About Us
We are architects and urban designers working in social housing design, civic buildings and on major public-led projects in the UK and internationally. Established over two decades ago to raise standards in social and affordable housing – after some 40 years of neglect – we work with city leaders and the public sector to design and deliver beautiful, genuinely affordable homes and equitable neighbourhoods.
Our Design Approach
Pioneered through our work with local communities, we embrace a collaborative and hands-on approach to design. We rigorously test and refine ideas through sketches and models, exploring context, scale, typology, light, space and materiality to create exceptional housing schemes that are unique to each site and the residents we meet. Our work spans all scales – from individual buildings to comprehensive masterplans – always focussed on creating intelligently planned architecture that is highly‑crafted, well-detailed and which brings delight to the people who live there.
Designing Better Neighbourhoods
Great neighbourhoods can change lives. Our team create masterplans, design codes, frameworks and urban design strategies that integrate new homes with biodiverse landscapes and social infrastructure, often within a housing estate context. We respond thoughtfully to the character of each place and develop connected, distinctive, age-friendly neighbourhoods that support community well-being and offer real opportunities.
Places to Call Home
Homes are much more than bricks and mortar. We design housing that exceeds regulatory standards, with quality materials and unique house types designed for comfort and everyday delight. Considered layouts are combined with a generosity of space and storage, creating dwellings which are inclusive, energy-efficient and built for the future, and which people are proud to call home.
Working with Communities
We believe local residents should play an active role in shaping the future of their neighbourhoods. For over twenty years, we have led an open dialogue, co-design workshops and participatory events to make architecture accessible to all, supported by social value programmes that deliver tangible benefits to the communities we work with. Our post-occupancy programme enables us to learn lessons from our completed projects, ensuring future residents and clients benefit from our iterative, research-driven approach.
Research + Advocacy
Housing and city-making is what motivates us. Through continuous research and design testing, we refine our knowledge to deliver the most effective solutions for every project. Drawing inspiration from across the UK and globally, we explore all aspects of housing, from dwelling design and construction methods to policy, funding models, and environmental performance. We share insights through our international publications and outreach, promoting quality, advancing best practice and driving meaningful change.
