Feb
Nando’s has come a long way from its takeaway restaurant roots in Rosettenville, Johannesburg. It has grown as a company, recognising that everything it does is important, from the food on their menu to the impact that they have on the world.
Nando’s will be co-chairing the animal welfare working group with Defra, in the new Food Data Transparency Partnership (FDTP). The FDTP has been set up to measure the food industries impact on obesity, supply chain emissions and animal welfare. The body will additionally monitor the gathered data and ensure that it is freely available to the public.
There are already more than sixty food and drink leading names involved, representing the industry across the full spectrum of the supply chain.
The new Nando’s in Hatters Way Retail Park, designed by Fusion Design and Architecture, has a total of 135 covers divided between the main restaurant floor, a mezzanine level, and some seating outside. I was commissioned to photograph and capture the design of the restaurant. The overall pattern of the incredible ceiling panels is repeated in the bright green metal seating divides which are in turn complimented by the fabrics of the seating. The lighting ranges from feature pendants that draw the eye upwards, to wall sconces and directional spot lighting. The tiling, wall art and flooring all contribute to produce another amazing Nando’s space.
Nando’s are always working towards improving their overall standards committing to achieving absolute zero direct emissions and reducing the carbon footprint of a Nando’s meal by a further 50% by 2030 while pledging significant improvements to chicken welfare by 2026.
Feb
The Surface Design Show takes place from today until the 9th of February at the Business Design Centre in Islington. With 160 exhibitors and approaching 5000 visitors, the Surface Design Show is a unique gathering of the architecture and design sectors and is known as the best in surface material innovation.
Armourcoat will be exhibiting their complete range of sustainable luxury finishes. I have photographed a number of case studies for them and was recently asked to photograph some marketing material that showcases their new clay lime plaster. Naturally beautiful and sustainable, Clime is resilient enough to be used as a wall finish with true longevity. Through contrasting the plasters surface with the iconic Vitra Panton chair and using creative lighting, I sort to produce a series of images that capture the beautiful texture of the Clime Plaster.
The 2023 show will highlight new, innovative, and sustainable materials focusing on interior and exterior surfaces for architects and designers to explore. The content programme will discuss the current industry trends and issues hosted by leading architects and designers from the UK and abroad.
Armourcoat can be found at stand 302.
Jan
“Powered by technology, driven by innovation”, the new CFC Underwriting’s workspace near Leadenhall Market, was designed by Cardo and built by QOB.
I was commissioned to photograph and capture the ‘innovation hub’ that supports the collaborative work habits of over 100 software engineers.
The flexible working environment embodies the company's brand and forward-thinking approach. The floor layout has been designed with zoned areas that have a fluidity, promoting communication throughout the workspace. Demountable glazed partitioning allows for privacy whilst retaining a sense of being open planned.
The interior has been designed and built as a space to attract and retain talent. Cardo and QOB have delivered an unparalleled visitor experience with multifunctional spaces that include dynamic furniture, feature lighting, innovative partitioning, and high-quality flooring.
Staff wellbeing has been made a priority with break out areas, biophilia, multizone lighting, shower facilities and a games zone. There is an added element of fun with the wall stencils, sci-fi memorabilia, and retro video game machine.
Great interior design understands the end user’s requirements and produces an environment which is reflective of the brand. Cardo and QOB have delivered a workspace where the culture is the spirit of the business.
Jan
How hot can a Nando’s get? Extra extra HOT!! Or 2552 on the Scoville Scale (the measurement devised to evaluate the chilli heat of food). Well I photographed the new Nando’s Colindale restaurant, as designed by Harrison, on the hottest day of 2022. Temperatures reached a UK record of 40.3 degrees. There was a “weather warning” on the day to only to travel if it was completely necessary.
Situated on the corner of the A5 and Capitol Way in Colindale, the new Nando’s is like the sauce with, no artificial colours – just the Nando’s palette, no artificial flavouring – a uniquely designed space that we still recognise as a Nando’s, no artificial preservatives – genuine original African art on the walls, no added Msg – innovative design with natural materials.
Harrison has designed the interior with a consideration of the restaurant’s corner location, where natural light is in free flow throughout the day. The shadows are ever changing, with shapes and colours moving across the restaurant floor. There is a mixture of seating options, from banqueting tables to booths and everything in between. But what you will really notice is the wall of art and the incredible swirling cork ribbon ceiling feature with custom pendants.
Wow what a Peri-Peri scorcher the Colindale restaurant is.
