About us

Studio NR is a London-based architecture and design practice specialising in design-led architecture, interiors, façade systems, and technically grounded project delivery. Working across residential, commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use sectors, the studio delivers projects ranging from bespoke private homes and interiors through to complex high-rise residential and façade packages.

Our approach combines creative ambition with technical rigour, balancing strong architectural thinking with a deep understanding of construction, coordination, and delivery. We believe successful projects are rooted not only in design quality, but also in buildability, collaboration, and a clear understanding of how people live, work, and experience space.

From early concept and planning strategy through to Stage 4 technical design, BIM coordination, compliance, and on-site delivery, Studio NR works closely with clients, consultants, contractors, and specialist suppliers to deliver carefully considered architectural solutions that are both visionary and practical.

As a practice, we remain hands-on and highly involved throughout every stage of a project. Our growing portfolio reflects a diverse range of work across high-end residential, mixed-use developments, interiors, and specialist façade systems — united by a consistent focus on thoughtful design, technical precision, and long-term value.

Our Team

Nikhil Raj 

Nikhil Raj is the Founder and Managing Director of Studio NR, leading the practice with a design philosophy rooted in empathy, technical rigour, and commercially grounded thinking. Shaped by his multicultural background and professional experience across both India and the United Kingdom, his approach combines creative ambition with a deep understanding of construction, delivery, and client psychology.

With experience spanning high-end residential, mixed-use developments, façade systems, hospitality, and interior architecture, Nikhil is heavily involved throughout every stage of a project — from early concept and client strategy through to technical coordination and construction delivery. He is known for translating complex ideas and client aspirations into coherent, buildable, and long-lasting architectural solutions.

Under his leadership, Studio NR has developed a reputation for design-led thinking combined with technically grounded execution, particularly across complex façade and high-rise residential projects where coordination, compliance, and detail are critical to successful delivery.

Francesco Fanara

Francesco is a key member of Studio NR’s leadership and management team, acting in the role of Associate Director | Projects & Client Strategy. Working closely with the Managing Director across all projects and business operations, he plays a central role in client relations, project delivery, team coordination, commercial planning, and the wider strategic growth of the practice. His ability to bridge design, technical delivery, and client management makes him an integral part of the studio’s structure and culture.

With over a decade of international experience across architectural and construction projects, Francesco combines strong technical expertise with a highly organised and detail-oriented approach. A certified Revit Architecture trainer, he leads the studio’s implementation of Revit and BIM workflows, developing tailored systems,  and coordinated 3D models that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and project delivery across the office.

 His calm and solution-oriented approach, combined with a strong understanding of both design and construction processes, makes him a trusted point of contact for clients, collaborators, and the wider team alike.

Allison Gallienne

Allison plays a central role within Studio NR’s operational and management structure, overseeing the practice’s finance, administration, HR coordination, and day-to-day business operations. Working closely alongside the Managing Director, she is deeply involved in the internal functioning of the studio, helping to manage staff, maintain operational stability, coordinate financial processes, and support the wider strategic direction of the business.

With a diverse professional background spanning the arts, architectural practices, libraries, and management consultancy, Allison brings a highly organised, people-focused, and commercially aware approach to the practice. Her strong understanding of client relationships, communication, and business dynamics makes her an invaluable support within both the management team and the wider studio environment.

Originally from South Africa and now long established in London, Allison combines professionalism with warmth and emotional intelligence, helping foster the collaborative and supportive culture that underpins Studio NR.

Valeria Viggiani

Valeria is a Senior Project Architect at Studio NR and a fully qualified ARB registered Architect, bringing wealth of professional experience across residential, high-end private residential, care sector, commercial, and community-led projects. She combines strong design sensibility with extensive technical and delivery experience across all RIBA work stages from concept through to completion. 

Throughout her career, Valeria has successfully led and coordinated projects of varying scales, managing planning applications, technical drawing packages, consultant coordination, and construction phase delivery. Her experience spans both traditional and Design & Build procurement routes, with a strong focus on design quality, technical detailing, and client collaboration. 

Known for her organised and thoughtful approach, Valeria plays an important role within the studio’s project delivery team, combining creativity, communication, and technical precision to help deliver well-resolved architectural solutions. Her broad software and BIM capabilities, alongside her experience managing teams and liaising directly with clients, consultants, and contractors, make her a highly valued member of the practice.

Andy Chong

Andy is a Project Architect at Studio NR and a fully qualified ARB registered Architect with extensive experience across a wide range of architectural and construction projects. Having worked with several architectural practices throughout his career, he has developed a strong understanding of both design and technical delivery, contributing to projects from early design development through to construction and on-site coordination.

With a highly technical and detail-oriented approach, Andy plays an important role in the preparation and coordination of tender and construction delivery packages. His broad experience across both on-site and office-based environments gives him a practical understanding of buildability, technical compliance, and project coordination, making him a valuable member of the studio’s delivery team.

Alongside his architectural qualifications, Andy also holds qualifications as a ventilation and gas engineer, further strengthening his multidisciplinary knowledge and technical problem-solving capabilities across complex projects.

Zoe Rigg

Zoe is an Architectural Designer at Studio NR, specialising in private residential and bespoke interior projects across London. Working from concept through to delivery, she combines strong spatial thinking, material sensitivity, and technical coordination to create refined and carefully considered architectural solutions. Her approach is rooted in understanding how clients live, translating individual lifestyles, aspirations, and design briefs into elegant, functional, and buildable spaces.

With experience spanning extensions, full refurbishments, bespoke joinery, and interior detailing, Zoe works closely with clients, consultants, and contractors throughout the design and construction process. Her collaborative and detail-oriented approach ensures that projects are not only creatively ambitious, but also technically resolved and carefully executed on site.

As part of Studio NR’s design team, Zoe plays an important role in delivering high-quality residential environments that balance aesthetics, practicality, and craftsmanship. Her work reflects the studio’s wider philosophy of combining thoughtful design with technically grounded delivery.

Jared Alberts

Jared plays a pivotal role as our resident BIM expert, with a robust background as a Revit technician spanning over 6 years within the architectural industry. His career has seen him contribute his technical acumen to a diverse range of firms, from interior design agencies to architectural design practices. Jared's involvement extends from the inception of design concepts through to the meticulous development of stage 4 and 5 delivery packages. 
He possesses an extensive and proficient understanding of BIM level 3 protocols and industry standards. Furthermore, Jared is the founder of T3D3 Limited, an exclusive design company that specializes in providing tailored services with a strong emphasis on BIM, Revit, and 3D modelling, showcasing his commitment to innovation and excellence in his field.

Tom Shaw 

Tom, our in-house Graphic designer, brings an impressive wealth of experience, with a remarkable tenure of over 25 years in the realm of crafting brand identity, art direction, and graphic design. His expertise has been dedicated to serving creative and design-focused clientele.
Tom excels at assisting clients in elucidating their challenges and articulating their unique personality. Regardless of the project's scale, his unwavering goal is to consistently surpass expectations. Notably, Tom Shaw is the founder of Plastic Crayon, a London-based design studio that specializes in crafting distinctive graphic solutions. These solutions cater to a diverse array of clients, spanning from independent entities to corporate enterprises.