(“Text as submitted by Architect”)
Alan Dempsey
Alan is an internationally recognised, experienced RIBA chartered architect and client design advisor. As the Founding Director of Nex—, he leads the design of all projects to ensure that quality and innovation are rigorously aligned to clients’ ambitions.
Trained at Trinity College, Dublin, and the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), his eclectic design and research career has spanned many sectors, countries and companies. He has led the design and delivery of projects ranging from £100k to £115 million in value, covering infrastructure, retail, mixed use, commercial and public buildings in the UK and Europe.
With a focus on applied research, he has always embraced collaboration and innovation. Indeed, interdisciplinary collaboration is one of the studio’s founding principles. It informs the way the practice engages with clients, contractors and design team partners.
Alan’s work has been recognised with awards and commendations from the D&AD, The Architects Journal, UK Technology Strategy Board, World Architecture Network, Building Design, and the Architecture Foundation.
James Foster
A highly-skilled architect with eighteen years’ experience working in UK practice, James joined the Nex— team as Associate Director, working on a range of schemes, including most recently, Exeter College Library at the University of Oxford.
Having studied at the University of Nottingham and the Bartlett at University College London – where he was awarded a Commendation in Architectural Design – James has previously worked at Associate level with Rogers Stirk Harbour and Ron Arad, designing high-quality cultural, hospitality, housing and commercial schemes. While at RSHP James also led a team to develop modular construction prototypes in collaboration with AECOM. James early experience included technically challenging projects with Ted Cullinan and MacCormac Jameson Pritchard.
With innovative construction and inventive design at the forefront of James’ design approach, he relishes the challenges associated with creating and developing forward-thinking architecture. As a maker and designer, as well as an architect, this is mirrored in his passion for timber construction, timber fabrication technology and integration of architecture and landscape.
James is also a member of the Hackney Design Review Panel.
Ayodele Akinola
Ayo joined Nex—in 2017 after a two-years practicing architecture abroad, working on public buildings in Australia and China.
From learning computational art at a young age to studying architecture at Leeds Beckett and University of Liverpool, Ayo enjoys experimenting with the expression of form. At Nex-, this is reflected in his interest in uniting emerging technology within algorithmic architecture and robotics with traditional architecture.
As an architectural designer, Ayo connects his research and approach to architecture with a focus on user-experience, as demonstrated by his extensive work on the modelling, developing and designing of complex geometries within the recently completed Duke of York restaurant.
Practice Ideology
We connect people to place through distinctive, engaging design and specialise in integrating transformational projects into sensitive historic and cultural settings. We create value by intimately connecting our architecture to the city, creating long-term adaptability and enhancing the public realm.
Our projects bring people together through flexibly programmed spaces that are platforms for social interaction. We enjoy creating dynamic places that change through time and accommodate different uses.
Our buildings and spaces are distinguished by their atmosphere. We prioritise sensory experience and our sensitivity to volume, material, texture, light and sound is perceived through meticulous design and beautiful craftsmanship.
Our work has been published and exhibited internationally and has received numerous awards and commendations.
Nex are a RIBA / RIAI Chartered Architects, Urban Designers and Client Advisors, working on projects around the world from our base in central London.
Our diverse portfolio includes culture, leisure, workplace, education, infrastructure and residential buildings. All share a focus on their relationship with the city and landscape, and our record of securing challenging consents and approvals is exemplary.
We have collaborated with ambitious clients including the Architectural Association, British Land, Ballymore, RAF Museum, Cadogan Estates, Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, The Times, Facebook, Mercedes F1, the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and U+I. Many return to work with us repeatedly.
