London, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/16/2014 -- Rodic Davidson Architects, a Practice that has built a reputation for commercial creativity, vision and the ability to produce crisp, elegant and finely-crafted architecture, has moved offices to a Grade II Nash Terrace in Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury WC1. Established in 2006 by Ben Davidson RIBA, the practice has grown organically and presently employs 13 people.
The firm http://www.rodicdavidson.co.uk has purchased and refurbished a former vintage camera store. The property is dual fronted – with one aspect fronting the British Museum while the other 'front' opens into a courtyard at the rear. The historically significant property forms part of a terrace of 6 houses (66-71 Great Russell Street) built by John Nash in 1777.
Nash was 25 at the time he built the property Rodic Davidson Architects now occupies, having just established his own architectural practice. He built the terrace speculatively using an inheritance from his uncle. Nash moved into no 66 but the rest of the terrace failed to let and this, combined with cost over-runs, forced Nash into bankruptcy in 1783. The terrace has an English Heritage Blue Plaque which was unveiled on 8th January 2013 by historian and Nash biographer, Geoffrey Tyack. Unveiling the plaque, Tyack said, "John Nash’s contribution to London is second only to that of Sir Christopher Wren.”
The premises, which form the lower ground and ground floors of no 67 Great Russell Street, had been empty for many years. Unloved and completely sealed by security shutters, Rodic Davidson director, Ben Davidson, saw the vision of what it could become. "I just couldn't believe that such a wonderful property had stood empty for so long. It was dark and gloomy inside, but seeing through the clutter it had all of the things we were looking for: high ceilings, beautiful proportions and a shop front presence” he commented.
Before closure, the vintage camera store – a former Jessops – had previously contributed to the eclectic and boutique nature of the other occupiers of Pied Bull Yard. The courtyard still has two camera shops but is now also home to The London Review of Books, Austin Desmond Fine Art, Truckles Wine Bar and the Cordon Bleu Cookery School.
Ben Davidson continued, "We had outgrown our previous office and were bursting at the seams. Due to the lack of space, I had to give up my desk and so for the last nine months I was either standing holding design reviews in the corridor or working from my laptop in the coffee shop opposite. The courtyard is a hidden gem and really is unique in Central London. I knew immediately it was perfect for us and I agreed the purchase the same day I viewed the property.”
After purchase, the building needed considerable work which took four months to complete. The layout of the building, while problematic for a retailer, is perfect for Rodic Davidson Architects. There is space for over twice the number of desks as their previous office as well as a meeting room, a reception area and a library.
The move has also allowed the firm to engage with its clients and customers in a subtly different way. With the different presence due to having its name above the door, the firm is also in the enviable position of being able to occupy some of the principle rooms of the first ever Nash terrace.
About Rodic Davidson
Rodic Davidson is a design-led architectural practice managed by Ben Davidson RIBA and Sinisa Rodic RIBA. The practice undertakes commissions for new-build homes, apartments and refurbishment/remodeling projects throughout London. Rodic Davidson Architects regularly works with listed buildings and the practice has a strong track record of securing planning and listed building consents on complex sites and projects. For more information and press images contact: chloe@rodicdavidson.co.uk / 0207 043 3551 or visit: http://www.rodicdavidson.co.uk/
Rodic Davidson Architects
1 Pied Bull Yard, London, WC1A 2JR
020 7043 3551 rodicdavidson.co.uk