JHP

JHP have been designing stores and everything that goes into them since 1979. With a client list that reads like a who’s who of retail brands, they have worked across pretty much every sector going and in numerous countries around the globe.

Raj Wilkinson and Steve Collis have been with the company since the mid 1980s; Raj having started his career at JHP straight from college, and Steve after a stint with central government, where he was involved in the design of everything from museums and galleries to submarine bases!

Following the retirement of their founder, John Herbert in 2002, they took over the company and now have a studio in central London, with an outpost in Seoul.

Working with Shinsegae, they designed a luxurious department store, just outside Seoul in the district of Uijeonbu. One of the stand out features is the undulating timber ceiling in the deli, which creates a sense of envelopment and contrasts the stark white of the luxury departments alongside. The store definitely fits with Shinsegae’s policy for their latest branch design to always supersede their last.

Following on from this they went on to design the practice’s largest and most impressive project to date, The Hyundai. At 1.2 million square foot, the development transcends the boundaries between department store and shopping centre. Unusually the consultancy was involved from the ground up, influencing the architecture of the building. JHP also created a commercial strategy for the space as well as designing the customer experience, which included many firsts, such as a cultural centre and a library for kids, ensuring that a true community space was created within the site.

Their design for Thalia bookstores, also shows their consideration for all audiences, the immersive store is zoned for each specific interest group and the store also features a café and hosts events and workshops to engage customers.

Airport retailing is another of their fortes. Their vibrant concept for duty free retailer Dufry in São Paulo creates an immediacy, drawing shoppers in. The concept focuses on attracting shoppers on their return journey, as increased import tax allowance mean that Brazil’s duty free stores are busier in arrivals. As part of this strategy, weary travelers are offered coffee and somewhere to store their luggage before they shop. JHP also introduced the latest intelligent shopping trolleys that tell shoppers how much of their allowance is remaining, clever stuff.

Their concept for Seoul airport T2 could be likened to a luxury shopping centre, with leisure and shopping facilities that encourage passengers to arrive early to enjoy the pre-flight experience.

JHP have also worked on a number of hospitality projects, working with the likes of their long-term client Lotte, Grom ice-cream parlours and carrying out branding and retail/café design for Korean brand ‘Paris Baguette’ that successfully incorporates beautiful artisanal product displays to attract a traditionally ‘breadless’ audience.

Other projects of note include their opulent visitor centre and stores for perfume and lifestyle brand Amouage in Muscat featuring museum like showcases, with materials and accent colours highlighting the ranges.

We’ll look forward to seeing where and who Steve, Raj and the team, will be working next.