Future Perfect

As an early adopter of modern architecture in Cayman, Robert Towell’s portfolio includes some of the most daring contemporary designs seen on the Islands. By Rachel Tewliss

The Modern Renaissance of the Cayman Islands began in earnest 10 years ago when one architect, Robert Towell, of Robert Towell Architect Ltd, sensed that the time was right for a shift in Cayman design from the old school Spanish colonial and British West Indies plantation style architecture to the sleek and uncomplicated modernism seen today, with its clean lines and minimalist approach.

Cayman is an undeniably cosmopolitan place – nearly half the population is from somewhere else – but its rich local culture is alive and well too, as is its financial services sector considered one of the world's finest for institutionally focused blue-chip services and products. A central location with excellent connections to Europe and the Americas, also makes the destination one of the most innovative and progressive places on the global stage to conduct business. Robert realised there was a need for the same ‘out of the box’ approach to real estate design and architecture, which would reflect the jurisdiction’s young, dynamic, multi-cultural community.

The largest of the three islands with scenic beaches and vibrant coral reefs, Grand Cayman has seen significant growth in tourism, financial services and medical expertise during the past decade and Robert has grown his practice to dovetail with the sophistication of the economy and a burgeoning international clientele.

About Robert Towell

Robert Towell Architect Ltd is a boutique firm with a dedicated team, where clients are looked after by the same few, friendly faces from concept to final completion of their project. Every client receives the benefit, not only of the team’s creativity and personal approach, but also of the expert local knowledge required in order to move a project forward. The company’s mission is simple, to create spaces that clients will love. Beautiful and functional and considered by many to be ground breaking yet timeless, it’s how great design should be.

Educated in Toronto, Canada with both Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and American Institute of Architects (AIA) qualifications and with more than 30 years’ experience internationally, Robert’s eye for design and engineering can be appreciated across the three islands.

Based in Cayman since 1997, Robert has worked on a diverse range of developments from large-scale commercial projects, hotels and condominiums, to single family luxury residences and complete house renovations. His distinctive style with cantilevered roofs, edgeless rooftop pools and the incorporation of outdoor living into the indoor space is incorporated into this new modernism approach, leaving the viewer and homeowner with a connected appreciation of the surrounding environment.

www.roberttowell.com