If there’s one thing we’ve learned makes better buildings, it’s empathy. Architecture never happens in isolation—and simply by being interested and engaged, we’ve found it’s possible to open up the conversations that connect a scheme to its clients and community.

We believe that the more constraints there are, the better the architecture. If there aren’t any constraints, we create them. Challenging sites, existing buildings and complex briefs almost always present incredible opportunities for great design.

To limit our environmental impact, we start with what is already there. By manipulating the form and fabric of a building—whether new or existing—we can work with the existing conditions of topography, light and orientation, and harness the natural energy sources offered by air, ground and water.

If a site’s constraints guide the bigger design decisions, then it’s empathy that informs the smaller, social details. These details frame the human narratives that aren’t included in the brief, anticipating specific moments in the users’ lives.

Good architecture is as much about what happens on the building site as it is about what’s on the drawing board. By working alongside contractors as well as clients we can ring-fence the ideas and details that matter, championing the quality of the building throughout its construction.

Curl la Tourelle Head

Sutton Social Housing

Multiple small garage sites with access constraints

Chimneys for passive stack ventilation

Hornsey Library

Preservation and restoration of a Grade II Listed community asset
Retention and re-use, fabric first approach to sustainability

Whitehall Museum

Five hundred year old Grade II* Listed museum
Sensitive extensions improving access for all

23.11.2021

Hornsey Library Opening

Senior Architect Sarah Curl gave a short talk on the design journey of the restoration and preservation of Hornsey Library at its official reopening celebration last night

Unity Hub at Craig Park

Co-designed with the hub's young people
Reusing, extending and transforming an existing youth club

Staple's Corner

Greening of London's industrial fabric
Growing and ecology integrated

Independent School, Harrow

World Heritage Site context

Cutting edge STEAM facilities for pupils

01.11.2021

Details featured in the RIBA Journal

This month the RIBA Journal features the latest Details publication curated by director Wayne Head. Margate and the New Towns are the latest to fall under the spotlight.

Morland Gardens

Rooftop gardens and sheltered courtyard green spaces
100% social housing, adult education and affordable workspace

Alfreton Park SEN School

Open, light-filled spaces for a range of activities
Outdoor learning spaces connected to park surrounds

New Towns, Stevenage

DETAILS from the UK's first New Town
Quality detailing during an economic downturn

27.10.2021

Welcome Ingrid

We have been joined by talented Architectural Assistant Ingrid Bjerkan, studying at the University of Bath and working on our education, public and conservation projects

Revitalise Peckham Rye

Tight site and budgetary guidelines 
Extending the park into the new buildings

Derriford Care Centre

Sloping site utilised for patient privacy

Efficient patient pathways and clear orientation