Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

How Londoner Harvi Sahota, Landed in Alabama and Opened a Successful Design Firm

Today we speak with designer and photographer Harvi Sahota on his career and personal style. 

I’m originally from London, and I currently live in Alabama. Sounds odd, but there’s a back story.

I first traveled to Alabama in 1999. My wife is originally from Montgomery, so as a visitor I began documenting its visual landscape.

I was fascinated at the history and the decay. Coming from the UK, I knew of Montgomery as a place of historical significance. But its spatial development over the 50 years since the Civil Rights Movement was unbelievable: the abandoned social and cultural history, the Suburban Sprawl & strip malls, the lack of planning and care.

As a designer and photographer, this fascination formed the basis of my work at the Royal College of Art in London, and has ever since.

And as strange as it sounds, within that inertia we saw an opportunity to affect change – to use design and effort to make a difference. I co-founded Matter, a multidisciplinary design firm based on a simple idea: to Build Community Through Design. Design encompasses every aspect of daily life, and when it’s thoughtful and engaging, design improves quality of life.

Matter is a vertically-integrated firm: we design dwellings and environments, we construct buildings, and we communicate why design is important.Over a decade later, I believe we’ve made a positive impact, not just in Alabama but throughout the region.

One of our best known projects is Hampstead, a community designed upon the foundation of New Urbanism which includes a mixture of uses, connectivity, walkability, sustainability, and activity. My focus is on creating and implementing architectural designs for homes and incremental, lean commercial buildings. The US has gravitated over the past decade to demand walkable, mixed-use communities and Hampstead has been at the forefront of this cultural shift in the South. It’s a great change to be a part of. My wife and I have two young sons (ages 6 and 4) and currently spend our time between Alabama, New York and sometimes London.

My style is a reflection of the work I do – I go from construction site to client meeting to after work drinks on a given day. Jeans, white trainers, and a black t-shirt work well in almost any setting. The South tends to lean a bit more conservative, which makes it easy to stand out. Plus the British accent helps. Here are some more details:

Jeans: Simon Miller USA denim is almost indestructible. The Kaine fit is perfect for a slim look.
Shirts: Thom Browne Slim Fit long sleeve shirts are classic with a bit of humor.
Pants: On the off chance I’m not wearing jeans, I go for Theory trousers. The Slim style has clean lines and understated patterns and colors.
Suits: I don’t often delve into the suits. But when the need arises, the Agnes B. suit is my go-to. The Grey Nils and Nelson combination is reliable.
Shoes: Always, always white trainers. Common Projects Original Achilles Low are sturdy and last forever.
Accessories: Filson Duffel Large in Otter Green. A grab all-around bag for work or weekends. Filson even repaired it for me years ago when our Westie ate through the leather strap.
Outerwear: Billy Reid Standard Pea Coat. Mine is navy – I love the leather contrast detailing. For rainy weather, you can’t go wrong with Norse Projects – this Hugo Light jacket is a must.
Cologne: Tom Ford’s Oud Wood.
Favorite App: Instagram is where I spend a good amount of down time. It’s a good way to get quick inspiration and stay in touch with artists and friends throughout the world.
Techonology: Peloton Bike. I got it last Christmas and am addicted. Makes exercising so simple. And I can’t live without my Leica MP-240.
Next Style Purchase: Rag & Bone Standard Issue Short Sleeve Tee is a classic – great weight and length.

Cator Sparks
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…
Swatch, Tate partner for watch collection that literally puts art on your wrist
Swatch x Tate Gallery collaboration inspired by paintings
Swatch x Tate collaboration watches

Swatch, renowned for its quirky designs and commitment to self-expression, has joined forces with the prestigious Tate galleries to create an extraordinary collection of Swatch watches that blur the lines between art and utility. The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection isn't simply a collaboration but a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the appeal of wearable art.

Each Swatch watch is dedicated to the artwork of its respective artist. From Turner's Scarlet Sunset to Bourgeois's Spirals, every watch tells a unique story. Whether you're drawn to the whimsical charm of Marc Chagall or the bold simplicity of Fernand Léger, there's a watch in this collection to suit every taste and personality. This partnership further cements Swatch's position as a brand that bridges the gap between art and simple timekeeping with bold designs and vibrant colors.
The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection: Wearable art

Read more
78 pairs of Gucci sneakers just had their prices slashed
A man wearing the Ace tennis sneakers.

The spring and summer months are the perfect time to upgrade your sneaker collection. With fresh styles and lightweight materials, sneakers are the best shoes for the warmer months for everyday wear, traveling or simply hanging out at a bar. Sneakers are now more popular than ever with men wearing them in both casual and formal situations. Here is a definitive guide to wearing a suit with sneakers if you want to combine a luxury look with a fresh new pair of kicks.

Right now, you can shop more than 70 pairs of Gucci sneakers on sale at Gilt. You can get up to $275 dollars off casual and fashion sneakers from this coveted brand in a mix of colors, styles and materials. Click the button below to start browsing these designer sneakers before time runs out.

Read more
Citizen celebrates 100th anniversary with throwback limited edition pocket watch
Citizen debuts 100th anniversary pocket watch
Citizen 100th anniversary pocket watch

Citizen watches have a legacy that spans a century, with a name that evokes reverence, innovation, and enduring quality. Now, in a momentous celebration of its 100th anniversary, Citizen unveils a breathtaking homage to their inaugural masterpiece: the Special Limited Edition Pocket Watch. That's right, a pocket watch for men. Since the success of Peaky Blinders and peak Thomas Shelby fame, pocket watches have garnered a somewhat cult following and Citizen has jumped on that bandwagon with a celebratory timepiece of their own.
Citizen watches: A brief history

In 1868, Japan underwent a significant transformation as the Edo period concluded, marking the end of samurai dominance. The dawn of the Meiji era saw Japan embrace modernization and industrial growth until 1912. By the 1920s, the widespread adoption of imported pocket watches reflected Japan's burgeoning participation in global trade.

Read more