Property People

Continuing to meet the team behind the development of 99 Clifton Street, I met up with Gryphon Property Partners, commercial property consultants. Catherine Alexander, a partner in the firm, has an infectious enthusiasm for the property market. She has been in the business for over 10 years and knows what’s what and who’s who. Much of our conversation focused on why big established brands are now choosing to relocate to Shoreditch. 

‘Clients who once saw themselves as only being a good fit for the West End are now embracing Shoreditch. The transport links from Old Street and Liverpool Street are excellent, but more important is the energy and creativity that the area exudes. Increasingly, established brands like Amazon and L.K. Bennett want to be a part of that movement.’ Catherine Alexander

This week she is visiting Clerkenwell Design Week, to get inspiration and ideas for the building's interiors. CDW is an overwhelming celebration of national and international design  - the main Design Factory, 85 showrooms, special installations, events and exhibitions.

In Wilkhahn showroom, part of a cluster of design studios on Great Sutton Street, Aidy Brooks is busy drawing on walls. He has been invited by Ideapaint to create a bespoke piece of art to showcase their new product - a paint that turns walls in to white boards. Goodbye post it notes, hello ideapaint.

Things were more retro in Icon magazine’s House of Culture - 60’s and 70’s inspired pieces sit elegantly amongst the crumbling façades of Old Sessions House on Clerkenwell Green. Sheepskin rug chairs and plants growing out of tyres showed a more tactile and organic side of the fair. 

The 99 Clifton Street style is still being curated and created, but you can guarantee that Clerkenwell Design Week will provide all the inspiration that Catherine and the rest of team needs. 

http://www.gryphonpropertypartners.com

http://www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com

http://www.aidybrooks.co.uk

http://www.wilkhahn.com

http://www.iconeye.com