Konishi Gaffney Architects

Konishi Gaffney architects is an award winning practice led by Kieran Gaffney a Scottish architect and Makiko Konishi a Japanese designer. We apply creative problem solving skills to all scales of architecture and design and aim to provide innovative solutions that are well executed and appropriate. We have a strong interest in sustainability and an approach to architecture that seeks to challenge preconceptions of function while having respect for place and tradition. We are also well used to trying to making the most from both space and money (stereotypically Japanese and Scottish concerns). Makiko and Kieran met while they were working for Thomas Heatherwick in London. Kieran spent six years helping to develop Heatherwick Studio out of a live-work space, to an internationally acclaimed practice with 30 staff and some very innovative projects. Since graduating from Strathclyde University [1992] with the school design prize, Kieran has worked in Zimbabwe, Germany, London and Japan amassing experience on a wide variety of projects. His studies were completed under Peter Cook at the Bartlett, UCL [1998] followed by professional qualification and registration with the Architects Registration Board. Kieran taught Diploma and MA architecture students at Strathclyde University in 2008-2009 and is currently invited critic at Edinburgh College of Art. He also sits on the councils of the Edinburgh Architectural Association (EAA) and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS). Makiko comes from Tokyo. An English literature graduate [1990], she left her business career in Japan in 1996 to follow her dream to be a designer and maker. She spent 6 months as designer on the V&A exhibition Brand.New in 2000 and after gaining a BA in design from Brighton University [2001], continued work as designer and assistant at Heatherwick studio. Makiko and Kieran left London for Japan in 2004, before moving to Scotland in 2007.