About
Nex was established in 2008 with the win of two very different competitions: a public pavilion and a pedestrian bridge. In the years since, we have continued to work at diverse scales, and honed our practice’s research-led approach to design intelligent solutions to spatial problems, attuned to people’s needs.
We believe architecture is fundamental to our relationship with the world, and that it has the potential to instigate change for individuals and communities. With a focus on collaboration, technology and sustainability, we always design with a long-term vision of adaptability and lasting contribution.
Our active engagement with location, brief and complex user needs, as well as broad experience in many sectors, has resulted in projects that push the boundaries of what can be achieved, with real-world impact.
Our RIBA & RIAI chartered practice has long-standing connections to academia, which continually inform our approach and ideas. Practice director, Alan Dempsey has led design and research programmes at the Architectural Association and has been an invited critic and lecturer at universities and institutions worldwide.
Clients
"This is a vital project for Exeter College: it was essential for us to identify the best team. Nex won us over with a combination of talent, insight and rigour, and we look forward to working with them as we repair, restore and renew the Library for future generations."
"Through Nex’s sensitive and ambitious approach, we have been able to deliver our vision for a world-class museum for all. The new masterplan and two imaginatively transformed buildings showcase this area’s proud aviation history while opening up our site to reconnect with our local community"
“We were won over by Nex’s design, which combines functionality with a sense of elegant self-containment...We think it will intrigue passers-by and become a mini-landmark on the King’s Road.”
"Nex worked with us as both Client Advisors and Architects - playing an instrumental role in two successful HLF funding applications. Challenging us in the potential of our indoor space, the final scheme includes two imaginatively restored and transformed buildings that form the centrepiece of our site. "
"At Duke of York Square, we are introducing a state of the art new building into the historic environment: The Restaurant, with its stunning organic spiral form, retractable glass walls and roof garden, uses cutting edge technology and design, yet fits seamlessly into its historic surroundings."
"The refurbishment of our new design studio has been yet another hugely successful collaboration with Nex. It seems that they will stop at nothing to push design and design detailing to extraordinary heights. We are delighted with the result and have greatly enjoyed working with them.”
“We greatly appreciated your expertise in creating a unique central pavilion for the garden. Your meticulous attention to detail in pulling so many elements together made the project a thoroughly rewarding experience”
"Clean lines, beautiful quality of light, practical and flexible...the design of our new home has completely transformed its atmosphere."
“At the start of every project you have an idea or a rough outline of what you want. The team at Nex— had vision and that made all the difference in delivering to us a result beyond our expectations.”
- Almacantar
- Argent
- Architectural Association
- Ballymore
- British Land
- British Museum
- Cadogan Estates
- Established & Sons
- Exception de MixMind
- Liverpool Biennial
- Marcus Barnett Studio
- Mercedes Formula 1
- Mountbrook
- Royal Airforce Museum
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- The London Times
- U+I
- University of Cambridge
- University of Oxford
- University of Brighton
People
Alan Dempsey
Founding Director
Alan is the founding director of Nex. He leads the strategic direction of the studio, project design and client relationships. His experience includes the design of cultural, educational, workplace, hospitality and residential buildings often in sensitive locations or historic contexts. Alan’s design and research interests lie in projects that closely integrate architecture, urban spaces and nature through the creative design of public realm. Alan’s professional work has received awards and commendation from the Architecture Foundation, BD Architect of the Year Awards, Civic Trust, D&AD, Architect’s Journal, World Architecture Network, and New London Architecture, and UK Technology Strategy Board.
His studies have taken him from Technical University Dublin to the Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, and onto the Architectural Association in London, where he completed a Masters degree in Architecture and Urban Design. Alan taught at the AA from 2005-2014 in multiple roles, including Unit Tutor, Co-Director of the FAB Research Cluster, and Director of the Independents Research Group. He has been an external examiner at multiple universities, and has spoken internationally about the studios research and work at the DIT, NAI, ETH, TU Delft, MIT, and the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing.
Alongside his role at Nex, Alan is a Board Trustee and Non-Executive Director of the Chelsea Physic Garden. The garden in central london is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Britain with a mission to demonstrate the medicinal, economic, cultural and environmental importance of plants to the survival and well-being of humankind.
Joe Dent
Architect
Joe is skilled in the delivery of large, technically complex public-facing projects. At Nex, he is responsible for the architectural and technical design of projects and day-to-day project leadership. Joe’s expertise and experience includes the design of complex refurbishment projects within listed buildings and heritage contexts. Joe also maintains Nex’s technical standards and certifications.
Prior to joining Nex, Joe worked at award-winning conservation architects Fielden & Mawsen and IBLA, where he gained particular experience of designing mixed-use residential buildings and single-family homes.
Joe graduated from Newcastle University with 1st Class Honours and was the recipient of the Douglas Wise Memorial Prize for the highest final mark in his year.
Abigail Sayers
Architectural Assistant
Abi is an experienced Part II architectural assistant with a passion for sustainable architecture and the tactile qualities of materials and spaces. As well as being a strong hand sketcher and model maker, Abi has advanced skills in digital modelling, BIM and image making.
Prior to joining Nex, Abi gained professional experience with Assael Architects designing mixed-use, co-living and residential buildings and interiors. At Nex, Abi works with project consultants and clients and she is an accomplished and approachable communicator.
Abi graduated from her undergraduate degree at Oxford Brooks with first-class honours, and received a second first-class honours graduate degree from the University of Bath.
Wilson Lopes
Architectural Assistant
Wilson is an architectural assistant with experience of designing public community and housing buildings in Brazil and the UK. He is a talented designer with advanced skills in BIM, 3D modelling and image making. At Nex, Wilson assists with the design and detailing of education and workplace buildings, and residential interiors.
Wilson was educated at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, and the Politecnico di Milano in Italy.
Awards
United Kingdom Property Awards: UK Leisure Building of the Year Duke of York Restaurant
New London Architecture Award: Hospitality Project of the Year Shortlist: Duke of York Restaurant
FX Design Award: Duke of York Restaurant
First Prize. Invited Competition. Exeter College Library, University of Oxford.
New London Architecture Award: Hospitality Project of the Year Duke of York Restaurant.
AJ Architecture Tomorrow Commendation: Duke of York Restaurant.
First Prize. Invited RIBA Competition. Mercedes Formula 1 Campus.
First Prize. Invited Competition. Royal Wharf Pier
First Prize. International Design competition. RAF Museum
First Prize. International Design competition. Cadogan Cafe.
World Architecture Network (WAN) 21 Architects for the 21st Century. World finalist.
AJ Small Projects Sustainability Award: Times Eureka Pavilion.
BD Young Architect of the Year Award. Finalist.
D&AD Awards Yellow Pencil: AA DRL 10 Pavilion.
EU Centre for Architecture. EU 40 under 40.
British Council: UK Design Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist
First Prize. RIAI International Design Competition: Dodder Bridge
First Prize. Architectural Assocatiation, DRL Alumni Design Competition with Alvin Huang.