hello!

I'm Nigel Witham

I designed my first restaurant in 1990. I go there often now, it is still thriving.

Since then I've become an acknowledged international expert designer of cafés, bars, takeaways and restaurants mainly because I blog and write in international magazines

But I still learn more every day

I used to have more hair . . .

. . but decades ago when I was a hairy student I was rightly taught that all mistakes happen during design so I take time to consider every interaction your customers will have with your new restaurant and even how your restaurant might need to adapt to the world around it

I discourage gut feeling in favour of research and I consult to make sure everything functions technically and looks, feels, sounds and even smells beautiful

I'm passionate

I can only be successful if I help make your restaurant a success first so I'm just as passionate about your bar, cafe or restaurant as you. I enjoy working hundreds of hours listening, measuring, imagining, researching, drawing and coordinating every design and I love to mentor, coach and get involved in all aspects of your project

Are you exciting?

Restaurants are complicated businesses that demand close attention to every small detail if they're to become lasting assets. They can't be built well in a crisis or on tight budgets so I collaborate best with realistic business people who accept these truths up front and who truly want to be stand-out successes

I like to keep my practice small and personal so I only work for people I already know or by introduction. This means that if I don’t know you already or if you don’t know anyone who I’ve worked for before then I probably won’t be able to help you. Instead I’ve provided lots of free information for everyone to take - no strings attached.

If you’d like my help or have any questions I always respond fast to polite emails sent to

nigel@nigelw.com

kind testimonials from people I've been privileged to work with

"Nigel cares about his work immensely and quickly identifies and agrees clearly with you as a client at your level/language, in respect of what is required of the project/objective and often delivers far more using his skills set, knowledge, diligence and contacts, having worked on my construction project Nigel delivered on time and under budget. Thank you."

"Superb, from start to finish. Approaches providing his design and project management services as being a strategic business partner. Always reliable and excellent service."

"Nigel has a solid understanding of the dynamics of hospitality design, how color and shape influence the product. He approaches a project with research to create the foundation to build up from. Great job, I recommend Nigel to anyone looking to improve his business."

"Nigel's concept work is extremely representative of the final product; Nigel has attention to detail & displays a true passion for his work. I believe he is suited to new concepts and high maintenance clients where his special attention will provide the final product required"

"I engaged Nigel's design services over a number of years and he quickly understood the requirements of my market place and had a good eye for detail. He was very personable and responsive to work with. He is a self admitted perfectionist and only the best will do."

"We worked with Nigel on a restaurant project in London. The project has had many complexities in the design, program and financing. All of which have been dealt with by Nigel in a professional and competent way. we wouldn't hesitate in working with him again. Apart from that, he's a really 'nice bloke!"

"Nigel is passionate about his work and very creative. It was an absolute pleasure to have him work on our project. The results were amazing. I would not hesitate to recommend Nigel for any Hospitality related project."

"I met Nigel during his first visit to Dubai in 2008. Since then I have made a point to meet him for lunch or coffee whenever he has returned. Not only is he a fabulous designer and writer, who has lots of enraptured fans in this region, but he is always open and interesting company."

"Nigel is passionate about design - great design! He is very professional, easy to work with, and committed to getting things right for his clients. He is generous with his time and highly supportive - ask him about "Building the Happiness - Centred Business" you will be pleased you did!"

"I have used Nigel and his team to help me on several projects where they used their considerable design skills and CAD flair to help me with the design and presentation of major architectural projects. As a busy and successful architect I find that my services are often in demand, and that my clients look for the best possible service. I have been delighted to find Nigel living locally, but working internationally, and to build up trust with his expertise. I have no hesitation in recommending Nigel for his attention to detail is meticulous and his designs have flair and energy, while at the same time being rooted to the best possible commercial outcomes for his clients."

I'm transparent

Design practice varies in different regions. In some regions designers work solely in the best interests of their clients whilst in others they seek to take payments from the project suppliers they suggest as well as from their clients. My clients prefer me to act as transparently as possible so I make these promises:

my promises to you

I will work in your best interests and I will not take any financial interest in any product or service I suggest or specify whilst working for you

I will not share any specific information about your project with anyone else without your agreement

I will provide clear, detailed, written proposals, where possible with a fixed price, before working for you

I believe in constant learning and improvement and always educate myself about your project. If I do not know something I will find out or I will find someone who does. This includes complying with local building laws in your region

I require anyone working for me to make the same promises