland. The Dram chair’s narrative is that of a luxury camping chair with hand-crafted slung oak tanned leather and English oak capturing the spirit of the brand.
“It was a joy from start to finish – Gareth approached the commission with such vigour and imagination and helped us release something much more dynamic and contemporary than we’d hoped for. And, of course, the attention to detail on selected materials and the craftsmanship were impeccable.”
-Sara Jenson, Button Collective Commissioning partner of The Dram Chair for Glenlivet
Universal Works Shop Interiors
It all begins with an idea.
With collaboration a core stream of our practice, it was a pleasure to create these monumental red cedar blocks with Studio MUTT for the new Universal Works Store at Coal Drops Yard.
As this Heatherwick designed complex was constructed, we had a long lead time allowing us to do something special, milling and drying these huge sections of English Cedar. The material choice was essential to the success of this design, and the paired-back modular design was thoughtfully created to form a striking centrepiece in the store.
Collaborate With Us. Share Your Ideas. Get In Touch.
The goal and the beauty of collaboration is coming to an unexpected result, one that neither party could have achieved without the skill or unique perspective of the other.