About – Steve Gittner

Steve is co-founding partner of GAGARIN Studio. He has a wealth of experience in the contemporary conversion and re-animation of existing buildings, new build and placemaking projects; with a range of transferable skills and expertise but is particularly valued in the studio and amongst clients for his ability to navigate complex problems with both creative flair and vision.

Whilst at Powell Tuck Associates in London, Steve was involved in the detailed design of a range of internationally acclaimed projects including Bloomberg HQ, The Science Museum, Metropolis Studios, (in London and New York) and a series of ‘high-end’ residences; both conversion and new-build for which he won a highly coveted D&AD Yellow pencil for Residential Design. Whilst an associate at Studio BAAD Architects Steve designed and managed a range of award-winning projects including schemes for BBC Humberside, Leeds University Union, Leeds City Gallery and Urban Splash developers.

Steve was the lead for a major project for Orangebox Young People’s Centre in Halifax for Square Chapel Centre for the Arts and as funded by the myplace BIG scheme. Steve was involved from the very early days of the project in 2008, and has assisted the works of the wide client-body including a core group of Young People, through the various rounds of funding and approvals. The project was completed in 2014, winning a Civic Trust Award.

More recently Steve has delivered a stunning new footbridge for Climate Innovation District in Leeds City Centre. The new footbridge across the River Aire provides welcome pedestrian and cycle routes into and out of the city centre whilst carrying a new district heating system to low-carbon, housing sites – it’s a stunning piece of design and an example of his ability to manage complex, multi-faceted needs with creativity and intelligence.

©Sarah Mason Photography