Lumsden was founded in 2010, although our work within the cultural sector goes back over 20 years when we designed the Tate Modern Shops that opened in 2000. Due to our passion for working in the cultural sector we always knew we needed to work globally, but things really took off for us when we started working with MoMA 5 years ago in the US and Asia and has continued with our work for M in Hong Kong. We have also designed retail and cafes for Warner Bros. in the UK and Burbank and stores for Universal Studios in Los Angeles and Orlando.
What services to Lumsden Design provide?
We believe that the most successful projects are approached holistically and as part of one complete experience.. Our services include everything from initial concept to final completion and include brand, retail and merchandise strategy, merchandise, retail and interior design, graphics, visual merchandising and project management.
When did you deliver your first international project, and what support did you need to realise your ambitions?
The first major international project that I worked on was for MoMA Design Store in New York which opened in 2015. Any international project has its own unique challenges and it is essential for us to travel regularly and build close relationships with our clients and collaborators. It is crucial that we work with people that have local knowledge and expertise – from language to local codes and regulations, logistical challenges, sourcing and manufacture.
MoMA Design store
What (if any) issues did you face during your first international project, and how did these leanings help make your export journey smother?
A particularly memorable challenge for the MoMA projects is the fact that they are based on the extremely busy island of Manhattan and are close to two notable neighbours – Donald Trump and the United Nations. Simply delivering pieces of furniture often becomes a challenge due to regular street shutdowns and delays when they are in town and in session. Once again it was down to our knowledgeable teams on the ground and enough flexibility built into the programme to allow for the unexpected.
Understanding the immensely different ways which each country approaches how to deliver our designs on-site has been a massive learning curve for us. I am sure you won’t be surprised that there are vast differences between our British approach and, for instance, Russia or Canada! This has resulted in us developing alliances with local architects to ensure that we have an ‘on the ground’ presence in each country we are working in.
How many international projects have you delivered; and do you have one that particularly resonates?
We have worked internationally in Europe, Asia and the US and our portfolio includes the design of the shops at the Belvedere and Albertina in Vienna, the Museum of Moscow and Museum of Cosmonautics, Moscow, the National Gallery of Canada and I’ve already mentioned MoMA. However the project that particularly resonates with us is the shops for M , the new museum of visual culture in Hong Kong, as part of West Kowloon Cultural District, designed by Herzog and de Mueron. It will focus on 20th and 21st century art, design and architecture and moving image and we believe that the concepts we are working on are really quite revolutionary for museum retail.
M Shop
What advice would you give to companies who are considering exporting for the first time?
It’s important to research the customs of your target Country in terms of social and business etiquette, the treaties and tax regimes as they affect importers of goods and services. We also recommend seeking advice from The DIT or the Embassy on trading methods, payment days etc. as these vary quite a lot. Read the contract thoroughly and assume it will be interpreted literally to the word. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of your reputation, international clients really are keen to invest with the creativity, quality and forward thinking viewpoints that British companies offer.
