About the practice

At Russian For Fish, we have been rethinking space since 2006. Established by third-generation architect Pereen d’Avoine, initially as a means of entering a competition (which the practice won), we have gone on to become one of the most successful small architectural studios working in London and the southeast. Now led by Pereen and co-director Nilesh Shah, Russian For Fish has acquired a reputation for delivering elegant, playful and innovative new-builds, extensions and renovations for residential and commercial clients at every scale. Known for simplified and sustainable material palettes and sympathetic integration with surroundings, our work is frequently shortlisted for awards and widely featured in the architecture and design press – earning us a particular reputation for realising bold and imaginative visions in compact spaces. Although we pride ourselves on our creativity and ideas, relationships are at the heart of what we do. We work with a tried and trusted network of consultants and contractors, who we know can deliver on time and to budget; and we make a point of getting to know every client, working with them collaboratively to ensure the result meets – and, often, exceeds – the demands of the brief. Russian For Fish is a RIBA-chartered practice. Pereen d'Avoine teaches Diploma Unit 14 with her father, Pierre, at the Architectural Association.