Thomas Heatherwick RA (b. 1970)

Thomas Heatherwick is one of the UK’s most prolific designers, whose varied work over two decades is characterised by its originality, inventiveness and humanity. Defying conventional classifications, Thomas founded his studio in 1994 to bring together architecture, urban planning, product design and interiors into a single creative workspace.

From their studios in London and Shanghai, the team is currently working on over 30 projects in ten countries, including the new Changi Airport Terminal 5 with KPF, the new headquarters for Google in London in collaboration with Bjarke Ingels Group and a performing arts centre in Hainan. The studio has also recently completed Azabudai Hills, a six-hectare mixed-use development in the centre of Tokyo; Bay View and Gradient Canopy, Google’s first purpose-built campuses in California; Little Island, a park and performance space on the Hudson River in New York; as well as the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town; and Coal Drops Yard, a major retail district in King’s Cross, London.

In 2013, Thomas Heatherwick was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the design industry, and elected a Royal Academician. Thomas’ book, Humanise, was published by Penguin in October 2023.

Profile

Royal Academician

Designer

Born: 1970 in London, England, United Kingdom

Nationality: British

Elected RA: 30 May 2013

Gender: Male

Visit Thomas Heatherwick RA (b. 1970)'s website

Preferred media: Design, Architecture, and Sculpture

Works by Thomas Heatherwick in the RA Collection

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