Lisa Finlay

Since joining Heatherwick Studio in 2011, Lisa has led a diverse range of projects with a clear focus on her twin passions of community and sustainability. She currently oversees a wide portfolio that spans Europe, Asia and North America. These include a hotel-led mixed-use development in Bangkok for Narai Hotel Group; the transformation of a life sciences research hub in Surrey, UK; the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial competition in London; and the 3 million sq ft 1000 Trees project in Shanghai, which comprises retail, workspace, a hotel, parkland and the conservation of four historic buildings within its tree-topped massing. Phase 1 completed in 2021, with Phase 2 scheduled to complete in 2026. Prior to this, Lisa oversaw the transformation of London’s Coal Drops Yard, a restoration and redevelopment of two Victorian industrial buildings to create a new retail quarter and public space in King’s Cross, and a vision for the future of Nottingham City Centre. Lisa has also led several research studies within the studio, including a piece of work exploring a community-based alternative to prison for women, and a proposal for the integration of people-centred national health services on the high street. In Lisa’s role as a Group Leader, she is responsible for leading all aspects of a portfolio of projects from concept development through to delivery. Lisa is also part of the studio’s senior management group, guiding business strategy, planning and process.