My name is Ian McChesney. I’m an architect. I design houses, pavilions, sculptures, furniture, and ceramics.
My architectural work focuses mainly on private residential projects, while my design and sculptural work is often commissioned for public spaces.
I studied at the Royal College of Art and, in 1995, joined the office of John McAslan + Partners, where I worked before leaving to set up my own studio in 2001.
My clients include some of the UK’s most prominent landowners and developers. These include Chatsworth House, Argent, Derwent London, The Crown Estate, The National Trust, King’s Cross Partnership, and the University of Plymouth. I have also worked with numerous residential clients.
I am a sole practitioner and work closely with clients throughout the full lifecycle of each project. I enjoy working in this way, as it allows me to stay in full control of my projects while maintaining close working relationships with my clients. I have a network of consultants and collaborators I can call on when specialist assistance is required.
My residential projects are all based in the local area near my studio in Dulwich. I know the Southwark planners and the Dulwich Estate well and have obtained many consents in the area, including for listed buildings and projects in conservation areas. I have also built strong working relationships with local contractors, kitchen makers, and craftspeople.
My furniture and sculptural projects have been installed across the UK and in prominent public spaces in central London. Highlights include a sculpture and seat at The Angel Building, Islington for developer Derwent London, and a set of granite benches at Granary Square, King’s Cross for Argent.
Over the years, my work has been recognised in design competitions and I have contributed to advisory roles on design panels for organisations such as Southwark Council, Transport for London, and Design Southeast. I have also served as an external examiner at Oxford Brookes University.
Outside of architecture, I enjoy painting and drawing, ceramics, hiking, and swimming — my favourite pools are Brockwell Lido and the London Aquatics Centre.
I live in South London with my wife, who is a knitwear designer, our two daughters, and our whippet, Scout.
