Welcome to Future Talks by RTF, where we engage in conversations with design pioneers who breathe life into architectural narratives. In our upcoming session, we are thrilled to feature Gregory Phillips, a visionary architect with over 25 years of experience in creating timeless and expertly crafted homes.
Gregory’s journey began with formal training at Bristol University and the Mackintosh School, laying the foundation for his pursuit of contemporary homes that seamlessly blend craftsmanship and enduring design. His work is characterized by open, light-filled spaces, rich materiality, precise detailing, and a strong interplay between indoor and outdoor living.
With an impressive portfolio that has garnered international recognition, including prestigious awards such as the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Awards and International Design and Architecture Awards, Gregory Phillips has established himself as a trailblazer in the industry. In recent years, Gregory has expanded his creative footprint globally, with notable projects in Los Angeles, the Middle East, Miami, and Italy.
Join us for an insightful dialogue as Gregory Phillips shares his design philosophy, experiences, and the stories behind his internationally acclaimed projects in the world of contemporary architecture.
RTF: Hi Gregory, We are glad to have you as a guest on Future Talks by RTF. Thanks for joining us. Gregory Phillips Architects has delivered impeccable projects over the last 30 years, winning the International Design and Architecture Award, International Property Awards, and Sunday Times British Homes Awards to name a few. What has been your vision and approach to creating a difference through your architectural projects?
Gregory: I always aimed to have an office that focussed on design. Caring from every detail. Considering craftsmanship. Also design that is contemporary and provides luxurious living for my clients. I also wanted to deliver fabulous projects with professionalism. Offering my clients relevant and useful advice at the most crucial times to ensure a great outcome.
RTF: How did the initial part of your career at David Chipperfield Architects shape your design philosophy?
Gregory: I enjoyed the design focus of David Chipperfield’s office. The focus on finding appropriate ideas and materials for a project.
RTF: How do you look at the importance of staying relevant in the realm of architecture and design? How do you do that?
Gregory: I have an alternative response to this. I have always remained true to the type of design and process I wanted to pursue. Aiming for quality at every level. Aiming for contemporary design that is well considered. I feel the world is more aligned with the importance of design and my office becomes more and more relevant every day. The integration of design, the consideration of a clients’ lifestyle, the consideration of sustainability and energy conservation, these are daily considerations for our work.
RTF: What is your perspective on the evolving role of architectural criticism and the influence of architectural critics in the digital age?
Gregory: Great architecture and great design, in my perspective, is about having appropriate ideas and editing the ideas to solve any given process in the most elegant manner. Much like, solving mathematical questions or theorems. Criticism is about looking at the endeavor and evaluation which area it addresses and how well.
RTF: What is the process of establishing a common ground when dealing with a client’s demands and your ideas? How important do you consider ‘The Art of Persuasion’ for architects and designers?
Gregory: Every project is unique because of the client and the location. We always aim to answer our clients needs, wants and desires. However, often these are conflicting, so we work to resolve the differences.
RTF: Which has been the most rewarding project for you until today? And, what factors made it so?
Gregory: It is hard to select a single project. I enjoy all of our new build contemporary country houses. I feel we took the quality of interiors that we created in London and combined that with contemporary architecture to find a new way of looking at country houses.
RTF: How do you look at the responsibility of architecture firms being far more than just ‘designing’?
Gregory: Well, I consider that design needs to consider the client, the location, the planet/environment. So it is not in a vacuum. It is all rational. Yest we also aim to excite and create the original.
RTF: What is your idea of finding one’s design voice in a world full of ideas?
Gregory: As in every endeavor, being true to your own ideas is necessary. My office does the best work we can, we put our heart and sole into our work.
RTF: How do you tailor your communication and publication strategies to resonate with different target audiences, whether it’s clients, peers, or the general public?
Gregory: We show the world what we do. We hope that resonates. Social media and the internet allow us to find followers, fans and clients in many locations.
RTF: Can you reflect on your journey as an architect and give young students and architects some wisdom to excel in this field?
Gregory: Work with talented people. Work on projects that you are proud of. Work with great clients.
