AMD are delighted to be the lead architects, designers and project managers for the renovation of Kew Studios and Kew Works - a 48,000 square foot, 10 million pound project which will house a multitude of businesses in flexible studio and office spaces on the site of a former 18th century house with connected Victorian warehouses.
Adjacent to the world-famous Kew Gardens, the site was once the home of Sir William Hooker whose family had helped save the demolition of the botanical landmark and who went on to become director of it in 1841. The house and surrounding buildings remained in place until the 1920s when it was taken over by a factory making electrical wire and is the headquarters for fashion retailer Jigsaw as well as AMD itself.
AMD has been tasked with converting the existing site into a sought after office and studio development in a prime location. The brief is to create light, bright and welcoming spaces that are modern and functional but leave the inherent character of the building intact. Kew Studios is designed to attract professionals and creatives - from independent makers to small to medium sized companies.
In line with AMD’s values, the design will be sustainable with an aim to refurbish, reuse and regenerate where possible. There are plans to retain and accentuate the existing architectural features of the main building, and AMD will be integrating ecology into the design, with green roofs and wildlife habitats - a nod to the former owner. There will be a push towards a net carbon zero building with solar panels, covered cycle storage and electric vehicle charging.