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. The project centred on the creation of Apparatus's European flagship gallery at 7 Mount Street, which opened more than two years ago.
© Sheperd&
Originally realised by Timothy Shepherd during his time as Managing Director at Buckley Gray Yeoman Interior Design, the gallery was designed to function both as a showcase for Apparatus's collections and a distinct architectural environment. Shepherd has since co-founded the studio Shepherd&, continuing the collaboration with the brand and specifying Apparatus lighting in new projects, including 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
