Autumn Round Up: We say hello to new members and share the latest news from around the studios

MGC London

Introducing MGC London, recent additions to the GWS family in studio 203. They are a strategic Brand Management, PR and Communications agency working with some very exciting creative talent.

See their instagram here and their website here.

Nishira

Nishura has a mission to bring to you some of the most beautiful and delightful cultural products from Japan. Making them available with an online service that is efficient, helpful and captivating.

Studio 36 are offering 10% off everything from their website: nishuraeast.com. This includes the Stalogy range of notebooks, pens and sticky notes, and Haru stuck-on design. The offer is just for GWS studio members. All you need do is enter the coupon code Nishura36 at the checkout! Have a good browse beforehand, as it works once for each user.

On top of that, if you follow them on Instagram – nishura_east – and DM your studio number and details, there’s a special Christmas surprise waiting for you as well!

See their Instagram here and their website here.

Latest news from our Studio Holders…

Sophie Nguyen Architects

In Studio 16, Sophie has been working to create 3 new projects in West London. She has also created a video titled “What is an Architect?”. Here is her beautiful creation Hover House in North Kensington.

See her Instagram here and website here.

Marble LDN

The lovely Marble LDN, in studio 110, have just completed a landmark project: Xathon – the first virtual hackathon for female entrepreneurs. Originally meant to take place in Berlin, the event took place on a virtual platform making it accessible to people from 13 countries.

See their Instagram here and their website here.

On&On Designs

As there will be no GWS Christmas Market this year, On&On Designs, from studio 120, will be offering a special online promotion for people to buy directly from their designers. For a 10% discount on all Modus Design Ceramics, enter code On&On2020 on their website here.

See their Instagram here.

Simon Clark Photography

Despite the challenging times we find ourselves in and the various lockdowns, Simon, from studio 19, has still been shooting. These have included a main fashion editorial in his garden, a swimwear campaign on the beaches near Barcelona and a Cycle shoot in Andorra and France – all following strict Covid rules.

See his Instagram here and his website here.

GWS is COVID ready!

Our COVID-19 signage is installed and looking fresh!

We’re now operating a one way system throughout the building and have sanitisers at regular intervals around the building.

Big shout out to Coloursonic who are our favourite local printers – they always do a stand up job with any projects we send their way!

Run for the Hills launch new online art store

We highly recommend a peek at Run for the Hills new online shop www.artefacteria.com. Selling original art and vintage finds — created and curated by their studio — it is all drop dead gorgeous!

They’ve also launched a new website, www.runforthehills.com. Head over to see the very best in interior and brand design.

The talent at GWS is incredible, it’s been inspiring to see what different studios have been working on during these difficult times. Scroll down to see what our community has been up to and to see how we can support each other.

The Duppy Share

George, of The Duppy Share, is doing something amazing this weekend!

On Saturday he’ll be running a (social distanced) marathon to raise money for two charities that are close to his heart: Hospitality Action and The Felix Project. He hasn’t run a marathon before so let’s dig deep and give him a big GWS push!

To read more about these incredible charities and to donate click here. Good luck, George!

Visual Editions

The lovely people at Visual Editions have released a fantastic new project. “Stories of Splendid Isolation” creates moments of literary respite in the wake of Covid-19. By activating Google Assistant, listeners can hear writers from around the world share their reflections during a time of unprecedented uncertainty and connected experiences — like a literary version of Thought for the Day.

Head over to their instagram for the full details and to give it a go, it’s really great!

MATA Architects

The wonderful MATA Architects are still working on a wide range of projects and adapting to a remote way of working. Here’s a throwback to their restaurant design for Monty’s Deli from 2017.

Selina Blow

Selina Blow‘s online store is still open and it’s an absolute dream! This beautiful three-button fitted jacket is from Selina’s Spring/Summer collection.

Sophie Nguyen Architects

Sophie Nguyen Architects are working on a new project in Notting Hill. With social distancing in place, the works on site have had to be organised differently. Construction is taking more time to be done and the team are using only materials available in existing storage. It’s a very interesting time for everyone but beautiful pieces are still being produced, like the wonderful staircase above.

Wellness: Online Meditation Course with Debi

The IAM20 – (Integrated Amrita Meditation Technique®) is a non-religious meditation technique that consists of body, mindfulness, breathing and visualisation exercises. Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma) developed this form of meditation to help integrate the mind, body and spirit. It helps reduce anxiety and build resilience, promoting peace, relaxation and happiness.

The aim is that everyone – regardless of experience – can meditate independently for about 20 minutes.

All you need is a cushion and space to lie down with arms outstretched.

The course is live on Zoom – a total of 3 hours divided into 2 sessions of 90 mins each. Teachers offer their time voluntarily, we only ask for a commitment to a personal practice for 21 days (completed on your own) and are extremely grateful for any donations to our UN registered charity.

Debi Ani (Studio 6) has practised IAM for almost 17 years and shares the teaching because its benefits in both her creative and personal life are unquantifiable.

Please contact Debi for more info: debi@orodesign.co.uk

Stuck At Home? Look No Further!

In light of recent events we have a lot of Studio Holders working from home, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t open for business!

It’s really important we band together and support our community in these tough times, below is a list of studios who’s online stores are still open or who have content that can be accessed remotely. Enjoy!

Joy of Print

Joy of Print, a design studio founded by the visionary designer Cath Kidston, have some fantastic items on their online store. You can pre-order Cath’s new book, A Place Called Home, and get your hands on JOP’s beautiful lampshades, produced in collaboration with Designer, Rosi de Ruig.

Port West

Get yourself a beautiful sustainable notebook from the lovely guys at Port West, or support them via their kickstarter campaign.

OPUMO

Or spend a few hours browsing opumo,com. They have a wonderfully curated collection of clothing, homeware, gifts and even a magazine.

Blueshift Coding

Kids been sent home from school? Blueshift Coding will shortly be launching online private coding tuition and classes. Head to their website to sign up for updates.

Bethan Gray

This is a great time to think about some home improvement, go check out Bethan Gray Shamsian collection for the absolute premium in luxury homeware.

Haru

Or how about a bit of impromptu home decor with some Haru washi tape? Easily removable and leaves no trace on the wall.

Idler

The Idler are having a sale on all their online courses, this is a great time to learn a new skill or about a new topic. And the Idler mag is available for home delivery, the perfect magazine to read while cosied up on the sofa.

Stalogy

Stalogy have got some beautiful Japanese stationary for you, just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean your office supplies shouldn’t be sleek.

Fantastic “Plantroom” by Sophie Nguyen Architects

Plantroom by Sophie Nguyen Architects is a project for the ground floor renovation of a Victorian terraced house in West London.

With three children and a very demanding schedule, the client was in desperate need of a place to relax away from her busy life. The scheme developed by Sophie Nguyen Architects responded to the client’s passion for the outdoors and her daily urge to open all doors leading to the garden.

By considering the client’s love for nature, the project focused on the remodelling of the rear façade in order to redefine the dark and cluttered space into a generous room filled with natural light, whilst creating a seamless connection to the garden. The obstructive existing structure was removed and replaced by steel beams recessed into the ceiling to enhance the view into the garden.

The red kitchen island hovers inside the space like a Chinese lacquered box, hiding the paraphernalia of cooking. Its gloss finish reflects the surroundings to widen the perception of the space.

A new glass roof along the Party Wall provides the entire room with light throughout the day, and a perfect setting for an indoor winter garden. This garden will support a variety of plants, from palm trees to mixed herbs for cooking. Through the addition and growth of these plants, the kitchen and dining space will become surrounded by an expanding jungle, fulfilling the client’s desire to live among nature.

To see a video of the space click here.

One Great Day
Charity Bake Sale at GWS
Friday 6th March

One Great Day is an opportunity to raise money for charity and have a great day doing it. Communities from across the UK will be coming together in a day of fundraising and fun – and so will GWS!

On Friday the 6th March Great Western Studios will be hosting a Bake Sale in reception!

Please bring some change with you on the day to purchase some delicious confectionery, all proceeds will be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Let us know if you like to get involved and provide some treats, these can be homemade or store bought (we’re not fussy!)

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RaspberryPlum have launched their beautiful SS20 collection

RaspberryPlum have recently launched their SS20 line, a collection which embodies the zeitgeist of our times. Inspired by the blend of artist Paul Klee, who was the pioneer of the Bauhaus movement; combined with the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 70s. These were times that represented a period of great change and disruption. In the dawn of this new decade, we too are living in a time of rapid change – politically, socially and environmentally. Our future generation will challenge the status quo. So RaspberryPlum believe in empowering children to care for the world beyond themselves, stand up for what they believe in and express themselves to make our future a brighter place.
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In addition, RaspberryPlum are working regularly with Novak Djokovic Foundation, donating their old stock so it can be given to children who need it most in Serbia.

Pop-up: Psycle Westbourne
February 26th
12-2pm

Following their incredibly popular offer for GWS Studio Holder throughout January Psycle are paying us a visit!

On February 26th Psycle Westbourne will be in the foyer at GWS to allow you to be in with the chance of winning multiple prizes with their interactive game “Spin To Win”. Simply come and sign up with your work email address and spin the wheel!

Psycle is a premium boutique fitness brand offering class based workouts across London. Their immersive, energetic workouts are designed to help clear your mind and transform your body alongside a passionate community of like-minded individuals. With four different workouts and a team of highly knowledgeable instructors, Psycle classes harness the transformative power of movement to help every individual optimise their fitness and wellbeing.

Founded only five years ago, Psycle is one of the most well-known and respected boutique fitness brands in the UK today.

See you there!