At some point during our journey together, many of you in our amazing community might have wondered: What does Teulo (TEW-lo) actually mean, and where did the name even come from? The answer involves a Gothic Revival architect and a rainy afternoon in London.
Back in 2017 our Founder, Janelle (Jay) Wynyard, was brainstorming names for her new architecture and design business. She knew she wanted something snappy and inspiring, but the ideas she was throwing around - Catapult, Leap, Thrive - were just not up to the job.
Then she thought of her friend, Nick Teulon. They had met randomly at a start-up event and hit it off straightaway. His energy and enthusiasm lit up the room. Jay thought: What if I just drop the ‘n’ from his name? This new word, Teulo, made her smile, because every time she said it she was reminded of someone who believed in possibility. And, with that, a business and a platform and a community were born.
When Jay told Nick he’d inspired Teulo, he laughed. Appropriate for an architectural platform, he said, as his grandfather was Samuel Sanders Teulon, a classically trained Gothic Revival architect. Teulon was one of the most important of the rogue architects, known for his use of polychrome brickwork and a level of planning so detailed and complex as to be beyond description. His prolific work in the mid-19th century was known for being idiosyncratic and highly individual, with a distinguished clientele that included The Royal Family.
Years after this conversation with Nick, Jay found herself in London running through Victoria Tower Gardens looking for shelter from the rain. She stopped by a beautiful old fountain and realised it was the renowned Buxton Memorial Fountain, designed by Samuel Sanders Teulon himself. She knew then that it was meant to be.
Teulo is more than just a name; it’s a story. Of friendship, inspiration, and a little bit of serendipity. Since this platform was coined, that story has grown into a thriving global community.
By embracing possibility, Jay and the team at Teulo have created a space for architects, designers and suppliers to connect, learn, and find inspiration across the industry. Together, the Teulo community is building the future of CPD learning through a network of enthusiastic changemakers and visionaries, just like its namesake.
Sign up today and join us.
