John Evans
Interior Architecture + Design Ltd
John Evans Interior Architecture and Design Ltd
www.johnevansdesign.com
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John Evans
Interior Architecture and Design’s pragmatic approach to interior design has enabled it to complete projects such as corporate headquarters and showrooms, market-leading retail stores, period residences and modern apartments, spa and leisure complexes, overseas villas and ski chalets. The practice’s approach involves careful interpretation of client’s requirements and the subsequent production of viable and practical designs that are at the same time innovative and inspirational in appearance. Recent work has included a private gym, spa and swimming pool complex in the Cotswolds, a property developer’s corporate headquarters in Warwickshire and ongoing national work for a major retail group. Senior designers lead teams of designers and specialists on projects that feature interior construction and remodelling, spatial planning, lighting design and interior decoration. Design teams have in-depth design and product knowledge and access to an extensive library and archive resources to produce contemporary yet timeless interiors. A proven ability to complete high standard, commercial projects within budget and timescale has allowed the practice to develop long-standing working relationships with clients, including DFS Furniture Group Ltd (25 years) and Parkridge (6 years). The practice was established in 1980 and has expanded over this time to employ 17 designers. With projects and clients nationwide, the practice benefits from a central location in a converted Victorian factory in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter with access to national and international transport links. John Evans is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a Member of British Interior Designers Association and the Chartered Society of Designers.
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John Evans MCSD BIDA FRSA
Contents Portfolio Projects DFS Furniture Group Ltd, UK 7 Parkridge House, Solihull 11 Zoffany Ltd, Chelsea Harbour London 15 Private Residence, Birmingham 17 Swimming Pool and Spa, Yorkshire 21 Country Residence, Warwickshire 23 Chalet Rosa, Courchevel 25 New Concordia Wharf Apartment, London 27 Other projects 29 Bespoke Design 31 Company Working Practice 33 Selected Press and Contact details 35
John Evans Interior Architecture and Design Ltd
DFS Furniture Group Ltd UK In a working relationship that has continued over 25 years, beginning in 1980 with one of their first stores, John Evans Interior Architecture and Design has completed all of DFS’s out-of-town showrooms, which now total 74, nationwide. Stores average 1400 square metres and have to be adaptable and visually arresting in design, in order to cope with changes in products and retail trends. The practice is often required to design and project manage multiple projects simultaneously for the client. Projects involve all aspects of interior design, from site surveys to spatial planning, lighting design and individual decoration for each store, according to their needs.
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John Evans Interior Architecture and Design Ltd
A dedicated design team co-ordinate the DFS programme, ensuring that projects are kept within budget and to fast track timescale. With a fitout timescale of 5 weeks, John Evans’ designers have always ensured that each store meets its completion date. The client’s retail strategy, which places importance on the showroom’s identity, has involved John Evans working closely in tandem with DFS to assist in the development and expansion of their stores to become the market-leader in upholstery retail. Designers work on a continually evolving brief from a client based in a highly competitive market. Each completed showroom measures its success on its sales; by designing an aspirational, domestic environment within each store, the practice creates a functional selling tool for the retailer to use to their advantage.
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John Evans Interior Architecture and Design Ltd
Parkridge House Dickens Heath, Solihull This high specification, corporate headquarters is located within an ongoing, mixed-use development. John Evans Interior Architecture and Design was involved from the outset on the design of the office. The client, an international property developer, created this innovative, new village centre in conjunction with Solihull Borough Council and decided to relocate their own headquarters, to become part of the community development. During the two-year process, the practice worked closely with the main contractor and project architect, designing the entire interior space. Parkridge purpose-built the property for its own occupation and required an extremely practical and durable space. At the same time, the office needed to be contemporary and reflect the client’s corporate identity and business style. The experienced design team carried out the interior planning, taking into account the working processes of the office and foot flow of the people who were to use the space. Teams were located in a manner to encourage positive interaction and inter-departmental communication, reflecting the company’s work ethos. The practice was given total responsibility for specifying all equipment, fittings and furnishings by the client. The reception and entrance area includes a glass lift and bespoke staircase and reception desk. The top floor of the building provided the boardroom, meeting rooms and break-out areas with high-tech communication devices integrated to all designs. Specialised lighting and ceilings provide subtle, indirect light and avoid the appearance of a generic office interior. Furnishings selected for these areas included a bespoke walnut conference table and ebony macassor veneer for wall finishes. The procurement of artworks, along with specially commissioned work, positioned within the building added to creating this unique commercial environment.
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John Evans Interior Architecture and Design Ltd
Parkridge House Dickens Heath, Solihull
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John Evans Interior Architecture and Design Ltd
Zoffany Ltd Chelsea Harbour Design Centre London Zoffany, a leading British furnishings supplier, approached John Evans Interior Architecture and Design with a brief to completely reconstruct their Chelsea Harbour Design Centre showroom in London. With an established traditional style, Zoffany wanted the practice to supply them with a more contemporary setting to display their collections in order to increase sales in a wider range of markets. The design team produced a multi-functional display space. A timber framed sliding screen partitioning was designed so that an area used to display furniture could be discreetly closed off and used for confidential meetings and individual client consultation. Bespoke shop fittings were designed in order to display wallpaper and fabrics and special finishes, such as polished plaster, were used on walls. The client’s own products were displayed throughout and incorporated in upholstery and floor finishes.
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John Evans Interior Architecture and Design Ltd
Private Residence Birmingham
Positioned in the historical area of Edgbaston, this beautifully proportioned family home was originally built in 1937. The brief centred on the concept that traditional features were to sit alongside a modern application of design. The client required an interior and exterior where articles and belongings collected over time could be displayed in an experimental yet considered manner. A seamless appearance was designed by creating spaces where 20th century furniture and dÊcor could sit alongside period pieces, all positioned within a classic interior in-keeping with the building’s architectural history.
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John Evans Interior Architecture and Design Ltd
Private Residence Birmingham
Through remodelling and the reintroduction of Georgian period detailing, John Evans Interior Architecture and Design re-established this building’s Georgian proportions by adding new fireplaces and architectural finishes, amongst other detailing. Aesthetically successful features were kept and new construction incorporated in order to fit the client’s needs. These included an enlarged kitchen/dining area with chef-standard units and reconstructed bathrooms, detailed with mosaic tiling and limestone flooring. Gardens were designed and landscaped to include an architecturally minimal courtyard with pond and a large, traditional English garden.
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John Evans Interior Architecture and Design Ltd
Swimming Pool and Spa Private Residence, North Yorkshire John Evans Interior Architecture and Design were invited to undertake the design of a large swimming pool within an early Georgian style, new-build family house in rural North Yorkshire. Renowned classicist architects, Francis Johnson were appointed to build a new country house, accurately reflecting the style and period detail championed by the architects. Working closely with the architect and specialist contractors, the practice team produced a swimming pool whose layout and style was sympathetic to the house. The brief called for a pool size large enough for family use and exercise. Consequently, the pool’s total area was made as large as the space allowed. In order to mask the steel and concrete structure, a double-height coffered ceiling was designed to suit the style of the house. Lighting is positioned within the ceiling cornices and situated above the pool deck, for ease of access and maintenance. Entry to the pool area is by full-height glass doors and screen. Working with the structural engineers, the design of these doors was developed to create an impressive entrance to the pool. Travertine was used throughout the pool area, as its versatility leant itself to producing an elegant and calm environment. Floors, columns and walls were all installed with varying finishes of Romano Classico Travertine, a warm, cream-beige variety of the stone. A waterfall was created into the children’s pool, flowing down a wall of the stone. A self-contained bar and changing rooms were treated in the same approach as the pool areas. Tumbled dark marble mosaic was inlayed on floors and walls and lighter marble used on vanity units and sink areas. Teak furniture sits alongside the pool for comfort and relaxation.
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John Evans Interior Architecture and Design Ltd
Private Residence Warwickshire John Evans Interior Architecture and Design was asked to coordinate the design and reconstruction of this Warwickshire country house and grounds, working closely with contractors, structural engineers and landscape architects. The client’s brief was to create a modern, comfortable family home, retaining the characteristic exterior features of the original house. Structural work involved elevating the roof, redesigning front and rear elevations and developing extensions. A basement level area was excavated with hidden gym, wine cellar and tasting room. The corridor to these rooms also functioned as an underground link to separate garage and home office building. Additionally, the practice team modernised the outdoor swimming pool areas, including its pavilion. In order to create an impressive entrance to the house, the hall and staircase were entirely repositioned and redesigned. This also allowed a substantial landing to be formed on the upper floor, in turn, creating far more generous bedrooms than previously existed. Informal family rooms are deliberately large and open in scale, in order to create a relaxed and interactive atmosphere where socializing and entertainment is easy. Oak flooring, modular sofas and neutral coloured sheer fabrics create a soft and elegant look. Formal rooms were treated in an individually elegant and sophisticated manner. 20th century artworks feature as focal points in the house’s lounge in which formal entertaining takes place. An illuminated walled garden, with commissioned sculptures, sits to the rear. Glazed doors and large windows offer views through to the garden. The master bedroom and en suite were considered in the same manner; clean, unfussy painted walls balance well with the contemporary fabrics used on upholstered furniture and silk cushions and curtains, all in a soft, rich colour palette. Fitting into the pitched roof, the bathroom’s bespoke cabinetry and purpose built steam room give a beautiful symmetry to this private and intimate room. The application of polished marble on flooring and units make the space inviting and indulgent. The radical changes in layout and style have benefited the house immensely. The interior planning, detailing and finishes have created a warm, calm and modern home where all areas work collectively.
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John Evans Interior Architecture and Design Ltd
Chalet Rosa Courchevel 1850 France Taking the traditional concept of an alpine chalet, John Evans Interior Architecture and Design set out to design a modern, comfortable winter home suitable for the client’s family and large groups of friends. The building’s format is alpine vernacular, timber clad in the style of lodges in this fashionable and highly sought-after region of the French Alps. Working alongside the French architects, contractors and craftsmen, the design team directed the interior planning and style of the chalet. From the underground parking entrance to the house, a stone-clad staircase leads upstairs to Ground level. Here bedrooms, bathrooms, purpose built ski storage, relaxation areas and leisure facilities, including a mosaic tiled steam room and massage room, are situated. The first floor living areas afford grander views over the mountain landscape and adjacent ski slopes. Chocolate limestone flooring stretches over an open plan lounge and dining area separated by a handcrafted fireplace. Large, softly upholstered modular seating is set out against bespoke brown leather panelled walls. The room is finished with artwork, chosen specifically for the chalet. A separate kitchen stands out as ultramodern in design, high-tech, monotone and functional with exclusive specifications.
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A Paris based specialist was commissioned to manufacture a timber and ironwork staircase, designed by the practice. This links the floor with master bedroom suites above. As the pitched roof restricted ceiling height, low-level storage was designed and innovative storage to the rear of the beds. The purpose built wardrobes are picked out in intricately textured wooden doors. Natural woollen and embroidered fabrics, used on cushions, throws and curtains and deep pile rugs enhance the warm and comfortable environment created by the Jura Pine and leather wall finishes. Bunk beds in one lower level bedroom add a sense of fun to the sleeping arrangements. Bathroom fittings and materials reflect the environment of the surrounding landscape; natural pebble and stone; uneven mosaic flooring and varied marbles in lustrous colours create atmospheric and visually stimulating rooms for vital relaxation following alpine sports.
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John Evans Interior Architecture and Design Ltd
New Concordia Wharf Bermondsey, London This Thames-side, Victorian apartment is situated within an award winning Grade II listed property adjacent to Tower Bridge. It was one of the first warehouse conversions in this historic area that has been rapidly redeveloped over the past decade. The space originally functioned as two offices and was acquired by the client with planning permission for conversion to a residence. The property had no services and as a result John Evans Interior Architecture and Design stripped back the existing space, installed all service facilities and undertook a complete remodelling. Designers looked at the spatial layout and lighting. Internal, moveable walls were installed so areas could be sectioned off for privacy. This allowed the space to remain open and also intimate, if required. Typically, with this type of warehouse apartment, natural light needed to be supplemented. Multiple lighting circuits were introduced to boost levels. Main overhead ceiling and low level lighting provide subtle illumination, combining to improve levels in the apartment. The exposed thick brick walls and stout timber beams were accentuated by adding a sumptuous, comfortable seating area. Upholstered sofas were designed with deep seats and a warm, cream coloured carpet enhances the relaxing lounge area. Doors, cupboards and kitchen fittings were purpose built. A bespoke Japanese influenced cabinet, housing glassware and music systems sits alongside a walnut dining table and upholstered chairs. Warm limestone flooring was used to offset the industrial stainless steel kitchen units. The softer, modern look was achieved through the use of fresh white and ecru bedding and linen-covered panels hung behind beds instead of traditional bed heads. The client wanted to avoid a sterile, hard-edged look and the result produced a serene environment with a strong focus on comfort, warmth and light.
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Other Projects Internet Café Afro Caribbean Millennium Centre, Birmingham 2006 Arts Council England funding allowed the ACMC to carry out extensive building work, providing improved social welfare, research, conference and business facilities, together with recording and radio studio space. John Evans designed a Café facility within the building’s busy, ground floor reception area. Supervising the installation programme, the practice ensured the project’s completion in time for the ACMC’s re-launch party in July 2006.
Swimming pool at a private residence Barbados 2005 John Evans Interior Architecture and Design redesigned this swimming pool at a client’s Barbados home. The existing pool was completely excavated to form the new shape and increased size. Designers were able to source all materials and arranged for a subtly textured, pool interior to be applied by a US-based specialist. At night, dramatic, colour-change pool lighting gives a wonderful backdrop to the surrounding deck and terrace.
Levi Strauss (UK) Limited, European Distribution Centre Northampton 1998 Levi Strauss appointed John Evans to design their reception area and staff restaurant and advise on decoration, materials and graphics to key areas throughout their new building. The main atrium, at the heart of the building, was treated like a gallery space. This provided Levis with a flexible display area, which could be used for staff training, product launches or exhibitions. Mobile display modules were designed to house lighting, audio-visual facilities and flexible fixings for products and graphics panels. The restaurant was planned and designed in its entirety and included bespoke units, comprising screening and freestanding islands for conversation and refreshments.
Edgbaston Priory Club, Member’s Lounge and Bar Birmingham 1995 The Priory Club is situated in the leafy suburb of Edgbaston, amongst smart, Victorian mansions, golf clubs and the nearby Edgbaston Cricket Club. Over 130 years old, Edgbaston Priory has a history going back to the foundations of English Lawn Tennis and boasts links with an area claiming to have developed the first courts in the country. Today, Edgbaston Priory hosts important competitions, which attract world-class players. With the Club’s rich history in mind, John Evans planned and redesigned the Member’s Lounge to provide a stylish environment. The result is a relaxed space with a sophisticated atmosphere and appearance.
Private Mews Residence Holland Park, London 1994 This traditional mews house, radically altered in the 1970’s, with a surprisingly large living space to the rear of the property, was completely replanned and renovated by the practice. Cabinetry, furniture, upholstery and furnishings were designed and chosen in a contemporary palette to reflect the modernised interior spaces within this family home. In addition to these improvements, a professional music-recording studio was installed.
Grade II Listed Country House Yorkshire 1993 John Evans has completed work on this Georgian property over many years, encompassing the design and reconstruction of rooms and buildings varying from classically made bathrooms and opulent bedrooms to a newly constructed library. The house is used for entertaining and the kitchen has to be able to cope with catering on a grand scale. Incorporated into the new kitchen was a specially made Molteni cooker, with bespoke units alongside, designed by the practice.
Thompsons Solicitors Birmingham Office Refurbishment 1993 John Evans carried out a full office refurbishment, over two floors, creating a new reception area, open-plan administration suites and fee-earner’s offices and meeting rooms. Thompsons have over 20 offices nationwide, handling Trade Union related work and specialising in personal injury cases. Previously, a new boardroom, library and archive storage had been created at the Birmingham office and subsequent work was carried out for this client at their Stoke-on-Trent office and Great Russell Street, London headquarters.
The Lamphey Court Hotel Pembrokeshire 1992 Built in 1823, the Lamphey Court Hotel was formally part of the Lamphey Bishops Palace Estate and is part of an important, medieval and historic area of West Wales. John Evans Interior Architecture and Design has refurbished various areas within the hotel, over many years. The Georgian style of the property is reflected in the work that has been carried out by the practice, to many of the hotel’s bedrooms, a conservatory restaurant, bar and spa leisure facilities.
Thomas Cook, World Travel by Appointment UK 1989 – 1990 John Evans developed a design concept, from the client’s brief, for an innovative, one-to-one travel consultancy, aimed at a specific section of Thomas Cook’s target customer group. The experienced, World traveller was given the opportunity to arrange holiday and business travel in the relaxed and private environment of a Travel by Appointment lounge. Initially, John Evans project-managed a series of pilot locations, designing the whole space with bespoke shop-fitting elements and co-ordinating furniture and accessories, before passing the rollout programme to Thomas Cook’s inhouse Surveyors team. The successful concept went on to be installed in over 100 Thomas Cook’s travel agencies, nationwide.
Anglo Holt Construction Ltd. West Midlands 1988 Anglo Holt specialises in the design and construction of industrial and commercial buildings on a nationwide scale. Whilst building their corporate headquarters, John Evans Interior Architecture and Design were appointed to provide them with an enduring and viable scheme for an office. Overall planning, design and specifications, including the supply of working drawings, were undertaken by practice designers in order for the client’s own workforce to carry out the new build.
John Evans Interior Architecture and Design Ltd
Bespoke Design
John Evans specialist designers have the expertise and knowledge to detail one-off exemplary pieces of furniture and upholstery. This wardrobe is designed with clean lines, reminiscent of oriental pieces. It sits on a base, which can be made in varying lengths to accommodate up to 4 sections, allowing the wardrobe to be flexible in size and format. These sections can be drawer units and open shelving, finished in various colours and materials. Detail drawings below show the design of the modular units.
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This oak cabinet’s dual functions, as storage for music systems and for drinks and glassware make it a conversation piece. There are no visible hinges, and when closed, the intriguing handle, where the oak appears to lift off, reveals a glimpse of polished stainless steel underneath. Detail drawings below show the setup of adjustable shelving and drawers. These bespoke pieces function not only as practical well-designed furniture, but also, add colour, texture and substance to individual room spaces.
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John Evans Interior Architecture and Design Ltd
Company Working Practice The process John Evans Interior Architecture and Design goes through on every project can be broken down into stages. Initial Meetings During initial meetings with clients the following is discussed: The clients wish list – if money and time were not important. The timescales required to achieve the work. The budget that is available to complete the work. The cost to complete the work to the level required. The function of the space. The users of the space. The identity of the interior. The design life of the materials. This helps the design team devise a brief and from this, the project’s organisation and duration can be assessed. As each project is different it is not possible to prepare a quotation without spending time taking details from the client and assessing their needs, analysing the site and working out how the project might evolve. After assessing the project, a quotation with a price for presentation of initial proposals is issued. This stage is charged for, as it represents a crucial body of work, vital to the success of the later stages. Correctly defining the project’s brief, to the client’s satisfaction, minimises the possibility of project and budget overruns. The presentation can take the format of mood and sample boards, sketches or computer aided visuals and plans, depending on the complexity of the project and the client’s wishes. An estimate of fees for the project’s duration, with hourly rates, is also provided at this point. Once fees and fee structures are agreed, designers progress to the next stage. Concept stage The brief given is now worked up to give a client illustrations of the space and how it will be used in order to meet their needs. During this stage the brief is refined and the client has the opportunity to make adjustments to their ‘wish list’. However, it is the practice’s job to make sure that the design meets the agreed budget and project timescales. It is important to resolve design issues during this stage, rather than later on during the project, when changes become more expensive and extend the duration of the work.
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Detail design stage Once the concept is agreed it can be drawn up in enough detail to be put out to tender and then built from the drawings. A well-resolved concept allows the viable design details to be drawn up. A contractor has to be able to cost every fixture and fitting (whether screw, plug socket or door handle) in order to cost a job. Therefore, designers have to make sure that every detail is included to achieve an accurate cost. Construction stage A contractor is appointed on the basis of the tender they submit against the design detail drawings. The work can then be carried out on site. Site work is changeable, especially when working with existing buildings, where some problems are only identified once work commences. Here the designers help the client make decisions quickly in order to keep the project moving. On some projects the supply of goods can be organised for the client, if required. This process is referred to as FF+E (furniture, fixing and equipment) and runs alongside the main design. The supply of goods (FF+E) generally starts during the design stage to ensure products with long lead times are acquired in time for completion. A full administration service is provided; a client account is opened; items are ordered from trade suppliers and logistical tasks are also completed on your behalf.
Practice Resources Working relationships with renowned architects including Glenn Howells Architects, Francis Johnson Architects Design software including AutoCAD, 3D visualisation and Adobe drawing and publishing packages Extensive product and technical library and archive Long established relations with industry suppliers, logistical and building contractors both nationally and internationally. National and international brokerage abroad arranged
carriage,
export
and
Professional Indemnity Insurance In-house specialist Designers including Furniture and Textile Designers Form of agreement: RIBA Form of Appointment for Interior Design Services (ID/05 June 2005).
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John Evans Interior Architecture and Design Ltd
House and Garden Magazine ‘100 Leading Interior Designers Directory’ March 2006 John Evans has been running his interior Architecture and design practice for over 15 years, following an earlier career in exhibition design. Today, the team comprises 17 full time staff, and projects range from residential work to corporate headquarters. The pursuit of excellence is the driving force behind the company. ‘ Whether we are designing interiors for commercial or residential clients, the quality of design is paramount’, says John. Projects tend to be large scale, often featuring architectural and development work. Currently the practice is designing chalet in Courchevel, featuring leather wall coverings and an exterior Jacuzzi; landscaping the gardens of a Warwickshire house to include a Japanese teahouse; and completing a new leisure/Spa complex for a private house in the Cotswolds.
Bridge for Design Magazine The Resource Quarterly for Interior Designers February/March 2005 If the devil really is ‘In the detail’, John Evans has conquered this particular Demon. “ I don’t know who first used the expression”, he says, “but I do believe that the details are so important to get right, because if you don’t it is always the small niggly thing that lets the project down. “If we were designing a retail store, we want it to be the most successful store that we have designed to date, not only in terms of the aesthetics but successful in terms of sales”, says John. “Whether we are designing interiors for commercial or residential clients the same criteria apply: the quality of design is paramount.” As well as DFS showrooms, John Evans Design’s workload includes regular projects for other highly prestigious company names, including Levi’s and Zoffany. John has created projects as varied as precision designs for a Grade II listed country house...a villa on the Cote d’ Azur and a Barbados swimming pool, and sees each new scheme as a continuing evolution of his design ethos.
Andrew Martin Interior Design Review ‘Featuring the World’s leading designers’ John Evans Interior Architecture and Design has been included in both Volumes 8 and 9, Published in 2005 and 2006 respectively. Andrew Martin is one of the world’s best-known furnishing brands with sales in over 50 countries, and the Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year attracts entries from all over the globe. It is described by the Times as ‘The Oscars for the interior design world’ Each year it is judged by a distinguished panel that has included Anouska Hempel, Jo Malone, Nicky Haslam, Amanda Wakeley and Bruce Oldfield. www.andrewmartin.co.uk/interiordesignawards
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John Evans
Interior Architecture and Design Ltd Registered in England No. 4075541 Registered Office: Victoria Works 16D Vittoria Street Birmingham B1 3PE England Tel: +44 (0)121 233 9041 Fax: +44 (0)121 233 4641 info@johnevansdesign.com www.johnevansdesign.com