Designer insights with Gregory Phillips

Established in 1991, Gregory Phillips Architects is an interior design and architecture company which aims to provide a bespoke and holistic approach to high quality residential design both in the UK and internationally.

Born in London, Gregory Phillips was trained at Bristol University and the Mackintosh School of Architecture in Glasgow. He has a unique angle when designing houses, rather like the Renaissance man, he provides elegant tailored design solutions for each project from the architecture to the furniture to the landscape. His projects include city homes and stylish country residences for a wide number of high-profile clients, reflecting his creativity, experience and discretion.

Designer Insights with Gregory Phillips

Image Credit: 1-5) Gregory Phillips

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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?

I take into consideration the client’s lifestyle as I believe a house should be designed holistically to provide architectural and interior design solutions to meet these lifestyle and practical requirements. Both the interiors and exterior experiences of a building are considered. My projects embody both luxury and beauty. My work is modern, elegant and comfortable and uses traditional materials such as stone, wood and leather in a contemporary way with a high degree of craftsmanship.

2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?

Design, for me is a process of understanding a client’s needs and the qualities of an existing building. When creating new buildings, I look to the location to provide inspiration. I aim to create modern spaces and buildings that relate to their location. Each of my projects is a distinct homogenous and relaxing universe. The lines drawn evoke precision and calm, while light brings a poetic touch.

3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?

Prior to establishing my own office, I worked with David Chipperfield Architects. I appreciated those years and that experience helped me define the type of architect and designer I wanted to be. During my studies I was inspired by Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Alvar Aalto, Carlo Scarpa. Today I aim to create refined modernist buildings which are striking for their modern but personalized formula.

4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?

All projects are designed with some fundamental ideas namely that they should be totally practical; the relationships between spaces must work, and must be elegant. I enjoy everything about the experience of completing a house, the excitement of the spaces, the unveiling of the craftsmanship, even the smell of new paint.

5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

I am easy to work with, so I can accommodate different ideas and agendas, however I always want my clients’ expectations to be met and ideally surpassed. We work with some extraordinary craftsmen and contractors. My advice for people aiming to follow in my footsteps, is to find work that you are passionate about and find a niche within that area that provides fulfillment. Learn as much as you can, work with the most talented people you can and find clients and patrons that share your vision.