Office S&M
A Colorful Conversation with Office S&M: Redefining Architecture with Bold Ideas
When it comes to design, some studios play it safe, but not Office S&M. This London-based architecture and design studio has been turning heads with their fearless use of color, innovative materials, and a commitment to sustainability. Founded by Catrina Stewart and Hugh McEwen, Office S&M brings joy and personality to every project, proving that architecture can be both playful and purposeful. In this exclusive interview, we dive into their inspirations, processes, and the stories behind their most iconic designs. Get ready for a vibrant journey into the world of architecture, where rules are reimagined, and creativity knows no bounds!
Salem House, with textured render and terrazzo details.
Your work is evenly split between public and private projects. Is there a reason you’ve chosen to maintain this balance?
Absolutely! Since we started the practice 11 years ago, we've always maintained this 50/50 balance between public and private projects. It’s something we’ve intentionally kept because we love the variety it brings. Each type of project challenges us in unique ways. For instance, with public projects, you might have a thousand “clients” to consider, whereas with a private residential project, it might just be two or three people you’re designing for.
But what’s really exciting is how even our private projects engage with the public. For example, a house extension might be visible from the street, or a corner site might create something striking for passersby. Even interior projects, though primarily for the client, can offer glimpses of design to those outside.
For us, it’s all connected. Whether it’s a public project serving a whole community or a private home reshaping the space of a single-family home, we always consider how the building interacts with the street and adds to its surroundings. It’s not just about the people living in the space but also about how it impacts everyone who encounters it, even if it’s just in passing. That shared experience is what excites us most!
Private/residential clients often play it safe with design, yet you’ve managed to introduce bold, colorful, and playful elements. Would you say this adventurous approach defines Office S&M’s signature style?
Definitely! Every project we take on is shaped by the unique stories, ideas, and personalities of our clients. Part of our role is to give them the confidence to explore materials or colors they might not have considered before. We see ourselves as guides in that process, helping them take that leap.
What’s exciting for us is thinking about color not as an afterthought but as an essential building material. It’s not just something you slap onto a wall at the end of a project—it’s integrated right from the start. This approach allows us to create playful, thoughtful, and thoroughly tailored designs for the space and the people who will use it.
So yes, those bold choices in color and material are definitely part of our identity as a studio. It’s about making each project stand out in its own way while still being deeply connected to its context and the people it serves.
Beacon House: Victorian House in North London.
How would you describe your overall design approach? Do you have a favorite source of inspiration?
I’d say our approach is all about storytelling. Every project has a story to tell, whether it’s hidden in the history of a building, the character of a place, or the unique dreams of the people we’re designing for.
For example, when we work on older buildings, it’s like uncovering layers of a time capsule, so many fascinating details and histories to draw from! And when we’re collaborating with clients, whether they’re a business, a family, or a community, their personal stories and aspirations really help shape our designs.
We love digging into those narratives; it’s such a rewarding part of the process. That’s what makes every project feel unique and authentic, not just to us but to the people it’s for.
What’s it like designing a building from scratch compared to breathing new life into an existing property? Do you have a favorite?
We definitely lean toward renovation wherever possible; it’s our go-to approach! We only design something completely new when it’s absolutely necessary. Renovation is just so rewarding on so many levels.
For one, there’s the environmental aspect. Reusing and adapting existing structures is a more sustainable choice, and that’s something we care deeply about. But there’s also this incredible narrative side to it. Older buildings hold so much history and character, layers of stories just waiting to be uncovered and built upon.
I think about places people are naturally drawn to, like a charming Italian village. No single architect planned every building; it’s this rich tapestry of additions, renovations, and adaptations over time. That variety, that sense of evolution, it’s what gives a place its magic.
And honestly? It’s kind of a gift for us designers, too. Instead of starting from a blank slate, you get to work with what’s already there, adding a new chapter to the story. That’s pretty special.
Let’s talk sustainability! How does it shape your design philosophy, and how have your approaches evolved since starting the studio?
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do; it’s a huge priority for us. Over the years, it’s become something people are more aware of, and rightly so. But for us, it’s always been about showing that “green” doesn’t have to mean dull or boring. Sustainability doesn’t need to be all browns and beiges; it can be vibrant, creative, and beautiful!
We’re really interested in regenerative materials, things that, if a building were to come down, wouldn’t harm the environment. That’s something we’ve been exploring more and more while keeping in line with all the necessary building regulations, of course. It’s exciting to see how far material science has come and how we can integrate that into our projects.
Over the past 11 years, we’ve definitely seen the conversation around sustainability evolve. Today, there’s so much more public awareness about how critical it is to make our built environment more sustainable. In the UK, we’re faced with the challenge (and opportunity!) of working with lots of older Victorian buildings. They’re beautiful, but let’s face it, they can be pretty leaky. Retrofitting these spaces to make them more energy-efficient is a huge part of tackling this issue.
What’s really rewarding is that sustainability often goes hand in hand with improving people’s wellbeing. If it’s good for the planet, it’s probably good for the people living there, too. So, for us, it’s about creating spaces that are not just kind to the environment but also healthier, happier places to be.
Do you have a favorite project where sustainability was front and center? We’d love to hear about it!
Absolutely! One project that stands out is a loft extension we’re currently working on with Materials Assemble. For this project, we’ve been experimenting with cork, an incredible material that’s as sustainable as it is versatile.
We’ve tried to see how far we can push it, almost asking, “Can we replace everything in the space with a cork-based material?” While we haven’t quite gotten there, we’ve managed to use cork in so many ways: it’s cladding, insulation, flooring, and even part of the render.
What makes cork so unique is that it’s harvested without cutting down the tree, it’s stripped from the bark every nine years, and the tree keeps growing. That regenerative quality is so rare in natural materials. Plus, it’s just so adaptable. We’re really excited about its potential and are looking to use it more and more in future projects.
It’s amazing to see how sustainability can also drive creativity. This project is proof of how thinking green can open up exciting new design possibilities!
We had such a great time collaborating on Beacon House! Could you tell us more about what made this project so unique?
It really was an incredible collaboration! The clients, Alex and Ella, were amazing to work with, so ambitious and passionate about creating something personal and truly unique. They had this fantastic vision of involving artists and makers at every stage, and that made the project feel so special.
One of the standout features is the exterior tiles. When they first approached us, they shared all these images of public buildings they’d loved since childhood, places like leisure centers and swimming pools. These buildings often had really robust materials with this richness and charm that fascinated them.
That’s where the idea for the tiles began. We were inspired by the curved corner tiles often used in underground stations, which are both practical and beautiful. With Materials Assemble, we developed a facade of curved tiles, not for corners but as a defining feature of the house. It was a fun way to reimagine a material that’s usually seen in public spaces and bring it into a private home.
And the pastel color palette, it’s so striking! Was that your idea or something the clients had in mind?
The pastel colors were actually inspired by Alex and Ella’s love for seaside nostalgia. They showed us an image of a sun-bleached playground near their home that had this dreamy, faded quality, and it instantly resonated with the project.
We wanted to channel that sense of British beach architecture, the soft, weathered colors you often see in seaside towns. There’s something so nostalgic and charming about those tones, which tied in perfectly with the playful yet robust feel we were going for in Beacon House.
Another factor was the orientation of the house. The extension at the back is north-facing, which can make it tricky to bring in natural light, especially deep into the space. Using lighter pastel colors helped reflect and hold light in a way that darker tones simply couldn’t. So, it wasn’t just an aesthetic choice. It was a practical one, too, designed to make the space feel brighter and more inviting.
Let’s talk about materiality! How do you typically go about selecting materials for a project? You’ve mentioned it depends on the client, the story, and what you want to achieve, but when it comes to sustainability, do you have a particular approach or process?
Absolutely! We see every project as an opportunity to learn and experiment with new materials, and we’ve been lucky to work with clients who share that ambition.
At the start of each project, we always explore a range of options, often guided by the narratives and stories that inspire the design. But sustainability has become an increasingly big part of our approach. We’re making a conscious effort to examine every material we typically use in a building and ask, “Can this be replaced with something natural or recycled?”
Over time, we’ve started to build a library of materials, like a catalog of ideas we can draw from, that are more sustainable. These could be natural, renewable resources or innovative recycled materials we’ve tried and tested in other projects. It’s been exciting to see this collection grow with each new design.
So, it’s really a mix of two things: staying true to the story we want to tell for each project and challenging ourselves to use materials that are kinder to the planet. It’s a balance of creativity and responsibility, and it’s always evolving with every project we take on.
Materials Moodboard
Are there three materials you find yourself using most often in your projects lately?
Ooh, interesting question! Timber is definitely a big one for us, we use a lot of it. At the moment, we’re also working with a lot of wood fiber insulation, and we’re always excited about tiles. But honestly, I’d say we try to mix it up and experiment with different materials on every project. It keeps things fresh and ensures the material choices really align with the story of each design.
One material we’re especially excited about right now is cork. It’s so versatile and sustainable that it’s been popping up in a few of our projects. And then there are glazed materials or anything pigmented. Tiles, in particular, are something we keep coming back to because they allow for such creativity with color and texture.
Timber seems to be a common favorite for many architects! What keeps it such a go-to material for you?
I think it’s the versatility. Timber can be used in so many ways, and it always brings warmth and character to a project. For example, in a project we worked on called Valetta House, we used cedar shingles. What’s amazing about cedar is how it changes over time, it started as this beautiful warm tone and then aged to a soft gray.
There’s something so captivating about materials that evolve and tell their own story as the years go by. It feels like the building is alive in some way, responding to its environment, and that makes timber really special for us.
