Brit List 2026 Outstanding Contribution Award winner announced

Iain Watson, Chief Executive Officer, David Collins Studio

David Collins Studio, revered for its atmospheric bar and restaurant design and timeless take on creating luxury retail and hospitality experiences, celebrated its fortieth anniversary in 2025; a mean feat in today’s fast-paced treadmill of consumption. Iain Watson, founding member of the studio alongside the cherished David Collins himself, has been the driving force behind the studio’s success – and his quiet determination and support of his team over the course of four decades are just a couple of reasons why he is this year’s winner of The Brit List’s most prestigious award.

Image credit: David Collins Studio

Not one to take the limelight usually, Iain’s business acumen has allowed him to spot some of the best talent in the industry, nurturing their creativity and allowing them the freedom to design some of the world’s most loved hospitality projects. Over the course of four decades, Iain has helped to steer the studio from its original incarnation, from a staff of two, working from David’s living room, to a 50-strong globally-recognised brand and a leader in the design and delivery of architectural and interior design projects. His work ethic is relentless and unwavering, and inspires his team every day.

“We’re in the business of delivering a feeling. We have always understood the importance of providing a series of touchpoints for people who move in the world of luxury… As the David Collins Studio brand has evolved, we have created our own unique ecosystem within the world of luxury.”

From the outset, Iain played a key role in establishing the foundations of David Collins Studio. He brought commercial rigour to the mix, complementing David’s creative ideas and vision, while acting as the guardian of the brand and helping to develop the business across hospitality, retail and residential design, later expanding into the maritime sector and product design. Throughout, Iain has never lost sight of the studio’s guiding principles: creativity, craft, collaboration, and a near-obsessive attention to detail.

The Wolseley Bar & Restaurant Image credit: David Collins Studio

“I have always been passionate about protecting our studio, playing a part in both its commercial and creative aspects,” he says. “Maintaining the studio’s financial independence has enabled us to be strategic in our choices. We have always striven to take on creatively rewarding projects with clients who share our vision.”

Outside work, Iain’s great love is fashion, and his profound understanding of beautifully made objects has given him an innate understanding of the world of luxury.

“We’re in the business of delivering a feeling. We have always understood the importance of providing a series of touchpoints for people who move in the world of luxury. You might buy a handbag in Alexander McQueen, drink a cocktail at The Wolseley, and then spend the night at The Apartment at The Connaught. As the David Collins Studio brand has evolved, we have created our own unique ecosystem within the world of luxury.”

Nobu Hotel London Portman Square Image credit: David Collins Studio

For Iain, one of the most rewarding and compelling aspects of his work is being able to support exceptional artisans. “We love working with talented people who are as passionate about creating beautiful things as we are. Now, as we look towards developing product ranges, this is even more relevant. It’s a very exciting time for David Collins Studio.”

“The studio has always been about people, creativity and collaboration. None of our achievements would have been possible without the extraordinary individuals who have contributed to its story over the years, and particularly the talented team we have today, who continue to evolve and advance the studio’s ethos.”

Simon Rawlings, Chief Creative Officer, who’s been with the studio since 1997, says: “I’ve worked alongside Iain now for nearly thirty years, and he’s always been supportive and nurturing of us all as creative individuals, and a true champion of the creative process. Having this kind of support in business really means a lot, creating the headspace and trust needed to do our best work. Iain is a great individual, with real business foresight and strategic ability. This recognition is truly deserved, and Iain’s position in the creative world of London is something to be celebrated.”

Velvet Bar at Corinthia London Image credit: David Collins Studio

On receiving the news of his accolade, Iain Watson said: “I am incredibly grateful to receive The Brit List’s Outstanding Contribution Award. When David and I started working together from his living room in 1988, I don’t think either of us could have imagined where the studio would be in terms of scale and global reach over four decades later. I have been enormously fortunate to spend my career in an industry I genuinely love, working with inspiring clients, operators, collaborators, and colleagues. It has been a great privilege to help build on David’s extraordinary creative legacy and guide David Collins Studio from those early days to where we are today, alongside Simon Rawlings and our brilliant team.

“The studio has always been about people, creativity and collaboration. None of our achievements would have been possible without the extraordinary individuals who have contributed to its story over the years, and particularly the talented team we have today, who continue to evolve and advance the studio’s ethos.”

The rest of this year’s Brit List Award winners, as elected by our esteemed panel of judges, will be revealed at the awards ceremony on Thursday 5th November at Ministry of Sound in London. Check out the 2026 shortlist here.

If you’d like to join this year’s Brit List Awards ceremony and be part of the MASQUERADE celebrations, you still have time to purchase a ticket here.

Main image credit: David Collins Studio