Naixin Shi is a London-based interior architect and founder of Patch Design, renowned for transforming neglected spaces into vibrant environments through sustainable upcycling and reclaimed materials. With a passion for revitalisation and a degree from the Royal College of Art, she brings creativity and purpose to every project, breathing new life into overlooked spaces and objects.
I'm Naixin Shi, a London-based interior architect dedicated to revitalising neglected spaces through the innovative use of reclaimed materials. With an architectural background and a degree from the Royal College of Art, I specialise in restoration and upcycling.
As the founder of Studio N (now known as Patch Design), I champion sustainable design by employing recycled materials to create environmentally transformative spaces.
I have a deep passion for creation, particularly in transforming objects and spaces. I believe that everything has its own vitality, and witnessing neglected spaces and discarded items come to life through my interventions brings me unparalleled satisfaction.
The ability to transform the seemingly useless into something functional and vibrant is what drives my work in art and design. This process of creation and change is the core reason why I pursued a career in this field.
My architectural design studio, originally named Studio N, then rebranded as Patch Design in 2024 which was founded in 2022. We specialise in the renovation of old buildings and the design of sustainable home products. The concept of recycling and repurposing permeates our entire business.
As an eco-conscious design brand, we emphasise preserving existing structures and adapting them to meet modern needs in our space designs. In our product designs, we use recycled plastic to create furniture. Our commitment to sustainability drives us to protect the environment through eco-friendly design practices.
My favourite kind of design is exemplified by architect David Chipperfield. He emphasises the importance of the environment in his work, believing that architects should guard, protect, and cherish our existing world, a philosophy I deeply admire. His respect for old buildings and his thoughtful consideration of the lasting impact of architecture on the environment and history are particularly inspiring to me.
Chipperfield's approach involves embracing what exists and designing in dialogue with time and place, updating the local architectural language of each site. One of my favourite examples of his work is the James Simon Gallery.
My design style revolves around the preservation and repurposing of existing spaces and objects, with a focus on renovating old buildings. Rather than constructing entirely new structures, I prefer to celebrate and utilise what already exists.
Through deliberate and meaningful interventions, I aim to strike a balance between preservation and innovation—removing elements while preserving others. This approach fosters dynamic urban renewal through subtle updates that maintain the historical essence of a place while adapting it to contemporary needs.
When it comes to space renovation, my design process begins with the site itself. I observe its existing elements, every brick and trace of time, paying close attention to the building's history. Next, I consider the surrounding environment and context, reflecting on the relationship between the building and its surroundings.
Finally, I think about how the future functionality will adapt to this space, ensuring a harmonious integration of the past, present, and future.
Yes, my experiences living in China, Australia, and the UK have significantly influenced my design style and process. These diverse cultural backgrounds make me more attentive to the history of a site, and I tend to selectively preserve the historical traces of buildings.
I have a deep respect for protecting the natural environment, which drives me to commit to sustainable design. I aim to balance preservation with dynamic urban evolution, using distinctive and memorable methods to protect and highlight the existing elements while allowing for progress and change.
Marine Pavilion showcases a temporary architecture project that exemplifies the firm's dedication to sustainability. Using discarded fishing nets and retired bamboo sourced from the village, materials once vital to the local fishing community, the project creatively repurposes them in a way that honours the village’s fading traditional practices.
With the local fishing industry in decline and the village population dwindling, especially among the elderly fishermen, many of these materials had been abandoned. The nets were intricately arranged in a staggered formation, and the height of the bamboo was adjusted to evoke imagery of fishing boat sails and village rooftops, thus paying tribute to the disappearing fishing village.
This design not only creates a meaningful temporary space for the community but also signifies Patch Design's innovative use of flexible, discarded materials to offer an economical and sustainable architectural solution. The project highlights the importance of material reuse and the environmental impact of design in a community where traditional fishing practices are waning.
The biggest challenge with the Marine Pavilion project was sourcing and repurposing the discarded fishing nets and retired bamboo in a way that honoured the village's traditional practices while meeting the structural and aesthetic requirements of the design.
Ensuring the materials' integrity after years of abandonment, adapting them for architectural use, and achieving a balance between sustainability and cultural storytelling required both innovative problem-solving and close collaboration with the local community.
1. Creativity: I love how design allows us to genuinely transform a place. Architecture gives the feeling of altering history, as buildings become a part of the historical narrative.
2. Dynamism: Constantly engaging with new sites and conceptualising fresh designs keeps us energised and inspired.
3. Enhanced Logical Thinking: Architectural design enhances our ability to think critically and solve problems effectively, fostering stronger analytical skills.
I foresee significant growth in sustainable design over the next 5-10 years, which aligns closely with my passion and focus. Designs centred around environmental and historical preservation will have a profound and lasting impact.
As awareness and urgency regarding sustainability continue to rise globally, the design industry will increasingly prioritise solutions that not only enhance functionality and aesthetics but also minimise environmental impact and honour cultural heritage.
Many people have inspired me throughout my life, but one person who stands out is Shuhei Aoyama, my former boss at B.L.U.E Architecture Studio. He dedicated himself to revitalising old Beijing hutongs, respecting their original layouts and preserving their unique qualities while adapting parts of them to suit modern aesthetics and lifestyles, especially appealing to younger generations.
I deeply resonate with this approach to urban renewal and have drawn significant inspiration from it.
Marine Pavilion | NY Architectural Design Awards
Marine Pavilion showcases a temporary architecture project that exemplifies the firm's dedication to sustainability. Using discarded fishing nets and retired bamboo sourced... (read more here)
Naixin Shi is a London-based interior architect and founder of Patch Design, renowned for transforming neglected spaces into vibrant environments through sustainable upcycling and reclaimed materials. With a passion for revitalisation and a degree from the Royal College of Art, she brings creativity and purpose to every project, breathing new life into overlooked spaces and objects.
Read about the interview Lin Hua Huang’s Decade Approach to Designing Spaces That Inspire Joy here.