Our inspiration section is a collection of art, design, photography, textures, buildings and materials that inspire, inform and entertain. Our awareness of the environments in which we work, relax, entertain and engage with people help to guide us in what we product as a business.
Retro snaps reinvented. Loving it!
My new bike
2008 François Lumpp Givry 1er Cru Crausot. Lunch today in great company. Highly recommended.
Being picked up after a hard day racing. Priceless.
Seve Ballesteros – An enthusiastic winner who showed how to compete with the world’s best.
How’s this for a private swimming pool. Singapore 2011.
The world’s largest public cantilevered platform, £4bn build cost – with a 150m infinity pool at the top. In Singapore, loving the architecture.
An early evening drink at the roof bar of the Ritz Carlton in Shanghai. What a view.
Jesus from Vinedos del Contino – Attention to detail, flair and passion produce great Rioja.
Simon Russell Beale – UK’s finest stage actor: preparation, timing and a sense of humour.
Churchill – The Man of the 20th Century: proved that optimism, hard work and determination bring results.
Andy Hazell – Gloucester Rugby’s no. 7. Professional, team player, always gives his best.
Dave Rastovich – Environmental activist, protector of the ocean’s inhabitants and an amazing surfer.
Banksy – Cutting edge artist. Marketing genius.
David Attenborough – Bringing the natural world to life for millions. Passionate. Educated. Dedicated.
Who says you can’t ski in your 40s?!
The house that George built.
Nirvana
Phoebe Philo at Celine.
My favourite collection for this season, Nicolas Gesquière at Balenciaga.
Wood, my favourite material.
Tadao Ando – Painting with light.
Kynance Cove, Cornwall – my (old) local beach.
Mies Van der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavilion – Memories of the first days of architectural school.
Andy Goldsworthy – Always enjoy some land art.
Caterham – “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” Antoine de Saint-Exuper.
Most high end NYC appartments have a gym or a pool – the Aldyn has a basket ball court! When I saw it Cameron Diaz was playing.
In New York last week – Jean Nouvel’s latest marmite masterpiece at 100 11th Avenue.
St Pauls Cathedral – Inspiration at a time of adversity – via the built environment.
Kaffeine – Amazing coffee, food and service at this independent coffee shop in Fitzrovia, and Timeout agrees.
Boris Bikes – How quickly have these become an integral part of Central London life? Remarkable.
In Berlin on 1 March 2011. This is Helmut Jahn’s great roof on the Sony Centre.
35,000 sq ft on the way back from Berlin having met a potential occupier. A blue sky day.
Anish Kapoor – Stunning, surely one will be made permanent!
Anish Kapoor – Stunning, surely one will be made permanent!
You’d never guess that behind a wonderful listed façade on Southampton Row, LDS designed a modern sustainable office building. A fantastic pioneering building.
This is a 1966 Riva Super Aquarama designed by Carlo Riva. In my opinion the most beautiful and exciting boat ever designed.
Hotels are wonderful places – especially when they make you feel welcome. Pictured here how one hotel this summer made my eldest daughter welcome. Fabulous.
Somewhere in there are the two exemplar penguins, Sebastian and Amélie, who live at London Zoo.
Carrick-a-Rede, NI – Memories of home. Everyone tries to cross – only a few can!
Zell am See – All year round tonic.
Mozart’s Requiem – With 2,500 other singers in the Royal Albert Hall – amazing sound.
London marathon – If not now, when?
Triathlon – I’m at my calmest just before the start
We’re all very competitive at Exemplar but sailing balances competition with pure relaxation – all depending on the wind
Royal Shakespere Stratford – Get your speech written for the Stirling Prize awards Rab. What a fantastic building.
There’s no room for apathy with regards to the Olympics. We visited the site last year, an amazing project for what will be an amazing games
New Street Square – Surely one of the new icons of London, promoting mid-town from mid-league to the premiership
Skiing – There are no limits when it comes to skiing. Your destination is confirmed, but your lack of fear determines your route
Skiing – The power of gravity
David Sole – against all odds
Jument lighthouse – thought provoking
Bologna – Great architecture, amazing food
Tour de France – Human determination across a natural landscape
Team NZ. Reminds me of great times, both the carnival atmosphere winning in Auckland in 2000, and the losing in Valencia in 2007. The effort in striving for perfection is amazing.
Portofino. Captivating and classic spot, happy memories.
Favourite new album. Very jolly, can’t wait to see them in concert
Cosmic Love. Great song, see the music video. Awesome
Ferrari Dino. The most beautiful car ever… period
Most timeless car design
Dan Carter – so good whilst looking so effortless at the highest level
Classic Fitzrovia – eclectic design mix with some real gems