16th July 2025
Every month, three different voices from the practice share their ideas about the future of the built environment. Covering a range of typologies – from healthcare to airports and the workplace – we are building a picture of tomorrow.
This month, Luis Fuentes Arambula, Nicola Scaranaro, and David Kong look ahead to the future of retail design, which aligns with brands’ values, seamlessly blends social and cultural elements, and engages the senses through different experiences.
Luis Fuentes Arambula
“I became interested in fashion and design at a really young age. When I was growing up in Mexico there was a shop selling magazines, which I would spend hours in. I was fascinated by the global nature of fashion – and felt drawn to this world that seemed so out of the ordinary.
At Foster + Partners, we design a wide range of projects, including large-scale masterplans and towers, but we also focus on the smallest details and have a passion for local craftmanship. Two projects that exemplify this detail-oriented approach are the Gabriela Hearst stores in London and Los Angeles. Both align with the brand’s aesthetic and commitment to sustainability – but also reflect the uniqueness of their respective locations through beautifully crafted details.
The West Coast flagship pays homage to the work of Paul R. Williams, the architect who designed many of L.A.’s most iconic buildings, including the hotel where the new store is located. We worked closely with local contractors to build these incredible vaults, which were handcrafted from sustainable Roman Clay. We also collaborated with local furniture builders and sawyers, who worked with native Western Sycamore to create bespoke pieces. The store really is a love letter to the city of L.A. – and it’s designed to feel welcoming and warm – a home from home.
Although social media has changed the game radically, I’m still extremely positive about the future of retail. I think people will always seek emotional connections with objects and spaces that tell a story – and want to be part of something that aligns with their values.”
Luis is a partner and joined Foster + Partners in 2006. He has worked on a number of retail and hospitality projects, including the iconic Grade II listed Whiteleys development in London, the retail offering at 50 Hudson Yards, and the flagship Gabriela Hearst stores in London and Los Angeles.
Nicola Scaranaro
“Many of our oldest towns and cities were designed around the market, which had a huge impact on the development of the urban realm. The market was a central hub for trade, social activities, and culture – drawing in locals and visitors to the city. Now more than ever, I think we can learn a great deal from the traditional marketplace, which responds to our human need to come together, interact, and participate in the life of the city.
The future of retail design is about creating more human-scale, immersive experiences that blend retail with cultural and social elements. To engage local people and visitors, new developments should incorporate welcoming green spaces, provide a range of places to eat and drink, and host curated events that align with retailers’ values. Retail and public space blend seamlessly to enhance the civic experience – drawing people in and giving back to the city. Meanwhile, architecture should reflect both the brand identity and local culture to instil a strong sense of place.”
Nicola is a partner who joined the practice in 2005. Amongst other projects, he is currently working on a new retail-centred development in Türkiye, which will set a new benchmark for curated retail design.
David Kong
“We’ve been working in the heart of Spitalfields [London] for over two decades. Our original Bishops Square scheme [2006] transformed the area into a thriving public realm with landscaped public spaces, offices, apartments, and a mix of independent and branded retailers. Our team was based next to the site for the duration of the project – eating, socialising, and shopping locally.
In 2017, we redesigned Old Spitalfields Market, which included the reinvention of the market stalls. The new stalls are highly customisable and suit a range of traders’ requirements. The new kitchens at the heart of the market served as a launchpad for start-up chefs, many of whom have since found success and made the market a popular destination for foodies.
Our more recent interventions in 2024 narrow Market Street and open up views to the historic Christchurch, creating a more authentic London street experience for shoppers. A new building on Lamb Street – with an exposed red frame – features flexible start-up food kiosks at ground level that tie in with new landscaping and varied seating options.
Our work completes the public realm around the main building, with each side offering distinct spatial experiences for visitors. I believe the future of retail is about more than just designing shops – it’s about creating a variety of tangible experiences that engage the senses, generate memorable interactions, and ultimately make people want to return.”
David is a partner and joined Foster + Partners in 1995. He has worked on a range of projects and building typologies, from the Principal Tower apartments in London to a new home for Soundport, Ferring Pharmaceuticals A/S on a waterfront site in Copenhagen.
Artwork by the Design Communications team at Foster + Partners.
