Guy Thornton Design, New York: Efficient, Flexible, Nimble.

Guy Thornton, born and raised in London, relocated to the United States in 1981 where he has offices in Colorado as well as New York. Bringing a strong multidisciplinary design approach to problem solving, Guy has over 30 years of diverse experience which includes hospitality, historic renovation, restaurant, retail, corporate and residential projects. 

The design firm is rooted in the principle of creating value through quality design solutions that encompass a high degree of practicality and budget sensitivity. Vision, simplicity and originality are central tenets along with the power of the unexpected resulting in enduring, engaging and intriguing solutions. Lighting forms an intrinsic part of the process. 

This understanding of the value of design as an investment is integrated with a methodical, thorough working approach and through successful execution. Creating economically-aware design solutions, along with an intrinsic appreciation of architecture as craft and doing a lot with a little, is a defining characteristic of the practice. 

As a sole practitioner, Guy enjoys a uniquely 21st century manner of working with clients in both NYC and Denver, Colorado. This permits a highly efficient and focused working style, allowing maximum flexibility and efficiency while maintaining low overheads. “It is the balance between the intensity and stimulation of NYC and the more contemplative and relaxed Denver environment that works so well for me, one a perfect foil to the other,” says Thornton. 

An efficient, flexible and nimble working style permeates both the New York office and the downtown Denver studio. The NYC workspace is within a midtown WeWork office, selected for its proximity to public transportation and collaborating with team members. The Denver studio is located within a historic building downtown, inspiring in its own right, offering a relaxed environment with warmth, personality and character through the use of colour, texture and light. 

“Work hard and play hard” best defines the firm’s ethos, while being able to blend the stimulation of NYC with the natural beauty of Colorado. The two very different lifestyles inform the culture of the firm which provides not only traditional design services but also produces top quality design work.