Aug 21, 2024

Christophe Egret To Step Down After 20 Years

Next story
Faraday Close - meadow in full bloom

As Studio Egret West approaches its 20th anniversary, Christophe Egret, who co-founded SEW with David West back in 2004, announces his decision to step down as Director on October 18, his 65th birthday.

Reflecting on the SEW’s two decades of innovative design and placemaking Christophe said, "Our practice has grown and evolved to create better places, to root our designs in context, and to add the creative flair that makes these places memorable and delightful. With a talented multicultural team of over 80 designers, exceptional leadership, and ambitious national and international projects in the pipeline, the studio is thriving. I am confident it’s a good time for me to step down.”

Will I miss the Studio? Absolutely. But I will continue to support the spirit of the practice and remain in close contact with the Studio I love.”

Christophe Egret Co-Founder, Studio Egret West

SEW was born out of a vision to integrate architecture, urban design, and landscape within a single holistic design approach. Notable projects completed to date by Studio Egret West include Clapham Library, Stirling Prize shortlisted Park Hill, The Old Vinyl Factory, Bath Western Riverside, Caxton Works, Plus X Brighton, Balfron Tower, Stratford Shoal, and Mayfield Park, amongst many others ongoing.

Egret’s 40 years of dedicated work also includes 12 years working with Will Alsop (it was here he met David West) where he completed iconic projects such as the Stirling Prize winning Peckham Library, the Blizzard Building, and the Manchester Millennium Village.

Christophe looks forward to exploring new ventures and personal pursuits. "I am eager to reappraise my passions and decide where I want to focus my next efforts," he said.

Christophe has been an amazing business partner and friend for the last twenty years. Artistic and philosophical in equal measure, his creative input to the practice has been consistently characterful, colourful and contextual. The only constant in life is change and Christophe’s decision to step down occurs at a time when the practice celebrates four years of Employee Ownership, a successful evolution in studio structure led by a commitment to growing a collaborative practice built on the empowerment of all staff.”

David West Co-founder, Studio Egret West

As Christophe Egret transitions out of his role over the next few months, the senior leadership team at SEW that includes co-founder David West, Lucas Lawrence, Vincent Lin, Allie Piehn and Duncan Paybody will continue to drive the practice forward.