Business Details
30 Years
experience
Leading Architectural Design & Innovation in London
Alison Brooks Architects is a globally acclaimed architectural practice founded in 1996 by Canadian-born architect Alison Brooks. Our work spans urban design, housing, private houses, public buildings, and cultural institutions, characterised by a sculptural design language rooted in place-memory, culture, and nature. We are the only UK practice to have won the RIBA Stirling Prize, Manser Medal (twice), and Stephen Lawrence Prize, reflecting our commitment to innovative, inclusive city-building. Our portfolio includes landmark projects such as the Cohen Quadrangle at Exeter College, Oxford, and the Quayside Toronto masterplan.With a focus on sustainability and biophilic design, we collaborate internationally on projects that merge architectural excellence with environmental responsibility. Our team combines decades of experience in architectural research, teaching, and practice, ensuring every project benefits from rigorous design thinking and technical expertise. We maintain a strong presence in London while delivering projects across the UK, Canada, Mexico, and Asia, fostering cross-cultural dialogue through architecture.
Services
Urban Design
Private Houses
Public Buildings
Housing Developments
Architectural Consultancy
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in architectural design and urban planning.
- Our practice has won the UK's three most prestigious architectural awards.
- We prioritise sustainable and biophilic design principles in all projects.
- Our team includes internationally recognised experts in collective housing.
- We maintain a global perspective through cross-border collaborations and teaching.
Services
Urban Design
Our urban design services create vibrant, sustainable cities through holistic masterplanning and community-focused interventions. We specialise in transforming complex sites into cohesive environments that balance density with green space. Projects like the Quayside Toronto masterplan demonstrate our ability to merge cultural context with future-ready infrastructure.
Private Houses
We design bespoke private residences that explore materiality, light, and spatial innovation. From the award-winning VXO House to Windward House (2021 RIBA House of the Year), our work redefines domestic architecture through sculptural forms and natural connections.
Public Buildings
Our public buildings include educational institutions, arts venues, and civic spaces that foster community engagement. The Cohen Quadrangle at Exeter College exemplifies our approach to blending historical context with contemporary functionality through innovative spatial sequencing.
Housing Developments
We create mixed-use housing developments that prioritise social interaction and environmental sustainability. Our schemes, like Cadence in Kings Cross, feature adaptable layouts and communal spaces designed to enhance urban living quality while addressing housing crises.
Architectural Consultancy
We offer expert consultancy covering biophilic design, heritage retrofit, and sustainable construction. Our team provides strategic guidance for complex projects, ensuring architectural excellence through material innovation and contextual sensitivity.
People
Alison Brooks
Founder and Creative Director
Canadian-born Alison Brooks established her practice in 1996. She is the only UK architect to win the RIBA Stirling Prize, Manser Medal (twice), and Stephen Lawrence Prize. Her work focuses on urban inclusivity and material innovation.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in urban design, private houses, public buildings, housing developments, and architectural consultancy, with a focus on sustainable and culturally responsive design.
What notable projects have you completed?
Key projects include the Cohen Quadrangle at Exeter College, Oxford, Cadence in Kings Cross, and the Quayside Toronto masterplan.
What awards has the practice received?
We have won the RIBA Stirling Prize, Manser Medal (twice), Stephen Lawrence Prize, and were named Dezeen Architect of the Year in 2020.
Do you work internationally?
Yes, we deliver projects across the UK, Canada, Mexico, and South Korea, fostering global architectural dialogue.
What is your approach to sustainable design?
We integrate biophilic design principles and prioritise material reuse, energy efficiency, and environmental harmony in all our projects.
