Renowned English architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw (1939-) is best known for his modernist public buildings, and for his presidency of the Royal Academy of Arts from 2004-11.

Grimshaw studied at the Edinburgh College of Art from 1959-62, subsequently winning a scholarship to the Architectural Association School of Architecture, London, where he studied until 1965. Upon graduating, Grimshaw embarked on a renowned, 15-year-long partnership with Terry Farrell, undertaking projects such as the iconic apartments at 125 Park Road and a student housing project with a distinctive spiralling staircase near Paddington.

Having parted ways with Farrell in 1980, Grimshaw established his own practice –Nicholas Grimshaw & Partners – which has since developed a significant international reputation for projects including the Eden Project in Cornwall, and Leicester’s National Space Centre.

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