Practice Summary

Nissen Richards Studio is a double RIBA National Award-winning architects’ practice and exhibition design studio, founded in 2010 by Directors Pippa Nissen and Jim Richards. Our multidisciplinary practice works across masterplanning, architecture, exhibitions, interpretation, graphic design, theatre, story-telling, film and animation. Having a broad range of skills and expertise gives us the flexibility to work across varied projects, from small-scale experimental theatre designs, exhibitions and architecture commissions to large-scale residential, commercial and cultural buildings.

In the cultural sector, we have worked on a huge range of award-winning theatrical, museum and gallery projects, both temporary and permanent, for some of the world’s greatest institutions. These include The Courtauld Gallery, British Museum, British Library, National History Museum, National Trust, Kensington Palace and The Imperial War Museum in the UK and, internationally, D.A.G, Kode, MUNCH, the Sarawak Brooke Dockyards Museum, Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park, and both the National Library and the National Gallery of Norway. Most recently, the Studio completed the permanent exhibition design and interpretation for 37 galleries at The National Portrait Gallery in London, winner of a GOLD European Design Award.

Nissen Richards Studio’s approach combines a respect for all the voices in a project, a willingness to experiment, a unique storyboarding process and a fusion of architectural and theatre design processes. Our clear systems of thinking, working and communicating, together with a boundless curiosity about the world, translate into beautifully-designed spaces for people to come to, be stimulated by, enjoy and remember. In 2022, the Studio’s work, including a new-build viewing tower, at Anglo-Saxon royal burial site Sutton Hoo won an RIBA National Award, whilst in 2023, Nissen Richards Studio was part of the team that won an RIBA National Award for the transformation of The Courtauld Gallery, with the scheme going on to be shortlisted for The Stirling Prize and winning the RIBA People’s Poll Award.

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