A design project in London's Mayfair has become the starting point of an ongoing collaboration between architecture and design studio Shepherd& and luxury lighting brand Apparatus. Luxury lighting and design studio Apparatus opened its London space over two years ago, establishing it as the brand's European flagship. The project centred on the creation of Apparatus's European flagship gallery at 7 Mount Street, with the focus to craft an environment that is both a stage for Apparatus's collections and an architectural statement.
© Sheperd&
Located in the heart of Mayfair, the project was brought to life by Timothy Shepherd during his tenure as Managing Director at Buckley Gray Yeoman Interior Design. Since then, Timothy has launched the practice, Shepherd& with three other founders, continuing to craft environments where design and architecture intertwine. Building on the creative relationship made, Timothy continues to specify Apparatus luminaries, including in their latest, The Shepherd Mayfair.
A heritage setting in Mayfair
Apparatus, which operates studios in New York and Los Angeles, approached the London gallery as its first space within a listed heritage building. Located across two floors on Mount Street, the property previously housed a John Pawson-designed interior for a luxury fashion retailer.
The design challenge was to integrate Apparatus's design language, characterised by a balance between mechanisation and handcraft, within the constraints of a historic structure. The result is a space that merges gallery, showroom and sanctuary, reflecting a broader trend towards more immersive retail environments.
Contrasting atmospheres across two levels
The gallery unfolds through two distinct spatial atmospheres.
- The upper floor presents a lighter environment defined by soft colours, natural materials and alcove windows that frame curated lighting displays.
- In contrast, the lower level offers a darker and more intimate setting. A central sofa anchors the space while mirrored walls and sculptural lighting installations create a layered, atmospheric environment.
Flexible architecture for evolving displays
A key element of the project is the fully adaptable ceiling system, designed to allow Apparatus installations to be repositioned or reconfigured without altering the architecture. To achieve this, Shepherd& developed a demountable construction using aluminium honeycomb panels with a custom plaster finish.
This flexible system allows the gallery environment to evolve alongside the brand's collections.
Craft-driven material details
Movement through the gallery is emphasised as a design experience. Visitors pass through a stone portal before descending via a staircase clad in lacquered walnut burl panels. Bespoke elements, including a hand-stitched suede brass handrail and detailed brass stair nosings, add tactile refinement.
"The result of this project is a gallery that showcases Apparatus with precision and adaptability while navigating the complexities of a heritage setting," said Timothy Shepherd, co-founder and managing director of Shepherd&.
The Mount Street gallery represents not only Apparatus's European flagship but also a project that helped shape an ongoing creative partnership between the brand and Shepherd&.
More information:
Shepherd&
[email protected]
www.shepherdand.com
