16
INSIGHTS
MODEL CONSULTANTS The National Portrait Gallery refurb saw Nissen Richards creating a 3D model to test “positioning and object clusters” in advance of designing
larger architectural interventions. This included the design of a new viewing tower, enabling visitors to experience the landscape from “a new and different perspective.” The studio’s refurbishment of the National Portrait Gallery similarly demonstrates the iterative and highly detailed design process. As Interpretation and Permanent Exhibition Designers, the team developed a 3D model of the scheme, which Nissen explains allowed them to test “positioning and object clusters” before undertaking extensive onsite testing of colours, materials and content locations. This process ensured that the intended narrative translated successfully into the completed visitor experience.
Technology & AI
While acknowledging the growing infl uence of AI within the profession, the fi rm remains measured in its approach. Nissen describes the practice as “open but cautious about AI,” viewing it primarily as a tool for improving effi ciency rather than generating design solutions. The studio is currently exploring how AI can support administrative and technical processes, helping to replace “mundane tasks” while also allowing teams to test options quickly. However, Nissen emphasises that AI should only ever augment, rather than replace, professional expertise.
Recognition & achievements
Recognition through awards has played an important role in the growth and development of the practice. Richards describes Sutton Hoo’s recognition as a national RIBA award winner as “a watershed moment for the practice”, representing acknowledgement of the studio’s work at a national level. Although the project did not make the Stirling Prize shortlist, it was later identifi ed by a public vote as the ‘alternative Stirling Prize’ winner. Since then, the practice has continued to build on this success, having twice been shortlisted for the Stirling Prize as part of wider exhibition and gallery design teams. Collectively, the studio has now picked up over 50 creative awards, which according to Nissen gives both the practice and its clients “a real boost.” For Nissen personally, being named as one of the Architect’s
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
Journal’s ‘40 Under 40’ architects early in her career proved particularly signifi cant. She explains that the recognition “gave me the courage of my convictions to disband my last practice and go ahead and form Nissen Richards Studio with a view to really shaping the work that we did.”
Future moves
Like many architectural practices, the studio continues to navigate a number of industry-wide challenges. Richards points to the increasingly complex planning system, saying it is “very slow and frustrating,” and delays can often be diffi cult to explain to clients. Commercial pressures also present ongoing challenges. Nissen
identifi es maintaining healthy cashfl ow as a key concern, observing that clients are becoming increasingly slow to pay while project budgets continue to tighten. Nevertheless, she suggests that these constraints are partially offset by the industry’s move towards more sustainable approaches, requiring practices to become increasingly imaginative and resourceful.
Sustainability will play an increasingly important role in shaping the practice. Richards explains that the inclusion of zero carbon approaches across all sectors is something the studio is ‘fully embracing’, citing the completion of its fi rst zero carbon housing scheme as an important milestone and learning opportunity. They also believe that the profession must become increasingly human-centred, in response to advances in artifi cial intelligence. She argues that architects should be “more human centric – not less,” continuing to guide clients through the design process while demonstrating the value of thoughtful, bespoke design. Within exhibition design, she similarly advocates creating spaces that are accessible, inclusive and encourage a sense of ownership among visitors. Both sides of this wife- husband team express a desire to continue expanding the breadth of the practice.
To fi nd out more about ‘A Museum For Now’, please scan the QR Code.
ADF JULY/AUGUST 2026
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