Cultural Spaces

V&A

Project: The Gilbert Galleries V & A, Kensington
Client: The Victoria & Albert Museum
Architect Citizen Design Bureau

We worked with the Citizen Design Bureau on the refurbishment of the Gilbert Galleries.

Accessibility and inclusion were central to the design approach.

Arched entrance to the Gilbert Galleries at the V&A, with lit display cases framing a gilded screen
Silver swan sculpture spotlit inside a glass display case at the V&A Gilbert Galleries
Framed panoramic city view evenly lit on a gallery wall in the V&A Gilbert Galleries
Lit cylindrical display case in the V&A Gilbert Galleries, with an arched doorway to the next room
Close-up of an ornate gilded screen and display label, discreetly lit at the V&A Gilbert Galleries

The lighting design works discretely to support these central tenets; to reveal and elevate the exhibits whilst carefully managing the fine balance of display of conservation.

Gilbert Galleries at the V&A, a central display table softly lit beneath tall arched windows

Soho Theatre, Walthamstow

Project: Soho Theatre - Walthamstow
Client: London Borough of Waltham Fo
Architect: Pilbrow & Partners

The colourful Soho Theatre Walthamstow was a former Granada Cinema that had fallen into a serious state of disrepair, and a Grade II listed site.

Restored auditorium at Soho Theatre Walthamstow, with ornate ceiling, chandeliers and tiered seating
Soho Theatre Walthamstow facade lit in magenta against the night sky
Ornate Moorish-style arches and chandelier picked out in warm pink light at Soho Theatre Walthamstow

The site is now re-born as a 960 seat venue with an integrated bar in the auditorium, as well as additional bars and foyers throughout.

Soho Theatre Walthamstow stage washed in pink light, viewed from the stalls
Bar at Soho Theatre Walthamstow beneath a sculpted ceiling lit in soft pink

BeamTheatre

Project: Beam Theatre, Hertford
Client: East Hertfordshire District Council
Architect:  Bennetts Associates

Working closely with the Design Team we developed both interior and exterior lighting for the new Beam Theatre.

Beam Theatre, Hertford at dusk, with warm interior light glowing through the brick facade and landscaped garden
Sunlight casting shadows across a brick stairwell at Beam Theatre, Hertford
Red-walled foyer at Beam Theatre, Hertford, with pendant lights and tall windows onto trees

The existing auditorium was expanded and three new cinemas, a studio theatre and dance spaces were added to assist in the creation of a new cultural centre for Hertford and its residents.

The project is shortlisted for the 2026 Stirling Prize.

Beam Theatre auditorium in Hertford, rows of seating under warm, low-level lighting
Staircase with a curved copper-toned handrail at Beam Theatre, Hertford