Articles Andrew Thomas appointed managing partner of Grimshaw’s London studio

Andrew Thomas has been appointed Managing Partner of Grimshaw’s London studio, taking over from Kirsten Lees who is stepping down after four and a half years in the position.

Andrew’s tenure as Managing Partner began on 31 October, having been voted in by the nine Grimshaw London partners, and he will hold responsibility for the overall performance of the studio for the next three years.

Kirsten remained in the position for an additional year to provide the studio with continuity during the years of the Covid pandemic. Andrew takes over the London studio at a time of stability as it increases its cross-sector portfolio of work.

In the UK, The practice continues to work on London Euston HS2 Station, Eden Project Morecombe, and YTL Arena in Bristol, and internationally on Oman Botanical Gardens and Shenzhen Airport East Integrated Transportation Hub.

The London studio also recently announced its appointment to lead the Waterloo Station masterplan in London, is currently working on the development of a 600-home scheme at Bath Riverside, and celebrated the opening of the Elizabeth line where Grimshaw was responsible for the line-wide design.

"The key focus of my tenure will be to continue to build on these fantastic opportunities, to deliver real social and environmental impact through our projects and to support the passion of our people to make a difference within the communities we operate."

 

Andrew became a partner at Grimshaw in 2012, and since joining the practice in 2001 he has been part of delivering a number projects across the UK and internationally, including the Core and Foundation buildings at the Eden Project, the Fulton Center in New York, Istanbul New Airport, and most recently Noida International Airport in Delhi, India.

Andrew also leads the London studio in the delivery of the Positive Works programme, which works with London-based communities and organisations to bring about positive social and environmental change. As part of this programme, teams and individuals within the studio contribute their expertise, knowledge and support to projects throughout London, such as the Octopus Community Plant Nursery Pavilion which opened in June 2022, offering a place of both shelter and workshops for the community-led food and plant growing initiative.

"Stepping into the role of Managing Partner of Grimshaw London, I inherit a studio that’s in excellent business health, with a hugely talented team and an exciting and diverse collection of projects. We’re privileged to have inspiring, like-minded clients across many sectors and geographies, and we’re driven by the opportunity to work with them in response to their ambitions and the broader challenges of our times.”
— Andrew Thomas, London Managing Partner, Grimshaw

“Leading the studio through four years, including managing, with the London partners, the impact of the pandemic across the business has led to changes in how we all work, as well as put a greater spotlight on equity and diversity in our industry and society at large. Andrew is well-placed to continue to evolve the studio within this context as it looks forward to its growth in the next few years.”
— Kirsten Lees, Partner, Grimshaw

01.11.2022