Restaurant Designer David Collins Passes Away

The food world lost a significant restaurant designer today, as David Collins Studio announces the death of their namesake founder. He was 58.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the death of David Collins following a short but valiant battle with cancer. David died this morning at 1:20 a.m. surrounded by his family and loved ones," his studio's website says. "A truly gifted and inspirational man who has left us with some of the most remarkable and treasured interiors."

Collins, the architect behind many London restaurants, first set up David Collins Studio in 1985. He was diagnosed with skin cancer three weeks ago, Design Week first reported.

He will be remembered as the artistic vision behind 14 bars, restaurants, and hotels in London, having designed The Wolseley, The Delauney, Nobu Berkeley ST, and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, among others.

Collins was also behind Scarpetta in Miami and Callas in Budapest, Hungary, also having a hand in Alexander McQueen's retail stores.

"I don't think any of us will ever get over this. There is no one to replace him," Sue Timney, president of the British Institute of Interior Design, told The Independent. "Within our business David really was an inspiration. He had that magic. It wasn't bling for the sake of bling. That's what he was all about."