About us
Studio NR is a London based design studio, driven by the aspiration to craft opulent, sustainable, and meticulously designed architectural creations. We have assembled a growing ensemble of architects, designers, and technicians who all share a common ardour for our mission.
Our design philosophy, encapsulated in the mantra "it all starts with an idea," revolves around the idea of discerning and harnessing creative possibilities that are uniquely tailored to each site and project brief. This approach allows us to craft distinctive solutions that are unassuming, pragmatic, and feasible. We firmly believe that exceptional design concepts are rooted in the expertise and education of skilled professionals. Consequently, we maintain active collaborations with a diverse array of experts from the construction industry, engaging them on a project-specific basis.
At present, our portfolio encompasses a diverse array of ambitious undertakings, spanning the realms of residential, commercial, and cultural projects. These ventures are undertaken in collaboration with visionary clients who share our unwavering enthusiasm for exceptional design.
Our Team
Nikhil Raj
Nikhil, the driving force behind Studio NR limited, embarked on his architectural journey an impressive 18 years ago, inspired by his education at the prestigious Architectural Association School of Architecture. Throughout his career, Nikhil has had the privilege of working in both India and the UK, enriching his professional knowledge with diverse experiences. His comprehensive portfolio spans both leading design roles and the successful delivery of construction projects, contributing to the creation of distinctive architectural marvels across London.
Nikhil's unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that he remains at the forefront of all projects undertaken by Studio NR, regardless of their scope or complexity. His profound expertise and knowledge are invaluable assets that influence every facet of the architectural work produced by the studio.
Andy Chong
Andy holds the position of Associate Director within our team, and he is a registered Architect with the ARB, bringing more than 15 years of valuable experience to our organization. Over the course of his career, he has collaborated with multiple architectural studios, contributing his expertise to a range of substantial projects. Andy's extensive background encompasses both on-site and off-site work, making him a versatile asset to our team.
His profound technical knowledge positions him as the go-to expert for creating tender and construction delivery documents. In addition to his professional achievements as a Chartered Architect, Andy also holds qualifications as a ventilation and gas engineer, further enhancing his multifaceted skill set.
Allison Gallienne
Allison is our indispensable business support lead, expertly managing office systems and overseeing key areas of finance, operations, and administration. With a rich and diverse background spanning the arts, architectural firms, libraries, and management consultancy, she brings a wealth of cross-sector experience to the team. For over 15 years, Allison has worked closely alongside Nikhil, building a strong and dynamic partnership.
Originally from South Africa, Allison is a qualified librarian who has called London home for much of her career. She thrives on the city’s vibrant cultural scene, embracing its theatre, opera, exhibitions, and endless opportunities for travel and lifelong learning.
Francesco Fanara
Francesco is a highly skilled Architectural Engineer with over a decade of international experience across diverse architectural and construction projects. His expertise is rooted in an exceptional attention to detail and strengthened by years of hands-on experience as a project leader on construction sites, where he has honed his ability to manage complex, high-stakes environments seamlessly.
A certified Revit Architecture trainer, Francesco is instrumental in guiding our firm’s use of Revit and Building Information Modeling (BIM). He develops tailored, BIM-aligned templates and produces precise 3D models, elevating our design capabilities and project efficiencies. His technical acumen ensures that our projects run smoothly, from the initial design phase through to construction execution.
Gokay Toz
Gokay, our Planning consultant, possesses an impressive ten-year history of excellence in the realm of planning consultancy. Her comprehensive background extends across both the private sector and public institutions, establishing her as a seasoned expert in her field. Over the course of her career, Gokay has adeptly overseen and successfully executed numerous projects within the London area, including those necessitating listed building consent.
Notably, Gokay is the visionary founder of Gok Architecture, a firm distinguished for its specialization in planning consultancy services. Before embarking on this entrepreneurial journey, she contributed her expertise as a planning officer at Newham council, thus enriching her industry knowledge and skill set.
Jared Alberts
Jared plays a pivotal role as our resident BIM expert, with a robust background as a Revit technician spanning over 6 years within the architectural industry. His career has seen him contribute his technical acumen to a diverse range of firms, from interior design agencies to architectural design practices. Jared's involvement extends from the inception of design concepts through to the meticulous development of stage 4 and 5 delivery packages.
He possesses an extensive and proficient understanding of BIM level 3 protocols and industry standards. Furthermore, Jared is the founder of T3D3 Limited, an exclusive design company that specializes in providing tailored services with a strong emphasis on BIM, Revit, and 3D modelling, showcasing his commitment to innovation and excellence in his field.
Tom Shaw
Tom, our in-house Graphic designer, brings an impressive wealth of experience, with a remarkable tenure of over 25 years in the realm of crafting brand identity, art direction, and graphic design. His expertise has been dedicated to serving creative and design-focused clientele.
Tom excels at assisting clients in elucidating their challenges and articulating their unique personality. Regardless of the project's scale, his unwavering goal is to consistently surpass expectations. Notably, Tom Shaw is the founder of Plastic Crayon, a London-based design studio that specializes in crafting distinctive graphic solutions. These solutions cater to a diverse array of clients, spanning from independent entities to corporate enterprises.
Chris Hopkinson
Chris Hopkinson, our trusted photographer, serves as our go-to expert for capturing the essence of architectural and interior design. Notably, he possesses a unique background as an architect, which enhances his perspective and approach to photography and videography. With a career spanning a remarkable decade, Chris has honed his skills and expertise in the art of architectural photography.
Renowned across the United Kingdom, Chris is frequently commissioned by esteemed architects and designers who deeply appreciate his capacity to genuinely grasp a project's intricacies and faithfully convey their formal design intentions. Moreover, Chris is the founder of Chromaphotography, a London-based company specializing in architectural and interior photography.