A studio created for an abstract artist with Down’s Syndrome, whose work has been exhibited in New York, London and Manchester, has won a regional RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) award.
Described as ‘a new cultural landmark’ by RIBA judges, the studio – designed for Hertford-based Fiona Stevenson, will be considered for several other regional RIBA awards, its national award and, ultimately, potentially the coveted RIBA Stirling Prize.
The studio was designed by Edward McCann of London-based Edward McCann Architects Ltd, whose work has featured on TV’s Grand Designs and who compares Fiona’s work ethos and approach with his own.
“Fiona is an intuitive artist who practices abstract expressionism in a pure sense. Her works are pared down to intuitive mark making. I think a lot of the decisions and responses at the early stages of the project were intuitive. This obviously gets formalised within a design process, but at its start I think there is an intuitive root which is shared with Fiona’s work.”
RIBA East jury chair, Julian de Metz, said: “The jury agreed that this is a highly accomplished small project. It demonstrates how careful reuse, intelligent handling of light, and a restrained material palette can combine to create architecture of real quality, even at a small scale. Calm, purposeful, and quietly joyful, this project offers a compelling model for how small buildings can do a great deal with very little.
“It responds directly to its landscape. It reaches confidently into the tree canopy, drawing diffused daylight down and funnelling it deep into the studio below. This simple but artful manipulation transforms the interior, creating a painting and display space that feels calm, generous, and animated by subtle shifts in light throughout the day. A simple, wide window at ground level gives the artist a vista onto a calm, Japanese-inspired garden.
“At night, the building takes on a quieter but equally compelling presence, its polycarbonate upper windows emitting a gentle glow among the trees, much like a beacon. This moment of warmth and visibility adds intrigue to an otherwise private building.”
Hertfordshire is clearly becoming a cultural focal point in 2026, with East Hertfordshire District Council s all-day multi-arts hub BEAM also winning a RIBA East award.
Fiona Stevenson’s studio will be officially launched later this year, with invitations to the private view to be issued in the coming months. Those wishing to add their names to the guest list can contact Fiona, and see some of her work, here: https://www.fionastevenson.co.uk
