Business Details
15 Years
experience
Innovative & Sustainable Architecture in Cambridge
Established in 2011, MCW Architects is a Cambridge-based studio founded by three architects united by a shared vision to create impactful architecture that improves lives. Our practice prioritises sustainability, social responsibility, and innovative design, delivering projects that balance creativity with functionality. With a dedicated team of professionals, we collaborate closely with clients to develop tailored solutions that respond to specific needs, contexts, and environmental considerations.Recognised through numerous awards, including Civic Trust and RIBA accolades, our work spans educational institutions, community spaces, and sustainable developments. We champion transparency, ethical practices, and long-term relationships, ensuring our clients and communities benefit from architecture that is both meaningful and enduring. Our commitment to tackling the climate crisis and enhancing social legacy underpins every project we undertake.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Urban Design
Educational Buildings
Community Spaces
Historic Renovation
Climate-Responsive Design
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We prioritise sustainability and social responsibility in every project
- Our team maintains long-term client relationships through collaborative design
- Award-winning expertise in educational and community architecture
- We integrate climate-conscious practices into all our developments
- Dedicated professionals with proven experience in complex architectural projects
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainable architecture focuses on energy efficiency, eco-friendly materials, and climate-conscious planning. We create buildings that reduce environmental impact while maintaining aesthetic and functional excellence. Projects incorporate passive design principles and renewable technologies to meet modern sustainability standards.
Educational Buildings
Specialising in educational facilities, we design inspiring learning environments tailored to students' and staff needs. Our projects prioritise flexibility, accessibility, and technological integration while achieving award-winning architectural quality across universities and schools.
Historic Renovation
We revitalise historic structures through sensitive restoration and adaptive reuse strategies. Our approach preserves architectural heritage while introducing modern functionality, as demonstrated in award-winning projects like the Stapleford Granary and Engine Shed developments.
Community Spaces
Creating inclusive public spaces that foster social interaction and community engagement. Our designs balance practical requirements with visionary concepts, delivering civic buildings and cultural venues that serve diverse populations effectively.
Urban Design
We develop holistic urban strategies that enhance cityscapes through sustainable masterplanning. Our expertise includes campus developments and mixed-use schemes that integrate transportation, green spaces, and architectural coherence for long-term urban vitality.
People
Alba Salcedo Rahola
Associate
Alba brings expertise in sustainable design and project delivery to our team. With experience across educational and cultural projects, she focuses on creating spaces that enhance user experience while addressing environmental challenges through innovative architectural solutions.
Colin Moses
Director
As a founding director, Colin leads strategic design direction and client relationships. His leadership ensures our projects maintain architectural excellence while addressing complex briefs through creative problem-solving and technical expertise across diverse sectors.
Paula Mejia-Wright
Associate Director
Paula specialises in educational architecture with a focus on user-centred design. She leads projects that prioritise functionality and inclusivity, ensuring spaces support learning outcomes while achieving sustainability targets through evidence-based design approaches.
Javier Vicioso
Senior Architect
Javier contributes technical expertise to complex architectural projects. His work focuses on delivering high-quality design solutions that balance aesthetic vision with practical construction requirements across our educational and community building portfolios.
Murdoch Cameron
Director
Murdoch oversees project delivery and design innovation. With extensive experience in public sector architecture, he ensures our projects meet rigorous standards for sustainability, functionality, and architectural excellence in both new builds and renovations.
Questions
What architectural services does MCW Architects offer?
We specialise in sustainable architecture, educational buildings, historic renovations, community spaces, and urban design projects across the UK.
How does MCW Architects approach sustainability?
We integrate climate-conscious design principles, energy-efficient systems, and eco-friendly materials into every project to minimise environmental impact.
Which notable projects has MCW completed?
Our award-winning projects include the University of Northampton's Waterside Campus, St John's College dining facilities, and Stapleford Granary restoration.
Do you collaborate with other professionals?
Yes, we work with engineers, sustainability consultants, and specialist contractors to deliver comprehensive architectural solutions for complex projects.