ORIGINAL CHARACTER

The generous proportions, standout features and special location continue to give Stephen Briars’ semi an enduring appeal

- DOMINIC BRADBURY

Although based in London during the working week, Stephen Briars keeps his family home in Nottingham, where he spent 12 years working for fashion designer Paul Smith. Today he is the creative director of The Conran Shop, though his long and respectful relationship with the city continues. ‘When I was growing up in Leicester, there was this phrase about Nottingham being the “Queen of the Midlands” and as a teenager I always wondered if it was where I would end up,’ says Stephen. ‘I have been lucky enough to work for Paul Smith, Louis Vuitton, Urban Outfitters and now The Conran Shop. And creativity has been at the forefront of all those roles and companies.’