Russian for Fish is a small, London-based architectural practice that has built a reputation for doing amazing things in compact spaces, with simple materials. Established in 2006 by third-generation architect Pereen d’Avoine, the practice was initially set up as a temporary outfit. As a student at the time, Pereen was ineligible for a competition to design a new function for some public toilets in Bermondsey, so she founded the company with a qualified architect friend, took branding inspiration from her lifelong love of goldfish, submitted her proposal, and promptly won.
Buoyed by this success, Russian for Fish soon evolved into a nimble and inventive architectural powerhouse, taking on renovation, extension and new-build projects around London and the south-east, and piling on awards in the process. Now co-directed by Nilesh Mahendra Shah, an expert in large-scale spaces and buildings, Russian for Fish is the go-to practice for elegant, playful and bespoke simplicity, characterised by minimal materials and a human touch. The studio is based in Bethnal Green, just across the yard from the practice where Pereen’s dad works. (Oh, and the Russian for ‘fish’ is ‘RIBA’, if you were wondering. See what they did there?)
WHAT WE DO FOR RUSSIAN FOR FISH
As well as being lovely people, Russian for Fish is one of the most exciting small architecture studios we’ve come across, so we’re delighted to helping them share news of their achievements and champion their landmark projects by providing consultancy and strategy services.