Founded in 2013 by Catrina Stewart and Hugh McEwen, Office S&M is a beacon of innovation in the architectural landscape, known for its commitment to enhancing the everyday through architecture. The firm operates on a balanced approach, catering to both public and private clients, and has garnered acclaim for its distinctive portfolio that spans individual homes, new-build housing, workspace retrofit, and public realm projects. With a team composed of skilled architects, including Andreas Diakomanolis, Malin Bergman, and Kyle McGuire, Office S&M is distinguished by its deep understanding of the social impact of buildings, the narrative power of architecture, and the experiential qualities of space.
Office S&M's approach is underpinned by the belief that design is fundamentally a social act. This philosophy is vividly reflected in the retrofit of their own office space, the Bootstrap Workspace, which embodies their commitment to people-led design, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability. By creating a workspace that encourages communal activity, offers breakout sketching areas, and provides a plethora of material samples for inspiration, Office S&M has crafted an environment that responds to the needs of hybrid working while fostering a studio atmosphere. This space, formerly a paint-making business, showcases the practice's ethos of doing more with less, utilizing colorful walls and furniture to boost productivity and happiness. Key to their design is a focus on wellbeing, evidenced by the presence of more plants than people, air purifiers, ergonomic workstations, and innovative uses of materials such as recycled plastic loft insulation for acoustic insulation, demonstrating their commitment to innovative and sustainable design solutions.
Office S&M's diverse clientele includes numerous councils across London, such as Barnet, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, Newham, Redbridge, Sutton, and Waltham Forest, as well as commercial entities like General Projects and My Property And Home. Their work with these clients has enabled them to lead a variety of housing schemes, including the notable Goldsmiths Mews in Kent and residential retrofit projects like a significant refurbishment of a mews house in Hackney. Their projects not only address the immediate needs of their clients but also contribute to the broader discourse on architecture's role in society, as evidenced by their team members' contributions to academic and professional publications and forums.
Through collaborations with esteemed firms and organizations, such as AOC, Astrain Studio, CAN, Carver Haggard, DK-CM, Ekkist, Farrells, HawkinsBrown, Jan Kattein Architects, Khan Bonshek, KLA, McCloy + Muchemwa, and Rose, Office S&M has enriched its practice with diverse perspectives and expertise. These collaborations have facilitated the exploration of new ideas and methodologies, further establishing Office S&M as a forward-thinking and innovative practice committed to enhancing the built environment and the lives of those it serves.
Office S&M's dedication to architecture that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, their innovative use of space and materials, and their commitment to sustainability and community engagement mark them as a unique and visionary practice in the field of architecture. Their work is a testament to the power of architecture to transform spaces, communities, and experiences, making them a pivotal player in contemporary architectural discourse.
18 Ashwin Street, Hackney, London, E8 3DL, United Kingdom
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