My London: Helen Arvanitakis - Director at Design District London

Helen Arvanitakis is the Director of Design District – a collection of 16 buildings designed by eight architects, on Greenwich Peninsula.

Home to designers such as Mr Bailey, Richard Malone and Helen Kirkham Studio, the district is a thriving home for creative businesses offering permanent and purpose-designed workspaces as well as co-working and events within Bureau Club.

Helen is a 15+ year veteran of the London design sector from a three-generation architect family, she has been immersed in the creative industries in London for her entire life.

Helen’s career to date has plunged her into a range of disciplines and given her experience of organisations of all sizes – from a digital agency and her mother’s own architecture practice to the BBC and Arts Council England.

Before running her own design-focused strategic consultancy service, Helen spent a decade working with Tom Dixon, ultimately becoming Managing Director of the Design Research Studio, where she led a multidisciplinary team working across product, graphics, retail and exhibition and interior design.

We caught up with Helen Arvanitakis for the latest edition of our ‘My London’ interview series.

Favourite neighbourhood:

It has to be the Design District, entirely unique in the London landscape. The contrasting buildings set in a pedestrianised neighbourhood are a joy to potter around and step inside. It’s hard to think of somewhere else that boasts such a variety of contemporary architecture to enjoy in such a small footprint.

Favourite place for brunch:

In my native west London we have a little café on our high street called Burnt. Not only is the food unusual and super tasty (an omelette with miso roasted squash for example) but the beautiful tiny space was set up by someone I knew from Tom Dixon.

Best coffee in London:

Bureau, the Design District’s co-working club, is also home to a fantastic restaurant with food from Chef Sean Fleming and drinks by restaurant manager Liam Hague. The coffee here is most excellent, it fuels my working week!

Favourite gallery or museum:

All and any of them in reality. But always the Sir John Soane Museum. My mother first took me there during the school holidays, and seeing the collection through her architect’s eyes was staggering and intriguing.

Tell us a secret:

I’m becoming obsessed with pastel coloured, blousy flowers (so old fashioned) that I can grow in my garden… they bring me huge amounts of joy.

Favourite place to shop:

Online marketplace Vinterior. It allows me to wander the streets of every vintage furniture market and antique shop in Europe. It’s heavenly, and so easy to use – no excuses for buying new furniture ever again.

Favourite place to find inspiration:

I’ve been lucky enough to spend a bit of time in West Dorset recently. The slower pace of life, the wildlife and the sea all help me to unwind, to then be inspired by the excellent and very local food, antiques of every era, the local art and ceramics. I think taking a moment away from the fast pace of London can be very helpful.

Best London destination for a date:

Noble Rot – dark nooks and crannies for canoodling. And gallons of delicious and unusual wines from all over the world accompanied by divine food.

Favourite park:

I’m currently down on London Parks – simply because of the copious hours spent in them during the pandemic (don’t get me wrong; we’re so very lucky to have them). But if I have to name one then it would be Richmond Park because you do really get a sense of space, with big trees and open skies.

Favourite food market:

I love Shepherd’s Bush Market for food. There is a huge variety of cultures represented within it and simply walking through it is a feast for the senses. Food vendors representing Syria, Sudan, Ethiopia, and many more offer up mouthwateringly good dishes. Where else can you try three different styles of falafel?!

Your sanctuary in the city:

During the pandemic I started to take the Thames Clipper to Design District. The boat journey follows a peaceful, meandering path from central London to Greenwich Peninsula. From the peaceful calm of the water you can watch the frantic city float past on either side, whilst you gather your thoughts before a new day at work.

What inspires you?

Everything and anything. It could be the people I work with and the creative members I meet, things I read, conversations you have or overhear, exhibitions, books, podcasts… inspiration can come from anywhere, it’s just about keeping an open mind.