Business Details
22 Years
experience
Architectural Solutions for Community Growth
We are a London-based architectural practice with over 20 years of experience redefining how social and environmental policy is implemented through design. Our work on projects such as High Road Leyton, the Paper Garden, and Blue House Yard demonstrates our commitment to creating lasting social and physical legacies. Our approach combines ecological, economic, and social analysis to deliver innovative design solutions tailored to community needs. We work across sectors including regeneration, education, public space, and landscape, united by a public purpose.Sustainability is central to our practice, achieved through community engagement, reclaimed materials, and local supply networks. We hold ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, are a London Living Wage employer, and part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation Community. Our team of experienced professionals has won numerous awards, including Social Value Architect of the Year and recognition for a lifetime of architecture for the common good.
Services
High street regeneration
Temporary workspace design
Community gardens
Public realm projects
Educational facilities
Sustainable architecture
Urban planning
Cultural spaces
Workspace solutions
Environmental design
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in community-focused architectural design
- Our team holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 quality and environmental certifications
- We pioneered the use of reclaimed materials in award-winning regeneration projects
- Our participatory design approach engages communities from project inception
- We are a London Living Wage employer committed to social and environmental values
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
- ISO 14001
What people say
Transformed the area completely
Exemplary community engagement
Innovative use of materials
Delivered beyond expectations
Lasting positive impact
Services
High Street Regeneration
We revitalise commercial corridors through participatory design, improving retail environments while maintaining community character. Our approach combines physical improvements with economic development strategies. Projects include shop front enhancements, public realm upgrades, and temporary activations that support local businesses during transformation periods.
Temporary Workspace Design
We create adaptable work environments using reclaimed materials and demountable construction techniques. These spaces support entrepreneurs and small businesses during urban regeneration phases. Our designs prioritise circular economy principles while providing immediate economic benefits to local communities through job creation and skills development.
Community Garden Development
We design inclusive outdoor areas that combine ecological education with social interaction. Our gardens feature natural materials, edible landscapes, and multi-functional elements. Each project involves local volunteers in construction and maintenance, fostering environmental stewardship and community cohesion through hands-on participation.
Public Realm Enhancement
We transform underutilised urban areas into vibrant community assets through creative placemaking. Our interventions include seating installations, wayfinding solutions, and interactive features that respond to local context. Each project incorporates sustainable materials and prioritises accessibility for diverse user groups.
Educational Facility Design
We create inspiring environments for education that support diverse learning styles. Our designs incorporate tactile materials, flexible layouts, and natural elements. We work closely with educators and students to develop spaces that enhance learning outcomes while addressing specific educational needs and community requirements.
People
Jan Kattein
Director
Founded the practice in 2004 with a collaborative design philosophy. Holds a PhD from The Bartlett, recipient of RIBA research awards, and author of 'The Architecture Chronicle'. Teaches at UCL and contributes to industry panels shaping urban development policies.
Gareth Marriott
Director of Design
Leads design quality across projects with expertise in urban regeneration. Graduated with distinction from The Bartlett, brings international experience from China and Sheffield. Teaches at Oxford Brookes and delivers award-winning town centre regeneration schemes.
Chrysanthe Staikopoulou
Director of Partnerships
Manages strategic partnerships and financial operations. Holds dual Masters from The Bartlett and Royal College of Art. Previously worked on London Streetscape Guidance and leads our ISO accreditation compliance processes.
Gabriel Warshafsky
Director of Projects
Oversees project delivery with 8+ years leading regeneration programmes. Qualified architect with first-class honours from The Bartlett. Teaches at The Bartlett School of Architecture and specialises in complex urban transformations.
Sue Amos
Landscape Architect
Specialises in ecological design with 20+ years experience. Former Head of Gardens at Global Generation, founded Glengall Wharf Garden. Advises communities on creating productive landscapes that support biodiversity and human wellbeing.
Questions
How do you involve communities in your architectural projects?
We embed community engagement from project inception through workshops, consultations, and volunteer construction opportunities. This ensures designs reflect local needs while building community ownership of the final outcomes.
What makes your approach to sustainability different?
We combine material re-use with social sustainability, prioritising reclaimed materials and local supply chains while creating spaces that foster community connections and environmental stewardship.
Can you deliver projects outside London?
While based in London, we've completed projects across the UK including Cambridge, Stratford, and Croydon. Our adaptable design methodology allows us to respond effectively to different regional contexts.
How do temporary projects create lasting impact?
Our temporary interventions use modular, demountable construction that can be relocated. They maintain community engagement during long-term regeneration and often evolve into permanent solutions through continuous community involvement.
What sectors do you specialise in?
We focus on urban regeneration, public realm design, educational facilities, and community spaces. Our cross-sector expertise allows innovative solutions that combine insights from different built environment disciplines.
How do you ensure design quality across projects?
Our ISO 9001 certification ensures rigorous quality management. Directors maintain hands-on involvement, while regular peer reviews and staff development programmes uphold our high design standards across all projects.
