In their words
“I often refer to Jan as ‘the voice of reason’. In the years we have worked together, I have relied on her to guide us through challenging situations and, just as importantly, to seize great opportunities. They say that consistency is the key to every good relationship and I think that Jan consistently delivers well thought through strategic advice. She never loses her connection with the human side of the issue, but at the same time has an ability to make strategic decisions which have benefited us enormously. I’ve nothing but admiration for her in terms of her values, her loyalty and her abilities and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work and continue to work with Jan Casey.”
David Collins 1995 – 2013
Founder and Principal, David Collins Studio.
In brief
It was a special honour for me to work alongside the late David Collins, founder of the eponymous and widely celebrated architecture and interior design practice. He was an immensely talented and prolific designer whose refined vision drove the restaurant and hotel revolution in London over the last two decades, and who leaves a legacy of stunning design all over the world.
David Collins Studio is one of the great names in luxury interior design, with a record of elegant and timeless work for Claridge’s, Blue Bar at the Berkeley, the Wolseley, Brasserie Zédel, Nobu Berkeley, Bob Bob Ricard and the Delaunay in London – as well as Larusmiani and Promemoria in Milan, Alexander McQueen stores around the world, the Delaire Graff Estate in South Africa, and private homes from Moscow to New York.
The creative impact of the studio, and of David Collins personally, is impossible to overestimate: he was simply the most successful and sought-after restaurant designer of the British food renaissance.
I began working with the studio in 2005 as a consultant to David Collins and Iain Watson, the Managing Director. My involvement touched on many areas of the business, including recruitment, coaching senior staff, and advising on financial and strategic planning.
David Collins himself was a true creative force and it was a joy to work alongside someone with such drive, originality and imagination. He will be remembered as an irreplaceable creative genius.