Business Details
Coffey Architects: Designing Spaces for People & Nature
At Coffey Architects, we design spaces that connect people to their environment, fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world. Our practice is rooted in the strategic use of natural light, sustainable materials, and biophilic principles to create buildings that enhance wellbeing and reduce environmental impact. With over two decades of experience, we deliver award-winning projects across residential, commercial, cultural, and urban design sectors, prioritising community engagement and innovative solutions.Our team combines technical expertise with creative vision, ensuring every project meets rigorous sustainability standards while addressing the unique needs of clients and end-users. As members of leading industry initiatives like Architects Declare and the Passivhaus Trust, we are committed to advancing net-zero design and social value through architecture that inspires lasting connections between people and their surroundings.
Services
Architectural Design
Urban Planning
Sustainable Architecture
Cultural Projects
Residential Development
Commercial Retrofit
Educational Facilities
Heritage Conservation
Biophilic Design
Net Zero Strategy
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in sustainable architectural design.
- Our team includes certified Passive House Consultants for energy-efficient solutions.
- We prioritise biophilic design to enhance occupant health and wellbeing.
- Award-winning practice with recognition from RIBA, Civic Trust, and MIPIM UK.
- Commitment to social value through community engagement and inclusive design.
Associations and certifications
- Architects Declare
- RIBA 2030 Challenge
- Passivhaus Trust
What people say
Award-winning designs
Sustainable expertise
Community focus
Light-filled spaces
Heritage sensitivity
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainable architecture integrates energy-efficient systems, recycled materials, and passive design principles to minimise environmental impact. We prioritise net-zero carbon targets through innovative insulation, natural ventilation, and renewable energy solutions. Projects like 22 Handyside Street (BREEAM Outstanding) demonstrate our commitment to creating buildings that balance ecological responsibility with functional excellence for clients and occupants.
Urban Planning
We specialise in masterplanning mixed-use developments that enhance urban connectivity and public spaces. Our approach combines heritage preservation with modern infrastructure, as seen in Brentford Waterside and Wembley Park Housing. By integrating green corridors and community-focused layouts, we create vibrant, future-proof environments that respond to demographic and environmental challenges while securing planning approvals.
Cultural Projects
Our cultural architecture focuses on light-filled, accessible spaces that foster community engagement. Projects like the London Irish Centre and Science Museum Research Centre use biophilic design to create inspiring environments for learning and creativity. We balance aesthetic innovation with practical requirements, ensuring spaces adapt to evolving cultural needs while achieving award-winning recognition.
Residential Development
We design residential schemes that prioritise natural light, communal areas, and sustainable materials. From retirement communities like Cobham Bowers to high-density urban housing, our projects address diverse demographics while maintaining architectural character. Innovations in space optimisation and energy efficiency ensure homes meet modern living standards and environmental targets.
Commercial Retrofit
Our retrofit expertise transforms existing buildings into efficient, modern workspaces. Projects such as 10 Exchange Square and Howick Place HQ demonstrate our ability to upgrade Victorian and industrial structures with contemporary layouts, energy-saving systems, and biophilic elements. This approach extends building lifecycles while reducing carbon footprints and enhancing tenant wellbeing.
People
Phil Coffey
Founder & Director
Phil founded Coffey Architects with a focus on sustainable design and natural light. He has won multiple RIBA awards and contributes to architectural discourse as a speaker and educator. His leadership drives the practice's innovative approach to environmental and social challenges in architecture.
Michael Henriksen
Studio Director
Michael leads design reviews and champions biophilic principles across projects. With expertise in Nordic architecture and sustainability, he ensures conceptual clarity and material innovation. He mentors emerging architects and contributes to the practice's research into nature-integrated design solutions.
Steve Jones
Sustainability Director
Steve oversees low-carbon strategies and technical compliance. A certified Passivhaus designer, he leads whole-life carbon analysis and sustainability training. His work on projects like 22 Handyside Street demonstrates his commitment to achieving net-zero targets through rigorous design and material selection.
Rafid Sulaiman
Project Director
Raf specialises in complex urban developments and heritage-sensitive schemes. He leads affordable housing projects and planning approvals, combining social value with architectural innovation. His expertise in stakeholder engagement ensures designs meet community needs while achieving award-winning outcomes.
Dorota Glab
Operations Director
Dorota manages practice operations and studio culture. With experience in global firms, she implements systems for quality control, HR, and sustainability. Her focus on ethical practices and industry collaboration strengthens Coffey's commitment to inclusive, responsible architecture.
Questions
What architectural styles does Coffey Architects specialise in?
We blend modernist principles with biophilic design, prioritising natural light and sustainable materials across contemporary, heritage-sensitive, and adaptive reuse projects.
Do you handle international architectural projects?
Yes, we work across the UK, Europe, Middle East, and South Asia, with recent projects in Dhaka, Jeddah, and London demonstrating our global expertise.
How do you incorporate sustainability into designs?
We use passive design, recycled materials, energy-efficient systems, and biophilic principles. Our team includes certified Passivhaus consultants and net-zero specialists.
Can you assist with planning approvals for complex sites?
Yes, we specialise in securing approvals for heritage sites and urban regeneration projects through stakeholder engagement and evidence-based design solutions.
What residential projects have you completed?
We design diverse housing from retirement communities (Cobham Bowers) to urban schemes (Moors Nook), focusing on light, community spaces, and sustainability.
Do you offer retrofit and conservation services?
Yes, our retrofit work includes office upgrades (Howick Place) and heritage buildings, combining modern functionality with preservation of architectural character.
