Jef Smith

Lecturer,
Student Experience and Employment Lead
Telephone
+44 (0)1227 824701

About

Jef Smith is a founding member of MELD Architecture LLP. He has over 14 years of diverse post-graduate experience particularly in housing, education and community based projects.

Before forming MELD, Jef spent 7 years at Jestico + Whiles and was the lead architect on a number of housing projects including: the first phase of an ambitious regeneration project at Stonegrove and Spur Road Estate in Barnet; East Thames' Axe Street development in Barking which forms a key part of the town center redevelopment; along with a variety of smaller housing and mixed use developments, responding to the rising expectations of housing developers and Planning Authorities across London. At J+W he was also responsible for designing the critically acclaimed extension to the Central School of Speech and Drama in Swiss Cottage, Hatcham Haberdashers Sixth Form College, an office development at 87 Worship Street in Hoxton for the Cripplegate Foundation, and was the project architect on Hakkasan restaurant for celebrated restaurateur Alan Yau. During his time at J+W Jef also completed a number of smaller residential projects for private clients in London and began teaching at the University of Kent which he has continued to combine with his work as a practicing architect.

Prior to that, between 1998 and 2000, Jef developed the front-of-house areas in St Martins Lane Hotel with executive architects Harper MacKay, in collaboration with Philippe Starck, bringing Schrager's 'boutique hotel' concept to London. His involvement on this prestigious project was gained after having worked for two years at Munkenbeck & Marshall, running two residential projects in Mayfair which provided valuable site experience after returning to the UK from two years working in Singapore. His work there included designing a 216 unit condominium development as well as four private residencies. Jef graduated from Edinburgh University in 1993 and completed his RIBA Part III exams at Architectural Association in London.

Teaching

Module CodeModule TitleInformation
AR545Architectural DesignModule Convenor
AR322Modern HouseModule Convenor
AR319Building DesignTutor
AR320Building EnvelopeTutor
AR544Urban InterventionTutor
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