Universal Design Studio Creates Azza Fahmy’s London Flagship with Craft and Heritage at its Core

Early May marked the opening of Azza Fahmy’s new flagship boutique in London’s iconic, Grade II-listed Burlington Arcade, a proud milestone in Universal Design Studio’s ongoing global collaboration with the renowned jewellery house.

Drawing on over five decades of Egyptian heritage and storytelling, the London flagship embodies Azza Fahmy’s research-based methodology and commitment to craft. From the outset, Universal Design Studio sought to enhance the building’s historical character, while introducing a contemporary retail experience rooted in craftsmanship and bespoke detail.

This project continues a global design narrative that spans from Riyadh to London, where each boutique is shaped by a sensitivity to its context. Through thoughtful spatial planning, rich materiality, and expressive detailing — including intricate metalwork, bespoke carpentry, curved architectural forms, and carefully selected finishes — the London store channels the jewellery-scale precision and craft that defines Azza Fahmy’s identity.

Universal Design Studio has created a meticulously crafted and elevated retail space, inspired by Azza Fahmy’s own home, design studio, workshop and research.

Tonally the materials and lighting echo the inviting Egyptian Welcome and invite the customer to explore the wider collection of Azza Fahmy.  A burl cabinet at the entrance showcases the crafted jewellery pieces alongside the collaborations, inspirations and their own sculptures made from old jewellery tools.

The salon interior feels rich in materiality with a Randa Fahmy bespoke brass chandelier illuminating the hand crafted central display table sat on the marble floor pattern inspired by the tombs in Luxor’s West Bank.

Bokja’s hand woven panelled tapestry leads customers to the first floor to the sejour that showcases the high jewellery collection. Bespoke window seats, artwork and wooden parquet flooring with a Kahhal looms rug invite customers to explore the pieces in the atelier.

Informed by the same principles that have guided our international work together, this boutique is not just a retail space, but a celebration of place, process, culture and partnership — including contributions on heritage from Heritage Potential, construction and fabrication by N2 Creative and Orange Birch  whose expertise helped realise our vision.