About The Next Idea,
Design and Architecture Group.
Robert Ancill
CEO and Chairman
Our Founding Ideas
I think my founding ideas can be best headlined by a quote from the celebrated French painter Henri Matisse.
“Don’t wait for inspiration. It comes while working.”This is exactly what happened to me, during my many years in the industry, both employed and running my own company. I have become increasingly conscious of an escalating requirement for creative, innovative design and architectural services that are not just aspirational but attainable. I witnessed this need further heightened in the post-pandemic era.
I asked myself the question: “Why is affordable design and architecture not readily attainable?” The answer seems to be the perception that ‘value’ could only be achieved via poor quality and service, not having lasting value.
Given we are in a period of economic uncertainty, there is a need for companies to embrace leaner business models so that each dollar earned and saved goes further. I decided this new focus was both necessary and achievable.
I believe change is an essential part of growth so, I decided to respond to the gap I perceived and transformed my company to pursue the opportunity.
I did this by building on the existing foundations of over 22 years of experience in design and added an architecture arm to my company. In addition, I completely restructured my procurement to provide an end-to-end service that is fast, easy, personalized, and honest value for money; ensuring I could respond to the demand.
I set forward on my quest to be a disruptive innovator in the marketplace, by providing creative design and architecture solutions that exceed expectations on quality, efficiency, service, and price. Reimagining true value for astute clients.
Our Story
Let me take you on a journey through the story of how we came to be.
A Legacy Rooted in Scotland
Growing up in Scotland, I was surrounded by influences that unknowingly shaped my future in architecture, design, and business.
The stories of my great-grandparents’ were a constant source of fascination for me. My great-grandfather was a well-established grocer, and my great-grandmother was a fine dressmaker who catered to the city’s elite.
Glasgow in the early 1900s was a booming hub, driven by its successful shipbuilding and textile industries. Seizing these opportunities, my great-grandparents’ opened a store named Graftons, which quickly earned the reputation of being Glasgow’s Fashion Store. Its success led to the opening of 100 stores across the UK by the 1970s.
Architectural Heritage and Education
Our family has a deep connection to architecture, through our great-grandparents’ home in the beautiful leafy Glasgow suburb of West Pollokshields. The building was designed in 1870 by Alexander Thomson, one of Scotland’s greatest architects. This notable building, though never a family home during my lifetime however, later it became an influential preparatory school called St. Ronan’s. Both my sister Victoria and I attended St Ronan’s, and understanding its history while being pupils there filled us with pride.
My education continued at the historic Glasgow Academy, founded in 1845 and designed by Hugh and David Barclay, members of Alexander Thomson’s circle. These surroundings left an indelible mark on me.
Artistic Influences
Another profound influence in my early life was my curiosity about the life and work of my uncle, Joseph Ancill (1896-1976), a renowned painter and engraver. His exhibitions at The Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts and The Royal Scottish Academy ignited my love for art.
Joseph Ancill pictured with the oil portrait he was commissioned to paint in 1954 of Sir Maurice Bloch, who was an established whiskey merchant and a philanthropist and was knighted for his services to charity.
Oil portrait of Lord Provost of Glasgow (1943-1945) who was a Scottish politician and businessman. Joseph Ancill was commissioned to paint in his portrait 1946.This remains in the Glasgow Museum Collection.
Journey into Hospitality and Design
While completing my education in Scotland, I discovered that these varied influences were leading me towards a career in the hospitality sector. I trained as a chef while also developing my expertise in design and photography, equipping myself with a comprehensive skill set for the industry.
In 1989, I moved to London and joined Aroma Café, a visionary start-up. My involvement from the beginning was thrilling. As Operations Director, I was responsible for concept design and grew the brand from its first location to over 20 locations, eventually selling it to McDonald’s.
Over the next 13 years, I honed my skills in various roles such as General Manager of Planet Hollywood, Vice President of Restaurant Operations for House of Fraser Group, and Vice President of Restaurant Operations for Safeway Stores.
The Next Idea: Los Angeles
By 2002, I felt ready to venture out on my own, and Los Angeles seemed like the perfect place. I first worked as a consultant while establishing the territory, and in the same year, I founded The Next Idea Group.
Now, 22 years later, The Next Idea Group has become an established and respected design and architecture firm.
Our head office is in Los Angeles, currently we are a team of 33 professionals with plans in place to expand to 40 by the end of 2024.
The Next Idea Group Today: A Team of Innovators
Our team comprises of talented and high-energy individuals spanning all disciplines across design, architecture, operations, procurement, and logistics. We are implementation focused with a consistent commitment to innovation, using next-generation technology and a multidisciplinary approach. We integrate established skills and methodology, always with a strong sense of esprit de corps.
We are nimble enough to be faster than larger companies and always aim to create and innovate with experience, drive with energy, and justify our actions with logic. Ambitious in our growth, we are on a journey to become the number one go-to company in the USA for creative design and architecture services, making them not just aspirational but attainable.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. It is now not just my story, but our collective story at The Next Idea Design and Architecture Group.