John Proctor graduated from the University of Nottingham with Distinction and went on to work for award-winning UK practices. John worked primarily on cultural projects and was project leader to design and deliver the Sackler Centre for Arts Education at the V&A Museum, whilst at Softroom, which won an RIBA award in 2010.

Proctor & Shaw creates transformative architecture characterised by thoughtful simplicity, crafted materiality, and skilful manipulation of light and form to deliver delightful and inspiring spaces.  Founded by John Proctor and Mike Shaw, the practice has a proven track record of exceeding their client’s expectations to unravel complex project briefs and deliver award-winning designs. They guide the clients on a design journey that culminates in tailor-made solutions uniquely focused to meet their specific needs and aspirations. Their team balances creative energy and aspirational thinking with a pragmatic approach, grounded in a wealth of industry-wide professional experience.

1. Could you tell us how your journey into interior design started?

Well this would take me back to school. I was strong in science and maths but was also  artistically inclined and did well at Art and Design. When it came to thinking about my next  steps for University education I started to read about architecture which appeared to  compliment my skill set. From that point onwards, for thirty years now, I have been  practicing architecture and design.

2. Do you think there has been a defining moment in your career?

It’s hard to single out  one particular moment. However one key decision I made was deciding to partner with  Mike Shaw in 2017. I had previously started a small practice in 2014. Work was  developing but I realised I really wanted to share the experience of practicing architecture;  have an equal partner to consult with over business decisions and challenge design  concepts. All of our best designs are borne of discussion and collaboration.

3. What do you think is the key to a successful interior design? And in your business in general?

We always strive for transformational change and to ensure the ‘infrastructural  architecture’ is right. ‘Get the height and light right’ is, I suppose, a sort of mantra of ours.  Once bold key moves have been made to unlock the potential of a space it can then be  finessed with material and craft.

We always start with assisting the client in organising a clear and challenging brief. This  contains functional and aspirational elements. We then go to work in multiple ways. We  look at loose plans and sections to discuss function and layout, we developed rough 3D models and sketches to talk about volume and light, and we discuss materials and images  that we feel may set the emotional tone of a project. The excitement ensures that clear  concepts start to emerge.

5. How would you define your signature style? Do you have “a mantra” that encapsulates your taste in design?

We are naturally quite minimal and modern, drawn to calm and contemplative spaces.  There is enough energy and speed in life, and believe that homes should be, in part, an  antithesis to this.

6.  Could you tell us about one of the favorite projects that you worked on?

Our recent Heath House completion in Highgate, North London was a fantastic job to work  on. A refurbishment, extension and large basement project to a Grade II Listed villa. It was  volumetrically and technically complex to deliver having to overcome statutory and tight  physical constraints. The solutions adopted were bold and innovative, constraints were  turned to opportunities. A beautiful restrained palette of Douglas fir, Natural clay-plaster  and terrazzo permeate the new spaces in a variety of ways. 

7. What are your 3 favorite pieces from the Philia Collection?

8. What was the best advice you have received in your path?

“You can always make an average design good, a good design great, but you can’t work  with bad clients.”

9. What would be your advice to beginner interior designers?

Be selective, do less work but ensure that it is exceptional. Grow slowly.

10. What was one of the hardest learned lessons in your journey?

Learning to accept challenges of others making. We have learnt to walk towards design  problems as they arise, and face them with a genuinely collaborative design spirit to make  the design better.

11. Are there any books/podcasts you would like to recommend to our readers?

Parallax by Steven Holl. The reverence, importance and love he places on architecture  and design is inspiring.

12. If you could pick one interior design tip that is important to you, what would it be?

Embrace constraints and turn them into opportunities. 

Heath House, Highgate – neighbouring window constraints (above) and a public sewer  (below) required an innovative circulation and stair design to ensure the spaces were  poetic. Front and back terrazzo basement stairs meet on a vertically constrained landing  that has exposed Douglas fir roof joists that turn down to form shelving for a unique work  space. Despite being compressed the space is luxurious and is a joyous moment in the  home. 

13. Finally, what are your upcoming projects? Anything you’d like to share or add to the interview?

We are nearing completion on our 2nd new build house in Richmond, West London. Mid-century inspired timber-framed courtyard home for a family of four. 

Thank you so much John, for this great chat!