Design International
Area of Expertise: Architecture, masterplanning, landscape, interior design, lighting design, branding and signage
Design International are a commercial architectural and design practice working globally and recognised for the masterplan and design of large-scale retail, leisure, and mixed-use developments.
Design International's expertise lies on the ability to create experiential environments where people enjoy spending time socialising, shopping, living, working, and entertaining.
By the end of 2020 they had helped clients to deliver over 8,000,000 square metres of built environment in over 45 countries across five continents.
They are guided by a set of core values that underpin everything they do:
- People-centric thinking: They are passionate about people, and put them at the centre of what they do.
- Innovative design delivered with excellence: Continuously push the boundaries of architectural design to create transformative experiences.
- Sustainable approach to development: Committing to deliver eco-friendly and sustainable design solutions.
Phone +44(0)20 7092 2700
Address Design International, 163 Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 3LW
Website https://www.designinternational.com/
Social media
- Instagram @designinternational
Tell us about your practice? What do you stand for?
We are an international architecture and design practice focussed mainly on retail and retail led mixed-use projects. Our approach to design is people centric and this informs everything we do and the way we do it. We believe that architects are in a unique position to improve local communities by designing experiential places that foster a sense of belonging and connection. Therefore, by understanding the cultural, environmental, and social context of each location, we design solutions that not only meet our clients' commercial needs but also aim to enhance local communities.
What projects are you currently working on?
Currently most of our work is retail-led mixed-use and refurbishment or repositioning of existing retail assets.
To mention a couple of projects we are currently working on:
Lykli Noida Meeting Place in India. A transit-oriented mixed-use development, blending retail, offices and hospitality, that aims to create a city landmark that fosters identity and belonging through the power of design.
Most interesting, we have many retail refurbishment projects, such as the iconic Cevahir Mall in Istanbul. By reimagining existing spaces, architects can create vibrant, sustainable environments that respond to contemporary needs while preserving valuable resources and community character. Our approach not only revitalises these spaces but also fosters a sense of connection and belonging, ensuring they remain relevant and engaging for future generations.
What have been the highlights for you in the past year?
2024 has been a significant year for our practice especially due to the opening of possibly the largest and certainly more complex project that we have ever designed:
Livat Shanghai Meeting Place, a bold fusion of architecture, culture, and community, that aims to transform an empty and contaminated plot of land in the centre of Hongqiao district of Shanghai into a dynamic and well-connected urban destination that work as a community centre for the whole neighbourhood. On the first day 130,000 people visited the project and you could really feel the energy of the place.
Another project that we are very proud of is Maximall Pompeii that is due to open in November. This shopping destination is directly connected the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the foot of the Vesuvio volcano and its design is a statement to our commitment to creating dynamic environments that blend shopping, leisure, nature and cultural experiences.
What is your special focus for Cityscape Global 2024?
We believe that sharing experiences is key to learning and improvement.
Cityscape Global provides a unique platform to share insights, collaborate with industry leaders, and inspire new ideas that can help shape resilient and liveable cities for the future.
We therefore look forward to engaging in discussions that prioritise both design excellence and the well-being of the communities we serve with particular focus on highly sustainable topics such as mixed-use buildings and adaptive reuse.
Is there anything exciting on the horizon?
We are working on many interesting projects around the world including a remarkable initiative in the UK that involves transforming a historic heritage building—a former prison—into a vibrant art hub that promises to breathe new life into the community.
While we are unable to disclose further details at this time, we believe this development will stand as one of the most significant architectural projects in the UK in the coming years.
