We had the privilege of collaborating with Brazil-based architect Marco Zanini, former Studio Director at Sottsass Associati, on the restoration of two distinguished sets within the prestigious Albany Courtyard, just moments from Piccadilly Circus.

Flair Studio successfully obtained Listed Building Consent for this Grade I-listed landmark, proposing a series of thoughtful interventions. These included the creation of a new kitchen, strategic layout reconfiguration, and specialized lighting proposals designed to enhance the display of an extensive art collection. The project also incorporated bespoke furniture pieces, including original designs by the late Ettore Sottsass from the 1980s.

The interiors embrace a playful dialogue between tradition and contemporary expression, combining a bold Memphis-inspired color palette with the building’s historic fabric. To preserve the integrity of the original lath & plaster ceilings, architectural lighting was surface-mounted, seamlessly integrating with decorative fixtures designed by Sottsass himself. Meanwhile, coving and plasterwork were carefully restored or reinstated to honor the building’s heritage.

Additionally, the project required the retrospective approval of previous unauthorized modifications, ensuring full compliance with heritage guidelines. This restoration not only safeguards the legacy of Albany Courtyard but also reinterprets it through a vibrant, design-driven lens.