About

Our aim is to improve people’s lives by reimagining the places in which we live and work. The studio is a collaborative team of architects, landscape and interior designers. We work at all scales, from furniture to bespoke private homes and commercial developments. We are an RIBA Chartered Practice based in London.

Environmental impact is a key consideration in our work. We take a research-based, fabric first approach to sustainability that carefully considers the embodied energy of materials and the performance of our buildings in use. Director and architect Ben Ridley is a Passivhaus designer.

Approach

We take pride in a tailored and personal approach. We listen to our clients, seek elegant answers to their questions and add unexpected value through creative design. The success of each project is driven by precise management of budget, programme and quality, resulting in a smooth and reliable process from initial concept to completion.

Our studio has a four-team structure. This allows each project to be run by a focused and energetic group, yet simultaneously benefit from the skills and experience of the wider office. Together we understand the complexities of projects in London: we relish the challenge of working with constrained sites, complex stakeholder groups, and heritage buildings.

We offer a unique Healthy Homes design service. We seek to create homes that benefit both from the improved air quality and thermal comfort of Passivhaus construction, whilst using low VOC and natural materials wherever possible to create a healthy indoor environment.

Our turn-key approach is unique. Whilst we are architect-led, our team offers specialist structural engineering, planning, landscape, interior design and construction skills. We provide a holistic design and build service that removes risk and instils confidence.

Recognition

2023Selected: House & Garden Top 100
2023Winner: NLA Don’t Move Improve Award
2022Finalist: Dezeen Awards
2022Selected: House & Garden Top 100
2022Commendation: AIA Design Award
2022Finalist: AJ Small Projects Award
2021Selected: RIBA Practice of the Month
2019Finalist: London Construction Awards
2018Finalist: Blueprint Awards Best Residential
2018Finalist: BD Young Architect of the Year Award
2018Finalist: Dezeen Awards
2017Winner: RIBA Journal Rising Stars Cohort
2017Finalist: BD Housing Architect of the Year Award
2017Finalist: LFA / GLA Silvertown Competition
2016Finalist: AJ Small Projects Award
2016Finalist: Architizer A+ Awards
2016Finalist: AJ Retrofit Award
2015Finalist: NLA Don’t Move Improve Award

Press

2022Aug: House Goals, RIBA – Highbury House
2022Mar: DOMUS – Low Energy House
2022Feb: Dezeen – Low Energy House
2022Jan: The Times – Low Energy House
2021Dec: ArchDaily – Low Energy House
2021Nov: Wallpaper – Low Energy House
2021Sep: Open House – Low Energy House
2021Apr: The Telegraph – Refurbishing listed buildings
2021Mar: Metro – Light in architecture
2021Feb: The Architects Journal – Dartmouth Park House
2020Apr: Grand Designs – North London House
2019Sep: Open House – Dartmouth Park House
2019Aug: Dezeen – North London House
2019May: DOMUS – North London House
2018Sep: Open House – Holland Park House
2018Aug: RIBA Journal – North London House
2017Jun: The Architects Journal – Silver-Smithy
2017May: Grand Designs – Bethnal Green House
2017Jan: Dezeen – Bethnal Green House
2016Nov: Evening Standard – Bethnal Green House
2016Nov: Grand Designs – Highbury House
2015Jan: The Architects Journal – Dartmouth Park House
2014Jun: Dezeen – Highbury House
2014Jan: Evening Standard – Islington Flat
2013Nov: Grand Designs – Lambeth House

Clients

“We have had the privilege of working with the team at Architecture for London on a number of projects, both commercial and residential and have been delighted with the process and the finished product” – Clerks Well Developments ltd

“AFL had the perfect balance of giving me new ideas, challenging me and respecting my wishes. From obtaining planning permission to helping me choose great contractors they were brilliant throughout. Trustworthy, solution-oriented, creative and experts in their field – they were a pleasure to work with!” – Fatos, Primrose Hill

“We are simply thrilled with the outcome. AFL fully delivered on the brief and our home feels modern, while in keeping with the period building” – Jackie & Adrian, Camden

“AFL combine bold, innovative artistic talent with strong practical considerations in their approach. Truly a fantastic team of architects” – Wecca Ltd, Westminster

“AFL played a vital role in making my development a reality, as part of a very strong design team that ultimately won our crucial approval at appeal.” – Ken Yong, Greenwich

“We decided to hire and work with AFL because of their competence, reliability and team-oriented work. We will certainly work on further projects in London with AFL” – Moritz Gruppe GmbH, Berlin

Team