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As the year draws to a close, Harrison, is celebrating its 35th anniversary. A company with history and heritage as its foundations, today Harrison is a global team of storytellers, innovators and creators who are passionate about designing spaces which connect, inspire, and endure.

Founded in Birmingham in 1989, today Harrison collaborates with clients focus on crafting compelling narratives and designing distinctive experiences to drive growth locally and internationally. Pioneering innovation across all corners of the globe, Harrison has grown into an international creative agency with offices in the U.S. (Dallas, Texas) and Asia Pacific (Melbourne, Australia).

Pioneering Design Across Continents

Expanding their own geographical footprint has allowed Harrison to tap into the richness which comes with diverse and localised experience. From the Asia Pacific office, based in Melbourne and led by Design Director Paul Wainwright, the team has delivered exceptional projects across Australia and continental Asia. Over the past five years, there has been extensive collaboration with the renowned Vietnamese coffee brand, Highlands Coffee to craft the next generation of store designs, positioning the brand to compete on the global stage while solidifying its leadership in the domestic market.

This enduring partnership reflects Harrison’s commitment to delivering consistently high-calibre work and fostering trusted relationships. Recognising the depth of this partnership, VTI—the parent company of Highlands Coffee and Pho24—appointed Paul Wainwright in 2023 as an advisory Design Director for both brands. This pivotal role underscores Harrison’s integral contribution to VTI’s growth and development strategy.

Telling Stories Across The Globe

While interior design continues to be at the heart of the Harrison business, today Harrison focuses on telling stories through design and brand identity. From large scale hospitality projects to more intimate designs, every project is strategic and considered. Consumers expect more than simply a pretty façade. The complete customer journey plays a crucial role in engagement and retention, which includes bringing to life the personality of brands alongside showcasing true points of difference.

In the UK, working with Burleigh Court Conference Centre and Hotel, Imago Venues’ flagship, Harrison reimagined and elevated the story of the university’s rich history and current talent. With in-house architects, architectural technicians and project managers, the Harrison team was able to create an entirely new F&B space and oversee the construction of a truly spectacular new restaurant extension, Fifty The Street.

In the U.S., Harrison brought Gordan Ramsay’s renowned hospitality to Oklahoma City through Ramsay’s Kitchen. Perfectly positioned to encapsulate British charm for an American audience, the team not only bringing a little piece of Britain to the U.S., but created a dynamic and engaging setting. From front-row seats to the kitchen theatre, to elegant entrances which ensure seamless wayfinding, to clever detailing from English tweed upholstery and monarchical symbol of a roaring lion. Thoughtful features combined with clever design has resulted in a premium yet approachable space that resonates with its surroundings and elevates the guest experience.

35 Years Strong: Building the Future of Design

As the world of hospitality continues to evolve, grow and develop, so too does the team at Harrison. With a breadth of clients and experience under its belt, the team has invested to ensure premiumisation and the creation and development of premium brands is a key focus.

Global CEO Keith Anderson, comments: “I joined Harrison back in the early 2000’s and have spent my entire career here. Watching the company grow, develop, evolve, and become the powerhouse it is today – and being a part of that – has been phenomenal. We have a driven team who are passionate about the work they produce. Our successes are a true testament to our core values which focus on creativity alongside nurturing our people. We are proud of the incredible work everyone produces daily, and the fantastic relationships we build and develop with our clients regardless of whether it is a one-off interior design project, or a large-scale piece of work which draws on the team’s full experience.”

“As we look to the future, we are passionate about continuing to build on the foundations of what we have already achieved. We are expanding our international team to add more richness and services to what we can already offer our clients. Working with both local and global brands has given us the opportunity to truly understand different cultures and perspectives, ensuring we bring authentic, localised experiences to life through our full-service delivery capabilities. We have some exciting projects in the pipeline – from more than 15 Fogo de Chão restaurants in planning, to a new project with Hilton which will be executed by our Australian team.”

Looking ahead, Harrison is more energised than ever to write the next chapter of Harrison’s story and poised for further growth with exciting projects in the pipeline. Harrison is building on its foundations while expanding our international reach with a team that champions creativity, connection, and craftsmanship. Ready to shape the future of design, one unforgettable space at a time, here is to 35 years of Harrison and the people, partnerships, and possibilities that have made it all possible.