Nimi Attanayake and Tim O’Callaghan are directors and co-founders of South London’s nimtim architects
The practice was formed in 2014 following Nim’s ovarian cancer diagnosis and subsequent infertility. This experience continues to shape their work; they say it has “influenced the spirit of playfulness and adventure that permeates the work and informs the ethical and moral culture of the practice”.
What does a normal day at nimtim architects look like?
nimtim architects: We work on a variety of scales so no two days ever look the same.
We are a practice of 10 people, including two directors (Nim and Tim), seven experienced job runners, the practice manager – and Corbi, the office dog.
We all live and work in south east London and Nim is a south London native having grown up in SE21.
As well as being an architect, Nimi is a qualified garden and landscape designer and leads the nimtim landscapes team.
What is your favourite type of project to work on? Why?
We approach all types of projects with the same process and enthusiasm regardless of scale or budget – and believe architecture should be for all.
So we don’t have a favourite type of project as long as it’s something we create together with the people who will use it.
How important is someone’s space to how they feel?
We believe that spaces should be a reflection of those who use them. These places should allow users to feel comfortable, relaxed and confident.
As many of our clients are brought into the process, they feel an enormous sense of pride from the spaces we create together. They understand how these spaces are adaptive and flexible to meet their different needs and they feel happier in them.
You’re working on the Aylesham project in Peckham – can you tell us anything to expect coming up with it?
We are working on a small mixed-use building within the master plan alongside dRMM and Jas Bhalla Architects.
The focus of the diverse design team of locally based architects has been to reflect the architectural richness of Peckham: different voices, experiences and perspectives.
The design process has been supported by an extensive programme of community engagement and consultation. We see the passion so many people have for Peckham as an asset for the project and we sincerely aim to ensure the proposals reflect their views and ambitions for the area.
