Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and architecture enthusiasts, welcome to Future Talks by RTF, where we delve into the vibrant narratives of design through engaging conversations with trailblazers in the field. In this session, we are honored to host Kathy Basheva, an eminent architect based in the heart of London and the visionary behind Studio Basheva since its inception in 2013.
Kathy’s illustrious career, spanning over two decades, showcases her prowess as a qualified architect with credentials from esteemed institutions such as RIBA, ARB, the Bulgarian Chamber of Architects, and Valencia Collegio de Arquitectos. As the founding director, owner, and creative force behind Studio Basheva London, Kathy seamlessly combines her expertise in architecture, urban design, and planning, steering the studio toward unparalleled success.
Beyond her architectural achievements, Kathy has actively championed diversity and inclusivity within the construction industry. Her role as the Head of Development for the London and South East region of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) from 2016 to 2020 underscores her commitment to fostering positive change.
Kathy’s influence extends beyond practice into academia, where she serves as an external guest critic for prestigious institutions such as the AA, the UCL Bartlett, the UEL, and the Bauhaus School of Architecture. Her dedication to nurturing emerging talent is exemplified by her role as a regular judge for the Tamayouz Award for architecture and urban design since 2018. A distinguished member of the jury at the World Architecture Festival since 2023, Kathy Basheva brings her discerning insights to the evaluation of groundbreaking architectural achievements.
Kathy Bashwva says, ‘I believe in the harmonisation of both tradition and invention. This belief is channeled through site-specific sensitivity, meticulous detailing and careful delivery. Through my international experience I established a unique viewpoint in the practice to always listen to the client’s brief and requirements.’
Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Kathy Basheva, exploring her leadership, design excellence, and unwavering commitment to shaping the future of the architectural landscape.
RTF: Hi Kathy, We are glad to have you as a guest on Future Talks by RTF. Thanks for joining us. What is your idea of finding one’s design voice in a world full of ideas? How does your work at Studio Basheva echo it?
Kathy: In a world brimming with ideas, finding one’s design voice is a journey of self-discovery. At Studio Basheva, our approach centres around a simple yet powerful philosophy – we are passionate about elegance and timelessness. This is achieved through refined material choices, form the core of our design voice. We prioritise contextual understanding, ensuring our response aligns with the client’s brief, whether in a complimentary or contrasting manner.
RTF: How would you describe your overall design philosophy or approach to design?
Kathy: Our design philosophy is rooted in passion for both design and architecture. We emphasise elegance and timelessness through refined material choices, always considering the context of the project in alignment with the client’s brief. The integration of layers of complexity is essential for achieving seamless design. Originality, intriguing environments, modern features, and emerging finishes, materials, and resources are pivotal to our approach. Bespoke detail design, with its own flair and ongoing challenges, is another cornerstone of our philosophy. We leverage art, graphics, and creative solutions to support architectural design, ensuring our projects not only meet but exceed our clients’ briefs.
RTF: Tell us about your most defining projects to date and what makes them so.
Kathy: The Old Forge stands out as one of our most defining projects. Despite its size, it presented unique challenges that pushed our creative boundaries. The intricacies of this project demanded innovative solutions, making it a testament to our ability to tackle complexity with a balance of creativity and practicality.
RTF: What are your views on working collaboratively? How exciting and challenging it is at the same time?
Kathy: Collaborative work is both exciting and challenging. It brings together diverse perspectives, fostering creativity and innovation. The challenge lies in harmonising these viewpoints to create a cohesive and meaningful design. At Studio Basheva, our collaborative approach involves surrounding ourselves with industry experts, drawing inspiration from their creativity, and infusing novelty into our projects. Our commitment to staying ahead involves surrounding ourselves with the best minds in the industry, drawing inspiration from their creativity to infuse novelty into our projects. As a design company led by a female and a foreigner, our work inherently carries a unique filter. My distinctive viewpoint, shaped by international experience and an understanding of clients’ emotional attachments, amplifies our commitment to being client-centric. The Studio’s prime ethos, ‘we are here for our clients,’ drives our work, even with the inherent challenges of effective communication and obtaining client approvals.
RTF: Having also donned the role of Architecture Critic, What is your perspective on the evolving role of architectural criticism and the influence of architectural critics in the digital age?
Kathy: The digital age has transformed architectural criticism, providing a platform for real-time discussions and global influence. Critics play a crucial role in shaping opinions, guiding trends, and fostering dialogue within the architectural community. The accessibility of digital platforms enhances the reach and impact of architectural criticism, making it an influential force in shaping the discourse around design.
RTF: How do you look at the importance of staying relevant in the realm of architecture and design? How do you do that?
Kathy: Staying relevant in architecture and design involves a commitment to simple, transparent, and elegant designs. Our unique philosophy, blending style and functionality, ensures our work stands the test of time. We constantly compare each project against cornerstones such as commercial viability, practicality, value, and creativity. This thorough evaluation guarantees client satisfaction and results in a built environment that is conceptualised, visualised, and verbalised for our clients.
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?
Kathy: Establishing common ground with clients involves a delicate balance of understanding their demands and articulating our ideas. The art of persuasion is paramount for architects and designers—it’s about effectively communicating the rationale behind design choices, ensuring clients feel heard and involved in the decision-making process. Collaboration, transparency, and a shared vision contribute to a successful partnership.
RTF: How do you look at the responsibility of architecture firms being far more than just ‘designing’?
Kathy: Architecture firms bear a multifaceted responsibility that extends beyond designing. They are stewards of the built environment, impacting communities and individuals. This responsibility includes ethical considerations, sustainability practices, and contributing positively to societal well-being. By embracing this broader role, architecture firms become catalysts for positive change and guardians of the built world’s integrity.
RTF: Can you reflect on your journey as an architect and give young students and architects some wisdom to excel in this field?
Kathy: Reflecting on my journey, I emphasise the importance of relentless passion, continuous learning, and resilience. Architecture is a dynamic field that demands creativity and adaptability. Embrace challenges as opportunities, learn from experiences, and stay curious. Building strong relationships, both with colleagues and clients, is key to success. Remember that every project is a a new beginning of a life in a new building.
RTF: What approach would you advise young design professionals to have to excel in the field? And what are some things to be wary of?
Kathy: To excel in the field, young design professionals should cultivate a balance between creativity and practicality. Embrace originality, stay updated on industry trends, and continuously refine your skills. Foster strong communication skills to articulate your ideas effectively. Be wary of complacency—never stop learning and evolving. Cultivate a collaborative mindset, as teamwork is essential in achieving successful outcomes. Lastly, maintain a strong ethical compass, as integrity is the foundation of a lasting and impactful career in architecture and design.
Thank you so much for doing this interview with us. It has been a pleasure getting to know about you and your work. We’re sure that your insights will be highly valuable to our audience which includes architects and design students. We look forward to publishing this interview on our website soon.
