Conran and Partners Joins DLR Group as First European Studio

DLR Group announced today that Conran and Partners has joined the firm. The London and Hong Kong-based interior design and architecture studio becomes DLR Group’s first studio in Europe. Both offices will operate as Conran and Partners, a DLR Group studio.

Steven McKay, CEO of DLR Group, said Conran and Partners will remain a distinct luxury boutique design studio within the global integrated design firm. The distinction is precisely the point. It is what they intend to invest in.

Studio identity preserved

The five founding partners of Conran and Partners will continue as Principals and lead operations. They are Tim Bowder-Ridger, Katy Clarke, Sebastian Conran, Simon Kincaid, and Tina Norden. This structure ensures continuity of the Conran and Partners design legacy for employees and clients. The partnership was motivated by a desire to grow without losing the boutique culture.

Global opportunities unlocked

The move provides Conran and Partners with an expanded global platform. It gains a route into the U.S. Market. Through DLR Group’s worldwide network, the studio gains access to larger-scale design opportunities across hospitality, mixed-use, residential, and workplace sectors. Each of the 75 design professionals will have the opportunity to become DLR Group employee owners through the purchase of company stock. DLR Group is a 100% employee-owned firm.

Leadership vision

Leaders from both firms emphasize cultural alignment. Tina Norden said the relationships formed with DLR Group’s leadership made it clear this was a cultural match. What convinced them was the opportunity for their team to become employee owners and the design culture of DLR Group. She stated clients will see the same team, same studio, and same sophistication of design. They will also see the additional design resources and expertise of DLR Group’s global platform.

Tim Bowder-Ridger said, "We‘ve been exploring how to take the practice further through a strategic partnership." He noted that growing bigger usually meant growing more corporate and losing imagination. DLR Group offered a clear answer: more design resources, extended reach, and a platform to grow without becoming something they’re not. Steven McKay said both firms share a belief in the power of design to elevate the human experience.

Legacy and expertise

Conran and Partners is recognized internationally for luxury hotels and resorts, branded residences, high-end residential development, and bespoke workplace and retail environments. The studio carries forward the design legacy of Sir Terence Conran. It serves leading international developers and operators. Its work spans hospitality, residential, workplace, and the sensitive transformation of existing and historic buildings. The studio believes good design improves the quality of people’s lives.

Steven McKay said, "Conran and Partners is synonymous with luxury design in Europe and around the world." He added that the studio elevates work for clients at the premium end of the market in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the United States. The London and Hong Kong locations provide DLR Group with bases to expand into adjacent geographies in Europe and Asia.

The five partners will continue as Principals leading operations in the London and Hong Kong offices.