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Journal
Our Picks from London Art Fair 2025
With art from over 120 galleries, as well as talks, debates and workshops, London Art Fair is one of London’s top cultural events. Here are our top picks for this year’s fair, which takes place between 22nd and 26th January:
2024: A Year in Review
2024 has been a year of growth and excitement for us here at LA London. As we reach the end of the year, we’re looking back at some of the team’s achievements, successes and memorable moments from the past twelve months. Here are some of our highlights from 2024.
A Day in the Life of… Kathryn Archer
Kathryn, Partner at LA London, has been with the team for over thirty years, running high-end projects across all sectors: residential, retail, hotel, hospitality and workplace. She has an excellent record for retaining clients and has worked for Harrods and Selfridges for a combined period of over twenty-five years, including working on the restoration of both of their facades. She also maintained The Savoy as a client for almost ten years. Today, Kathryn splits her time between premium commercial and residential projects.
So, what does a typical day look like for Kathryn at LA London?
AI in the Home: Andrew Paulson in Conversation with Jonny Cox
As part of LA London’s collaboration with LightField to bring in-home innovation to our clients, partner Andrew Paulson spoke to founder Jonny Cox about the company’s new immersive room, Sensorium, and the potential of this new technology for our homes, schools and workplaces.
6 Architecture & Design Events We Are Looking Forward to in 2025
Situated in the vibrant heart of London, we feel incredibly privileged to be close to some of the city's most inspiring exhibitions and trade shows. At LA London, we place great importance on staying informed not only about the architectural industry but also about trends in lifestyle, design, and art. A well-rounded understanding of the design landscape is important to us, and we believe that attending exhibitions and design events is one of the best ways to achieve this.
We’ve handpicked our top six architecture and design events for the coming year. Be sure to mark your calendars and prepare to be inspired by the lively exchange of ideas and the transformative power of design that will be highlighted throughout 2025.
The Building Safety Act: What We’ve Learned, One Year On
The 2022 Building Safety Act was introduced in October last year. We look at some of the questions we have been asked about the BSA, especially with regard to Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs), and its impact so far.
The Building That Inspired Me: Miruna Stroe
In our latest Journal series, a member of the LA London team discusses a significant building or structure that has shaped their career in architecture. This month, Associate Miruna Stroe talks about T-House by Simon Ungers and Thomas Kinslow in Wilton, New York.
Project Spotlight: The Menier Chocolate Factory
Early last year, LA London was appointed as architect and interior designer on its sweetest project to date: a refurbishment of the Menier Chocolate Factory. Once a British outpost of French confectioner Menier, this grand, Victorian Grade-II listed building is now home to an award-winning theatre. It also happens to be just across the street from the LA London office.
Project Completion: Kensington Townhouse
LA London are delighted to have recently delivered the full refurbishment of an elegant Kensington townhouse for a private client. Purchased for use as a pied à terre by an international family, the four-bedroom 1980s home is located in the heart of London’s museum district.
How to design a luxury hotel
We’ve completed a number of exciting hospitality projects both in the UK and overseas – each one distinct to the needs of the company and its patrons or guests. Here are some of our key considerations when embarking on a hospitality project.
The Ethics of AI in Architecture
As part of our journal series exploring the role and evolution of AI in architecture, we’ve taken a look at some of the ethical considerations, outlining how we intend to use new technology in safe and responsible ways.
LA London's Picks from PAD and Frieze
Two of the UK’s biggest cultural events come to London in October. Taking place over six days in Berkeley Square, PAD (Pavilion of Art and Design) plays host to more than 60 artists, galleries and designers. A stone’s throw to the north, Regent’s Park is the venue for the five-day Frieze London and Frieze Masters, which shine a light on some of the world’s most exciting artists and sculptors.
We’ve chosen our top picks from these two events.
LA London Looks Ahead
More than forty years after its founding in 1981, Lees Associates is excited to be formally rebranding as LA London. The name change is accompanied by a refreshed website, but our core values, our world-class processes, and our readiness to embrace innovation remain unchanged.
LA London Managing Partner, Andrew Paulson, explains the inspiration behind the rebrand and reveals some of the team’s new projects and latest innovations.
Making a splash on The Crown Estate, Oxshott
A client consultation about accommodating a new fridge evolved into a much more substantial project for LA London – one including a 25m subterranean swimming pool! We look back on our recent transformation of an elegant family home in Surrey.
The Benefits of ‘Office Peacocking’
Many companies are attempting to entice staff back by making improvements to their environment and facilities. Gone are rickety swivel chairs and anonymous desks; the modern office boasts squashy seating, luxurious loos, and dedicated dining areas that encourage a proper lunch break.
The phrase ‘office peacocking’ has been coined to describe this trend, but we at LA London believe that an office overhaul is more than just for show: it has meaningful benefits for staff, clients and your business.
Our Autumn Event Highlights
Early autumn is always a busy time for us at LA London. The industry is buzzing after the summer break, with plans to be shared and connections to be re-established after what’s typically a quieter couple of months in July and August. Here are some of the other industry events we’re looking forward to in London over the next few months.
LA London’s Tom Warren Wins The 2024 RIBA Norman Foster Travelling Scholarship
LA London’s Tom Warren, Part 2 Architectural Assistant, has been selected as the winner of the 2024 RIBA Norman Foster Travelling Scholarship.