FROMTHEGROUNDUP (FTGU) is an interdisciplinary art and architectural design studio based at Primary in Nottingham. Made up of a core team of William Harvey, Elin Keyser and Jacob Kelly who bring in a range of collaborators for specific projects bringing together a range of experience in architecture, sustainability, art, research and making.
Our projects are carefully considered to be as low impact as possible by using Passivhaus design principles together with low embodied carbon materials, helping to reduce the environmental impacts of construction on the planet. We use participatory design methodologies to co-produce work, which doesn’t always end-up as a building. Agency throughout design stages is shared, a process which fosters a sense of ownership with those who inhabit and use the resulting space. We believe this creates richer and more sustainable projects.
We work at multiple scales from furniture to domestic up to the organisational and institutional. This includes private clients, arts organisations and community groups with whom we seek to create joyful places and spaces for human and more-than-human cultures to thrive in.
FTGU is a not-for-profit worker’s co-op, with shared responsibility and ownership among its members, creating a more ethical working culture. Any profits are reinvested into community projects, research, art and writing. This allows for explorations into the ethics, philosophies, and the practicalities behind climate change mitigation, material (re)use, and participatory design.
+44 (0)115 6670335
FROMTHEGROUNDUP STUDIO LIMITED
Registration number: 15478884
(2025)
As part of the interior redesign of the Corner Café (comissioned by the New Art Exchange), From The Ground Up were asked to consider the furniture provision. Noticing the inherent quality of the chairs in the space (designs by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen), it was decided to explore their reuse potential as opposed to removal and replacement. Three simple alterations were proposed:
Refresh – From a cold and stark black and white painted finish to a raw ply and oiled surface that warms the space up, answering the calls of the community!
Refix – Previously glued, there were issues with the seat and the legs separating with heavy use. Instead, 3x countersunk nuts and bolts were drilled and discreetly fixed, ensuring their durability long-term.
Re-handle – One of the key form-over-function downfalls of this classic design is lack of hand-hole for easily moving the chairs around. This has been resolved by a neat handle routed into the backs of the chairs.
From The Ground Up worked closely with a local craftsman (Dan Evans-Pugh of DEPBespoke) who carried out this careful refurb to the highest quality. A classic design was re-thought, refurbed and refined for future use.
Project Team: Elin Keyser + William Harvey
Craftsmanship: DepBespoke
Client: New Art Exchange
Location: Nottingham