At Russian For Fish*, we have been rethinking space since 2006. Established by third-generation architect Pereen d’Avoine, initially as a means of entering a competition** (which the practice won), we have gone on to become one of the most successful small architectural studios working in London and the southeast.
Now led by Pereen and co-director Nilesh Shah, Russian For Fish has acquired a reputation for delivering elegant, playful and innovative new-builds, extensions and renovations for residential and commercial clients at every scale. Known for simplified and sustainable material palettes and sympathetic integration with surroundings, our work is frequently shortlisted for awards and widely featured in the architecture and design press – earning us a particular reputation for realising bold and imaginative visions in compact spaces.
Although we pride ourselves on our creativity and ideas, relationships are at the heart of what we do. We work with a tried and trusted network of consultants and contractors, who we know can deliver on time and to budget; and we make a point of getting to know every client, working with them collaboratively to ensure the result meets – and, often, exceeds – the demands of the brief.
Russian For Fish is a RIBA-chartered practice and a RIBA student mentor in architecture for the University of East London’s undergraduate course, as well as a practice mentor for the Royal College of Art’s School of Architecture.
* The Russian word for Fish is ‘pыба’ or ‘RIBA’, which happens to be the acronym for the Royal Institute of British Architects.
** The competition was part of the London Biennale 2006; Southwark Council requested proposals for some former public toilets in Bermondsey. Russian For Fish won with a design for an underground hammam. We’re oddly proud that our studio began life in the toilet.
