Location?

We are located in an old warehouse building, tucked in a back street off City Road in Hackney, London.

When did the practice start?

The business was established in 2004.

How many staff?

We currently number approximately 45-50 staff.

Company ethos?

Our work is defined by collaborative and interactive endeavour. Our methodology is iterative and accessible. Regardless of scale, location, typology, we continually strive to achieve excellence, which itself is defined by the idiosyncrasies of each situation.

Current projects?

There are many projects under development presently. From retirement housing schemes in Hampstead, Sevenoaks and Guildford, to offices in Shepherds Bush, Islington and across central London, to an energy centre in Elephant Park, a community health centre at the heart of the Aylesbury Masterplan and multiple mixed-use regeneration schemes in Haringey, Brentford, Canada Water, Stratford and Hounslow.

Have you always been at this studio?

Our office has moved several times over the course of the last twelve to thirteen years, but we have always maintained close working ties with Clerkenwell and Shoreditch. Originally housed in a first floor studio of less than 500sqft on the junction of Clerkenwell Road and St John Street, we moved to a 2,000sqft basement in Provost Street before setting up in residence at our current office space; some 6,000sqft of studio space, spread across three demises and three floors.

 Favourite part of the studio?

The studio spaces are generally open plan, with desks arranged in open bays encouraging interaction. Overtime we have evolved our working methodologies to include model making facilities, break out spaces and dedicated meeting and workshop rooms. In our first floor studio is an open and flexible space through which most of the activity of the life of the studio flows. Client meetings, CPD seminars, temporary exhibitions, Friday night presentations and project workshops all happen here. It is also the place where people come together to make and eat food at lunch.

Favourite nearby coffee shop?

We have forged very close interpersonal relationships with the owners of a small independent coffee shop, near the studio. Named 'Westland Coffee and Wine' the staff are super friendly, and also passionate about the coffee served and food prepared. We have come to rely on this small outlet so much, that we view it almost as an extension of the office itself.

Do you eat lunch together?

People always lunch together in pairs or larger groups, either in the office at first floor in our flexible space or in the local bars and cafes, Westland Coffee and Wine being a favourite amongst all staff.

Pets allowed?

The moral position in respect of the keeping of pets is a topic of some debate. Presently the office does not encourage pets.

Most played song/artist/musician?

Music isn't played. People do sometimes listen to personal favourites on headphones.

Favourite architect?

We try not to be influenced by any singular doctrine or agenda. As a practice we actively encourage people to be expansive, broad in thinking, open to influence, questioning and rigorous. No single architect represents this. In this way, there is no favourite. Only admiration and respect for figures past and present.

Favourite Building in London

Our favourite building is one that is uplifting, spiritual, surprising, challenging, unique, flexible, timeless but modern, elegantly detailed, lean and efficient, programmatically rich, but calm and tranquil.