5 Things We Learned... Richard Holland

Richard Holland is the co-founding director of Holland Harvey - an architectural and interior design studio based in east London, working on award-winning residential and hospitality-led projects across London, the UK, and overseas.

He studied at Sheffield and worked in Toronto before moving to London to be a project architect at Studio Egret West, before co-founding Holland Harvey with Jonathan Harvey in 2012.

We’ve collaborated with Richard and his team on Inhabit hotels, and are always inspired by their search for sustainable materials and partnerships with social enterprises such as the award-winning studio Goldfinger Factory.

Here are 5 Things We Learned about Richard Holland.

What made you...you?

Curiosity. I grew up in a small place and always wanted to know more about the world. The more I discovered, the further I wanted to explore. The architectural profession has been a community in which I have thrived and is still constantly broadening my horizon.

When are you happiest?

Exploring. Going on adventures with my family is such a joy. We took our son to Japan when he was six months old, and it was incredible to watch him take it all in. I hope it inspires in him an appetite for knowledge and empathy towards others.

Would you rather have a muse or be a muse?

I have been fortunate to have some incredible mentors as a source of inspiration throughout my life. One day I would like to pass on some of that wisdom to others, but I am not ready yet; I am still learning.

Who do you admire?

I admire hard-working people who turn up every day for their cause. One of our clients, Sheila Scott, is the founder of charity Shelter from the Storm and a one-person war against homelessness. The world would be a better place with more people like her.

What is important?

How we treat one another. Kindness, empathy, and respect cost nothing.