OUR STORY.
Two Disciplines. One Approach.
LIPP Studios grew from decades of experience across exhibitions, events, museums and heritage, on both the client and contractor side.
Over the course of our careers, Nicola developed a design-led practice grounded in creative concept ideation, visitor experience and sensitive object display. In parallel, Joel built deep expertise in fabrication, technical design and complex site delivery.
Seeing first-hand how often design and build are separated, we recognised the value of bringing our complementary skills together. This allows us to offer tailored and scalable support through design, build, or a fully integrated approach. Built on specialist expertise, trusted relationships and a shared belief in quality, LIPP Studios is shaped by experience and driven by a calm, collaborative way of working.
Joel Lippiatt
Joel brings over 20 years of experience across the event and exhibition industry. He began his career as a carpenter, building a strong hands-on understanding of construction before moving into technical design and delivery.
His early work took him around the world on major international exhibitions and large-scale events, shaping a reputation for precision, reliability and calm problem-solving under pressure. Transitioning from the workshop to the drawing office, he trained under a traditional draftsman, developing deep expertise in technical design, production and site delivery.
Before founding Lipp Studios, Joel spent over twelve years helping to grow a leading creative construction company, managing costings, production and complex installations, and building long-standing relationships with specialist suppliers and subcontractors who share our commitment to quality.
Nicola Smith
Nicola is our design lead, with extensive experience in exhibition and interior design shaped by both creative leadership and technical understanding. She holds a First-Class degree in Interior Architecture & Design and is a recipient of the RIBA Hertfordshire Division First Prize.
For over seven years, she worked as an Exhibition Designer within a major national cultural institution. Her work spanned visitor flow, spatial planning, colour consultation, high-specification showcases and front-of-house environments. She led the design of major blockbuster exhibitions, including Van Gogh: Self-Portraits and the award-winning Saint Francis of Assisi.
Alongside this, her experience in project management across exhibitions and live events has given her a strong understanding of fabrication, installation and delivery, which allows creative ideas to be realised with clarity and care.