Design Projects & News

• Dragon Women Exhibition New York

The "Dragon Women: Early Chinese Photography" exhibition honours both the depiction of women in early Chinese photography and the Year of the Dragon.
A unique opportunity to view over 50 selected rare photographs, including some of the earliest photographs of Chinese women, most of which date from the 1860s and 1870s. It was great to be working again on this and one other exhibition with Stacey Lambrow the early Chinese photography expert and curator of the Loewentheil collection.

• Bangladesh Brushstrokes Exhibition Design

We are working with Revolution Gallery to display 44 art works at Woolwich Works a new cultural hub on the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich. This Bangladesh Brushstrokes exhibition highlights the works of iconic artists from Bangladesh. It also showcases the avant-garde talents that are shaping the art landscape of Bangladesh. This gathering celebrates not only their artistic brilliance but also the rich cultural heritage that fuels such creativity. This is a series of exciting exhibitions that our studio will be assisting with over the coming months at this new and exciting venue.

• Blenheim Palace Exhibition Design Workshop

Blenheim Palace is an incredible landmark in Britain and is visited by over 950,000 people annually, making it one of the most popular locations in the country.

Our exhibition designers have been tasked with utilising a suite of four rooms that would showcase the palace's history and provide visitors with a rich and engaging experience. To ensure that all interested parties are involved in the process, the exhibition concept design workshop will be carried out on site. This will allow our designers to work closely with the Blenheim Palace operational team to develop a comprehensive and engaging exhibition concept.

• New York Art Exhibition “Collected Things”

This New York art exhibition has at its core a series of 26 contemporary sculptures, created from everyday objects and transient materials that artist Jim Condron collected from artists, writers, and thinkers.

This was the first time we have worked with this artist, but the exhibition has received such great reviews in the press that we look forward to working with Jim on his next project.

Contemporary art exhibition

• Ancient Object Display for Bacchanalia Restaurant in Mayfair

SMA design was appointed by Caprice Holdings, owners of a collection of London's favourite luxury restaurants, to bring our knowledge and experience to display over 60 impressive Roman and Greek ancient sculptures.

Some of these ancient artefacts date back almost 2400 years and provide the restaurant with its unique atmosphere and incredible energy. If that wasn't enough, there are specially commissioned, dramatic Damien Hirst mythological sculptures looking down on diners. These include a winged lion, unicorns, winged lovers, Medusa, and Bacchus, the Roman god of harvest, who greets you on entering. The restaurant's opening night was filled with celebrities, making it the place to dine and be seen in 2023. 

Take a peak inside Bacchanalia's private members club

• Gallery Design for Barakat Gallery Mayfair

We have been asked to assist the owners of this renowned ancient art gallery, who have galleries across the globe. The works will include interior design, window displays, lighting and signage to create wonderful displays and a WOW factor at their prestigious Mayfair location. Implementing these works will increase footfall, attract new clients and allow existing art collectors to view a fantastic selection of ancient art from across civilisations.

• Lighting & Museum Design Consultancy

At London's Kempton Steam Museum, the world's largest operational triple-expansion steam engine is on display. From 1929 to 1980 it pumped large volumes of London's drinking water alongside its identical twin, which is taller than four stacked double-decker buses.

We will work with the Trust to improve the lighting, visitor experience as well as the overall appearance of the museum.

• Helping Hand Lighting & Exhibition Design Consultancy

SMA design is not just here to work on large scale projects. Our designers provide our exhibition and lighting design consultancy to organisations that just need a helping hand. One of these organisations was Beckfoot Thornton School in Bradford. Their teachers and staff members strive to deliver the Trusts goal of teaching excellence to pupils from whatever their background. Part of their initiative is to improve pupils’ exposure to various forms of literature. Our exhibition team provided guidance on how to convert the buildings 3 connecting bridge walkways into exhibition displays that pop and engage with pupils.- May 2022.

• Museum Designers for Museum Re-display

We are delighted to be appointed as museum designers to work on the re-display of 2 museum galleries, including one temporary exhibition space. The museum has fantastic and diverse collections which we will be getting to know over the coming months. We look forward to working with the museums in house team to create something special for visitors to engage with and enjoy - April 2022.

• Warwick Art Centre "Dappled Light" Exhibition

The Mead Gallery at Warwick Arts Centre reopens after a three-year hiatus with an exhibition by Rana Begum, a prominent Bangladeshi/British artist. Dappled Light is an exhibition that includes several of her works, including one that was commissioned expressly for the new gallery and several of her bigger paintings and sculptures. SMA was called at short notice by Warwick Art Centre to assist with the exhibition lighting & DALI controls - January 2022.

Art Centre Lighting >>

 

• 50,000 Linked Hearts - St Christopher’s Hospice Remembrance Event & Lighting

St Christopher’s Hospice in South East London fundraising event of remembrance. 50,000 linked hearts each having a personalised message of remembrance from family members and friends. We not only advised on the concept design of the installation but also for the colour changing lighting which reflected their corporate colours. These linked hearts when joined together would be approximately 10 miles long and would be the distance between both branches of the hospice. People donated via the website or local charity shop - December 2021.

Charity Event Lighting >>

 

• TEFAF Exhibition Booth Design

Via recommendation Omer Trioche Gallery one of London Mayfair’s leading contemporary art galleries chose SMA to design their TEFAF exhibition booth. The gallery wanted something different to the normal exhibition booths you see at every Art Fair. We love this kind of challenge and so together we created something a little special in a small space. Check back in March for images of this unusual design - December 2021

• Round and Around Exhibition Lighting

Round and Around Exhibition at the Korean Cultural Centre UK is being seen for the first time outside of Korea. This project has been expanded from a cinematic release into a full exhibition. We were asked to provide specialist lighting to some of the exhibits to bring out the 3 dimensional or holographic qualities of the displays. This is the 13th exhibition we have assisted the KCC with both advice on layout, exhibition design and lighting - October 2021

Lighting Art Perfectly Exhibition>>

• Dubai based Property Agent come to Knightsbridge

We are pleased to assist another Dubai based company to establish itself here in London’s prestigious Knightsbridge location on the doorstep of Harrods department store. Our team will not only assist in finding the perfect location but also design the eye-catching office interiors and marketing suite. These newly designed premises will allow their Middle East clients to enjoy this unique luxury buying experience for UK and Dubai properties - September 2021

• Travelling Exhibition for Contemporary Art Collection

We have been appointed as exhibition designers for this collection of contemporary art which has taken its German owner 45 years to bring together. The exhibition will showcase some of the finest pieces from a collection of over 500 pieces. The collection includes pieces from Picasso, Rothko and Warhol to name but a few. Work will begin to determine a flexible design layout that will accommodate all 4 different exhibition locations - July 2021.

• Lux Level Light Testing

As museums, organisations and new builds get ready to open or hand over projects; this has caused a surge in lux level testing as our lighting designers carry out these necessary tests for conservation and Health & Safety reasons - April 2021.

• Staging & Dressing of Luxury Show Apartment for DAMAC Properties

We have recently completed the staging & dressing of DAMAC properties show apartment on the 32nd floor of this 50 storey's DAMAC Tower on the River Thames.
Everything in the apartment is by the Versace Homes brand. This combination of DAMAC & Versace brings a touch of Dubai elegance and luxury to this new Prime London development - January 2021.

• Love Your Depot - Exhibition Lighting

For the "Love Your Depot" art exhibition all of the galleries were transformed using various stackable steel structures to replicate a typical storage depot - October 2020.

Lighting Experts for Exhibitions>>

• Coventry City of Culture Trust

Exhibition design consultation and workshop for new spring exhibition of Coventry's heritage from mediaeval to modern architecture in time for Coventry, European City of Culture 2021 - September 2020.

• Barnet Battlefield Museum Design

We have been working with Barnet 1471 Battlefield Society on the proposed concept and layout design for this new museum. With two floors being used to mix traditional museum methodologies with VR (virtual reality), immersive and gameplay experiences bring to life the decisive engagement in the War of the Roses. The third and lower floors will display a timeline of the history and renovation of this historical house. Whilst, the ground floor will include the Rose Team Room and provisions shop. More information can be found @ www.barnet1471.com - August 2020.

• Seoul Unfolded Architecture Exhibition

This is the 11th Exhibition our designers have assisted the Korean Cultural Centre in London with. The exhibition is based on a gridded system that unfolds the wall and floor plans. This translates into the positioning of each item with the exhibition galleries. The lighting of the space utilises both 6000K wall wash and 4000K spotlighting to give a different feel to the exhibition. Viewing is by appointment only or via YouTube and Instagram due to current restrictions – August 2020.

Lighting for Galleries and Exhibitions>>

• Travelling Exhibition Designers Ai (Artificial Intelligence)

SMA design is very excited to have been chosen as exhibition designers for a new travelling exhibition about Ai (Artificial Intelligence) which will be shown both here in the UK and USA. Worked is scheduled to begin in the Spring 2021 - July 2020

• Natural Lighting Galleries & Exhibitions

Natural lighting is also known as "daylighting" was used for the “1:60” art exhibition at the Korean Cultural Centre.
This choice of lighting is less tiring for visitors and has a different feel to more conventional exhibition lighting.

Natural Lighting Galleries & Exhibitions>>

• Harris Museum & Art Gallery Ring Balcony

We are competition winning museum exhibition designers for The Harris Museum’s ceramics and glass ring balcony gallery. This special gallery was opened by Eric Knowles the ceramics expert from the BBC’s Antique Road Show.

Museum Exhibition Designers >

• Photographic Exhibition New York City

Our designers are currently designing an exhibition for this year’s AIPad Photographic Fair in New York. This will be the 3rd exhibition we have designed for this collector of early rare books and photographs. On display and for sale amongst others will be some of the finest early photography of President Abraham Lincoln and Samuel F.B. Morse - March 2020.

• Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) Initial Consultation

A new year brings the start of new exciting projects seeking funding from Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) and other organisations. SMA design's first work begins with an Initial Consultation for the design of a new historic battlefield museum seeking funding from various interested shareholders - January 2020.

• Luxury Dubai Property Events

The final 3 months of 2019 were busy times for Dubai luxury property events in London’s Knightsbridge.
SMA designed, project managed and activated 3 more luxury property exhibition events. These were held at the Mandarin Oriental, Bvlgari and Lanesborough hotels. Once again the design format and layout proved popular with investors and DAMAC property developer alike - December 2019.

Luxury Property Show >>

• Art Lighting Designers - The Negotiating Borders Art Exhibition

The Negotiating Borders art exhibition is based on the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) in South Korea and its border area with North Korea. Since its establishment in 1953, the DMZ has been one of the world's most heavily militarised areas.

This was the tenth exhibition at the Korean Cultural Centre that SMA design has assisted with including; exhibition layout, light installation and focusing of light fittings - October 2019.

See art lighting exhibition >>

• Dubai Luxury Property Show

The first of 2 events were held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Knightsbridge, London. These are a two-day luxury property show for DAMAC and One Investment property brokers. Working with these prestigious companies we assisted with the design layout, logistics and its implementation.

SMA design are the activation event specialists for luxury property events and exhibitions when Middle East clients market their luxury property developments in the UK - July & September 2019.

Luxury Dubai Property Show >>

• EDF Visitor Centre - Nuclear Power Station
THe design of an interactive Visitor Centre for EDF Nuclear Power Station in Somerset starts in June. Our team look forward to working on this exciting project, unfolding the stories of nuclear fission - June 2019.

• WOW factor for Museum Design comes as Standard! - Our museum designers have been working over the last few months on our largest ever museum project. It comes with the unusual brief from our clients, to make it like no other!

Our designers were happy to take up the challenge. Part of our early works has been to travel internationally to evaluate other museums. Our unique concepts and ideas will be rigorously explored via R&D to push the envelope on what is achievable to deliver these immersive experiences - April 2019.

• 2019 Harrods Luxury Property exhibition within Harrods department store in London.
We are proud to be working again this year with DAMAC & Omniyat both luxury property developers on the latest property exhibition in Harrods - Feb 2019.

See Harrods Luxury Property Exhibition >>

• Return to Babur Michelin Guide Restaurant
Due to the success of the first phase of artworks and lighting design, we have been asked to return to add drama to the Puzzle Wall central service area, rear atrium and other art pieces within the restaurant.

The AA Good Restaurant Guide review called Babur
"a classy modern look, featuring striking artworks and funky lighting” - Nov 2018.

See Babur Restaurant >>

• Investor Property Show (Excel Centre)
SMA design were delighted to assist DAMAC at this year’s Investor Property Show, the exhibition stand winning best at show - October 2018.

See Investor Property Show >>

• Marketing Suite Design for DAMAC Property Developer located opposite Harrods in London’s Knightsbridge. The marketing suite showcases the developers’ luxury projects in Dubai - August 2018.

Marketing Suite Teaser shot >>

• Harrods Luxury Property exhibition within Harrods department store in London
DAMAC one of the largest Dubai based property developer have Partnered with SMA design over the last 18 months to provide exhibition layout, design, lighting, project management and installation - June 2018.

See Harrods Luxury Property Exhibition >>

• Visitor Centre Design
Our exhibition designers are creating for one of London's busiest tourist areas a new unique visitor centre to unfold the story of the area’s untold history. The concept designs will be used to raise additional funds to make it a reality - May 2018.

• The Elite London Exhibition (formed from the world's finest luxury brands); SMA design are working with DAMAC properties on this prestigious 2 day event - May 2018.

• ‘Munbangsau: Friends of the Scholar’ an Exhibition of Korean Crafts
This is the 9th Exhibition we have assisted the Korean Cultural Centre UK with here in London. The exhibition is based on munbangsau – the four essential literary tools used by Confucian scholars (seonbi) during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897 AD). The exhibition reflects upon the spirit of the seonbi tradition in Korea - April 2018.

Updated - October 2019

See Cultural exhibition >>

• Art Display & Interior Lighting for London Michelin Guide Restaurant.

Our designers have been working with Babur an established Michelin guide contemporary Indian restaurant; works include; environmental safeguarding of art displays, reducing solar gain and new mood interior lighting - March 2018.

See interior lighting design >>

• Dubai based luxury property developer Omniyat choose SMA design to assist with their international property portfolio, exhibitions & events - The first exhibition will be within Harrods department store in London, Knightsbridge - January 2018.

• Exhibition Wall Wash Lighting for Young In Hong Embroidery Exhibition: The Moon's Trick - December 2017.

See wall wash lighting exhibition >>

• The CAMA (Contemporary And Modern Art) Gallery uniquely representing Iranian artists decide to announce their arrival on the London art scene with an opening ceremony at the Café Royal Hotels Pompadour ballroom in Piccadilly – November 2017. Updated

See Iranian Art exhibition >>

• Two Major UK Exhibitions from Korean Artist Kim Yonk-IK - Spike Island, Bristol and the Korean Cultural Centre UK in London are the two venues for the first solo exhibitions in Europe by famous Korean artist Kim Yong-Ik – October 2017. Updated

View Korean Contemporary exhibition >>

• No Place Like Home – Photographic Exhibition
Not just here for the large projects. SMA design assisted Jonny Donovan a talented professional photographer with this small but socially important exhibition @ Platform Southwark exhibition gallery, part of the Young Vic – September 2017

• SMA design in negotiations with Egyptian Embassy here in London for a redesign of 2 military museums in Cairo – August 2017

• Harrods Property Exhibition for Aykon London One development of new luxury apartments by Versace interiors. Due to its location under one of the main escalators within the Harrods store, this two-month long exhibition had very rigorous fire restrictions placed on its design. Update to follow – July 2017

• Rehearsals Exhibition from the Korean Avant-Garde Performance Archive - Lighting design & exhibition assistance for the latest exhibition at the Korean Cultural Centre in London - This is the 6th Exhibition that SMA design has assisted with over the last 12 months – July 2017. Updated

View Rehearsals Exhibition >>

• Dubai based luxury property developer DAMAC properties now based in Knightsbridge choose SMA design to assist with their international property portfolio, exhibitions & events - The first exhibition will be at the London Real Estate Forum in Berkeley Square - June 2017.

• The reopening of Wardown House, Museum & Gallery on April 8th 2017 after 3.5 million HLF redevelopment. SMA design were approached by another museum design company to provide consultancy support for lighting design & object mounting.

• Abu Dhabi  Islamic Donor Museum: Museum design team meetings begin onsite next month as architects redesign gets client approval - March 2017.

• National Trust: Belton House Illuminating Stories Exhibition - Lighting design consultancy for stately home objects including fine art paintings. To provide unique lighting that was not connected to any mains power was one of the many challenges that were delivered. The exhibition opens - March 2017.

See Illuminating Stories Exhibition >>

• Art Exhibition Lighting Design & Focusing of 101 light fittings for "Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things" a contemporary art exhibition by artist Yeji KiM - February 2017.

Lighting Design & Focusing of Art >>

• Gallery Lighting Design & Focusing - "Flat, Flat, Shiny Cat" contemporary art exhibition, exploring the various concepts of rhythm and slowness - December 2016.

See gallery lighting design project >>

• Exhibition Design + Lighting Design for the William Saunders Photographic Exhibition @ China Exchange for New York Collector - November 2016.

View exhibition design project >>

• "Riptide Exhibition" Artist Exhibition of the Year 2016
Koo Jeong A and seven international supporting artists display their various art installations, London - October 2016.

see exhibition project >>

• Exhibition Design Consultancy & Light Focusing for "Make Your Movements" Korean Contemporary Objects Exhibition @ Korean Cultural Centre, London - August 2016.

Exhibition Design & Light Focusing project >>

• Private Art Museum location is confirmed in Shanghai, our Museum Exhibition Designers are now working with International Architects to produce an iconic museum in China - July 2016.

Read Private Art Museum News >>

• Exhibition Design Consultancy for "The Science of Happiness Exhibition and Event Day - London, May 2016.

See exhibition design & event project >>

• Affordable Residential Lighting Design Consultation - Our lighting designers are not here just for large scale projects, London - April 2016.

• Lighting Design, Light Focusing @ William Morris Gallery for Touring British Museum Exhibition - February 2016.

William Morris Gallery exhibition lighting >>

• Interior designs for a 200 Room 5 Star Hotel project picks up pace - December 2015.

• China Exchange, Exhibition & Lighting Design for New York Collector - November 2015.

China exhibition & lighting design project >>

• British Corporate design for Exponatec Museum Event, Cologne - November 2015.

British Corporate design >>

• Design of the World's leading gallery of Ancient Art, London - October 2015.

Ancient Art Gallery Design >>

• Fine Art Courier Services for Art Collectors & Organisations - June 2015.

Fine Art Courier Services >>

• Museum & Heritage Exhibition Show 2015
- May 2015.

Read exhibition news >>

• Museum Exhibition Designers to assist in the creation of “Single Donor Museum” in Singapore, China - April 2015.

Single Donor Museum News >>

• Interior Designs to Benefit from Brooker Art
- Feb 2015.

Interior Design News >>

• Museum Heritage Workshops - Jan 2015.

Read news >>

• Bristol City Museum Galleries & Archives
"Moved by Conflict Exhibition".

Exhibition Object mounting >>

• HLF Consultation for Minster Exhibition Design - Sept 2014.

Minster HLF Consultation >>

• Museum Design Entrance Takes Shape - July 2014.

Museum Entrance Design >>

• Interior Designs for London Riverside Development - June 2014.

Interior Designs Apartments >>

• Travelling Exhibition Design for Private Art Collection - April 2014.

Travelling Exhibition Design >>

• Architectural Lighting Design Assistance - February 2014.

Lighting Assistance >>

• Sports Museum Design approved for Doha, Qatar - January 2014.

Sports Museum Update >>

• HLF Museum Design Application Workshops Increased

HLF Workshops Increased >>

• Corporate Design & Branding for German Precision Hinge Company - October 2013.

View Corporate Design >>

• Museum Design for Heritage Lottery Funding - August 2013.

HLF Funding News >>

• Finest English Silver Collection in Private Hands Exhibition & Lighting Design - June 2013.

English Silver Art Collection >>

• Touring Exhibition Design gets Underway - April 2013.

Touring Exhibition Design Update >>

• Exhibition Gallery Design for China - Feb 2013.

Exhibition Gallery Design for China >>

• A New Year Brings Exciting Residential Interior Design Project Awarded - Jan 2013.

Residential Interior Design Project Awarded >>

• Fast Track Brochure Design produced at Clients Premises in Frankfurt - Dec 2012.

Fast Track Brochure Design >>

• Return to Kenya - Business Park Architectural Lighting Design - October 2012.

Architectural Lighting Design - Kenya >>

• New Corporate Branding Design for Gemserv - June 2012.

Corporate Branding >>

• Short-listed for Hong Kong Visitor Centre Design - April 2012

Hong Kong Visitor Centre Design >>

• Museum Master Planning & Concept Design for Doha, Qatar - Feb 2012.

Concept Design for Doha, Qatar >>

• Lighting design consultancy for Jewellery Exhibition - Jan 2012.

Lighting for Jewellery Exhibition >>

• Belgian Display Showcase Company Get SMA Branding Design - Dec 2011.

Branding Design >>

• Architectural Lighting design for Iconic Tower in the City of London - Nov 2011.

Iconic Tower Lighting design >>

• WWF 50th Anniversary Exhibition Design & Event Consultation - Oct 2011.

WWF 50th Anniversary Exhibition >>

• Interior Designs for the City of London - Sept 2011.

Interior Designs for the City of London >>

• New Corporate Branding Design for Display Showcases company in Frankfurt, Germany - August 2011.

Corporate Branding Design >>

• UrbanIS Return for Evolution of Brand - June 2011.

Evolution of Brand >>

• HLF Workshops Provide Stage One Pass - 2011.

HLF Workshops >>

• Heritage Lottery Museum Application Workshops Increased - 2011.

Museum Application >>

• Eco-friendly Lighting Design Awarded - 2011.

Eco Friendly Lighting Design >>