Celebrating 20 Years of Make Architects and the transformation of the ERCO Dover Street Showroom

In October, Make Architects, founded by Ken Shuttleworth, celebrated two decades of architectural innovation. It is a significant milestone not only for Make but also for ERCO, marking 20 years since the two collaborated on their first project together – the transformation of ERCO’s Dover Street Showroom in London. ERCO welcomed Ken Shuttleworth back to Dover Street, to reflect on the journey of Make Architects, the showroom project, and the future of architecture and lighting design in a conversation with ERCO UK’s Technical Director, Nigel Sylvester.

As Nigel reflected on the last 20 years of the showroom, he remarked how it still looked fresh and relevant after all these years. For Ken Shuttleworth, the ERCO Dover Street Showroom holds a special place, as it was Make Architects’ first completed project. Ken reminisced about his long-standing relationship with ERCO, which began even before the showroom project. He recalled his work with lighting visionary Claude Engle, whose innovative designs left a lasting impression. “Claude was a visionary,” Ken shared. “He would work with you [ERCO] and always produce bespoke fittings. I’ve known ERCO since my days with the Sainsbury Centre and later the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Headquarters project. ERCO has been integral to many of my projects, including my own home.” This longstanding partnership with ERCO has seen Ken collaborate on multiple projects over the decades, cementing a strong bond built on shared values of quality and innovation.

The ERCO showroom was Make Architects’ first project, setting the stage for its future as an innovative architectural practice. The brief was simple yet challenging: transform the London headquarters into a modern space that would serve as a light experience centre for ERCO’s architectural lighting products while respecting the building’s heritage, a building which dates back to 1820. As Ken recalled, the emphasis was on ensuring that “the architecture allowed the light to define the space.” Make reimagined the space, decluttering the architecture and allowing the lighting to shine as the central focus, creating an atmosphere of both simplicity and elegance.

Reflecting on the showroom project, Ken didn’t want the architecture to take over. The idea was to create a white cube, allowing the lights to make the showroom and define the space, enabling ERCO to showcase their journey from incandescent to LED lighting over the last 20 years. ‘‘We just made it into a better [showroom]… to let the light, from the last twenty years, make the [space]. The fact you’ve gone from incandescent to LED and beyond. This [showroom] has allowed you to do that.’’

Light is the Fourth Dimension of Architecture

One of the core themes of the conversation was the synergy between architecture and lighting, something that was clearly demonstrated in the Dover Street project. Nigel cited Klaus-Jürgen Maack, former ERCO CEO, brand pioneer and visionary, stating, “Light is the fourth dimension of architecture.’’ Ken agreed, emphasising the importance of using light to create coherent, functional spaces. ‘’It sculpts a space, creating an atmosphere that transforms how a building is experienced.”

“Lighting is essential not only for functionality but for atmosphere,” Ken noted. “It allows us to enhance the spaces we design, from offices to universities and beyond.”

Looking to the Future: Trends in Architecture and Lighting

As the conversation moved toward the future of design, both Ken and Nigel addressed emerging trends in automation, AI, and human-centric design. Bluetooth-controlled lighting and wireless systems are becoming the norm, offering a new level of flexibility and control in lighting systems.

Nigel shared, “Wireless controls are transforming how we approach lighting projects. We’re seeing a shift toward more dynamic and responsive environments, and Bluetooth is playing a major role in that.” He emphasised that while some may still favour traditional wired systems, the future lies in wireless solutions that adapt to the users’ needs seamlessly.

Ken also discussed the role of AI in architecture, noting that while AI can assist in rendering and visualising designs, it will never replace the human element in creating spaces, ‘’AI is a tool… It’s not something that is going to design the building for you… I don’t think anything is going to design a building, other than a person for another person’’ Architecture is about creating volumes and spaces that people can connect with, and no machine can truly capture that essence.

The pair discussed the importance of human centric and inclusive design, highlighting that architecture and lighting must serve diverse communities. Ken spoke on the ethos behind Make, “We do it to change people’s lives. We want to make people’s lives better, that’s the reason we get up in the morning.’’

A Legacy of Innovation

As Make Architects and ERCO look ahead to the next decade, the collaboration between the two remains a beacon of how architecture and lighting can work together to shape meaningful spaces. The 20th anniversary of the Dover Street showroom refurbishment is not only a celebration of the past but a signal of what’s to come in the future of design.

Ken’s final thoughts captured the spirit of the anniversary, “We never stand still. We don’t have a house style. We just keep moving all the time. We’re always trying to get to that holy grail of the best building in the world. We’re always looking for the next best thing.” It’s clear Make Architects are always pushing for the next big innovation, whether it’s through sustainable materials, better lighting, or emerging technologies. The next 20 years will be about refining these ideas and continuing to create spaces that inspire. A sentiment, shared by ERCO.

The conversation between Ken and Nigel encapsulated the importance of legacy, innovation, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the fields of architecture and lighting.

Photography credit: ERCO GmbH © & Make Architects ©.