Standing beneath the sloped roof of 150 Holborn’s atrium, being photographed by Tim Soar, I recall the moment I was handed the baton to lead this building’s design and delivery almost seven years ago. This marked a continuation of my career, which has been largely dedicated to conceiving and delivering commercial mixed-use projects both nationally and internationally. Spanning eight floors with a central atrium, 150 Holborn now serves as the new London studio for Perkins&Will and is also home to our DAR Group partners.

Reflecting on my journey to this point, my path into architecture was largely self-guided, influenced by my parents’ strong work ethic in the running of their barber and hairdressing salon for 45 years after immigrating from Cyprus. My closest connection to art and design came from my father’s hobby of painting, alongside my uncle’s dedication to experimenting with tools and techniques as a self-employed tradesman. Both left a lasting impression on me, nurturing my curiosity about how design elements can harmonise to create something meaningful and functional.

These early experiences motivated me to pursue architecture at university, where my perception of architecture in practice underwent significant transformation. While my earliest memories and passion for detail and craftsmanship remain central to my design approach, this has also evolved into a method of communicating design through the exploration of models, drawings, and prototypes to propel the innovation in buildings further.

The completion of 150 Holborn coincides with a pivotal moment in my professional journey and the adaptation of the workplace post-pandemic, as companies embrace the challenges of a new hybrid way of working. The essence of 150 Holborn revolves around the concept of bringing people together.

The central atrium facilitates visibility across floors, connected by a sculptural stair to encourage spontaneous interactions. Inspiration and creative design ideas thrive when architects come together to collaborate, an ethos that underscores how future workspaces can evolve into vibrant hubs of ideas and interaction.

Now, occupying this space, I find myself in a unique position to witness the daily rhythms of its use. The building’s perception by guests and the way the building is used by its occupants unfold before me, a rare gift seldom afforded to architects. I eagerly anticipate its evolution, as this milestone is not an endpoint but a steppingstone, to elevate future designs and shape the approach of upcoming projects.