DesignLSM are an award winning practice offering interior design, architecture and graphic design services for hotels, restaurants, bars, retail and residential properties.
Steve La Bouchardiere and Simon McCarthy originally founded designLSM in June 1988. The pair originally worked for a Canadian retail design practice working primarily on large-scale shopping centres. When the opportunity arose to design smaller hospitality projects Steve and Simon found they could be more creative and interesting in design and so Steve and Simon founded designLSM.
“Starting the company at the end of a financial boom and facing a recession was challenging to say the least,” says Steve. However, one of the projects we won was Sticky Fingers, Kensington, the restaurant of Rolling Stones bass guitarist, Bill Wyman. This was very timely as we were a young practice and it generated much needed exposure for us.”
This multi-disciplined practice provides innovative design and creative consultancy for a diverse portfolio of international clients. They offer architectural expertise in residential/new build developments and have experience with commercial office, leisure design and refurbishment.
“We are currently working on Michelin Star restaurant Quilon, Lacoste Knightsbridge – the largest Lacoste in the world, a 140 bedroom hotel in London and Carluccio’s to name but a few projects,” says Simon.
For Quilon, part of the Taj Group, the brief was for designLSM to create a unique, contemporary interior, which reflects the spirit and authenticity of Quilon (which serves Southern Indian cuisine). Design inspiration was garnered when Steve La Bouchardiere and Karen Mitton – Senior Designer, went on a whistle-stop tour of Southern India with Executive Chef Sriram Aylur. Dark grey tones are accentuated by vibrant splashes from amber, jade, green and blue fabrics throughout the 200sqm restaurant, 17sqm bar area and 79sqm private room. A bespoke, wenge candle wall – inspired by a Hindu temple in Kerala – consists of small portholes filled with tea-lights, which throw out a warm, magical glow.
Remarkable attention to detail has been executed with stained grey, curved wooden slats applied to the low ceiling, creating a soft wave-like effect. Striking elements include a hanging feature consisting of 1,100 individual, hand-printed ceramic discs, and an imported bespoke 8ft Indian fishing boat, which will be transformed into a drinks reception for the private dining area.
In a very competitive industry, designLSM has tenure on its side and a diverse and enthusiastic team committed to providing clients with a one-stop solution.
Based in Hove the designLSM studios house 20-25 talented, qualified and extremely passionate people. Their main clients are independents and well-known brands from within the hospitality and retail industry. Although the majority of clients are UK based they are undertaking design work in Turkey, USA, India and China.
The company is weathering the current economic crisis well, with an optimistic eye on the future.
“One advantage of having been around for 24 years means we have been fortunate enough to have established a loyal client base,” says Steve. “However, we are continually researching new markets and client bases. The projects we complete attract media attention and we have learned to embrace social media channels. In addition to this we occasionally exhibit at hospitality shows and enter key design awards.
Says Simon, “Our growth has always been organic, which dictates whether our business expands or not. There are certain side projects we are currently working on at the moment which may provide additional opportunities and expand our clientele.”
Where do they see the company in five years time?
“Still thriving, pushing the boundaries and striving to be the best in our field,” says Steve.
For further information tel: 01273 820033 or visit the website: www.designlsm.com.
