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.
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.
2024 | Finalist: RIBA Awards |
2023 | Finalist: AJ Architecture Award |
2023 | Finalist: BD Interior Architect of the Year |
2023 | Finalist: BD Net Zero Architect of the Year |
2023 | Selected: House & Garden Top 100 |
2023 | Winner: NLA Don’t Move Improve Award |
2022 | Finalist: Dezeen Awards |
2022 | Selected: House & Garden Top 100 |
2022 | Commendation: AIA Design Award |
2022 | Finalist: AJ Small Projects Award |
2021 | Selected: RIBA Practice of the Month |
2019 | Finalist: London Construction Awards |
2018 | Finalist: Blueprint Awards Best Residential |
2018 | Finalist: BD Young Architect of the Year |
2018 | Finalist: Dezeen Awards |
2017 | Winner: RIBA Journal Rising Stars Cohort |
2017 | Finalist: BD Housing Architect of the Year |
2017 | Finalist: LFA / GLA Silvertown Competition |
2016 | Finalist: AJ Small Projects Award |
2016 | Finalist: Architizer A+ Awards |
2016 | Finalist: AJ Retrofit Award |
2015 | Finalist: NLA Don’t Move Improve Award |
Press | |
2024 | Mar: Metropolis Magazine – Georgian House |
2024 | Jan: Architectural Review – Low Energy House, Muswell Hill |
2023 | Aug: Modern House – Low Energy House, Muswell Hill |
2023 | May: The Telegraph |
2023 | Mar: Financial Times |
2023 | Feb: Dezeen – House extension in North London |
2023 | Jan: BBC |
2022 | Sep: The Times |
2022 | Aug: House Goals, RIBA – Highbury House Extension |
2022 | Feb: Dezeen – Low Energy House, Muswell Hill |
2022 | Jan: The Times – Low Energy House, Muswell Hill |
2021 | Nov: Wallpaper – Low Energy House, Muswell Hill |
2021 | Apr: The Telegraph |
2021 | Mar: Metro |
2020 | Apr: Grand Designs – House Extension in North London |
2019 | Aug: Dezeen – House Extension in North London |
2018 | Aug: RIBA Journal – House Extension in North London |
2017 | May: Grand Designs – Bethnal Green House |
2017 | Jan: Dezeen – Bethnal Green House |
2016 | Nov: Evening Standard – Bethnal Green House |
2016 | Nov: Grand Designs – Highbury House Extension |
2015 | Jan: Architects Journal – Dartmouth Park House Extension |
2014 | Jun: Dezeen – Highbury House Extension |
2014 | Jan: Evening Standard – Islington Flat Refurbishment |
2013 | Nov: Grand Designs – Lambeth House |
“Architecture for London has been an invaluable partner, with Nick’s expertise proving essential in navigating the complexities of infill sites. Their deep understanding of these unique challenges, combined with a pragmatic approach and sharp attention to detail, has ensured smooth progress even within tight acquisition timelines. The team’s enthusiasm and commitment to high-quality design is inspiring, and we’re excited to strengthen this relationship through future collaboration.” – Jack & Matty, MJHP
“I have had the pleasure of working with the AFL team for my flat refurbishment. The creativity, solutions and attention to detail have been remarkable as has the responsiveness throughout. AFL have also been invaluable in steering through the licensing and approval process needed to get the project off the ground. In short first class work all around and I am proud to recommend AFL to anyone.” – Erik Olsson, Chelsea
“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
“Ben and his team at AFL are aesthetes with exacting attention to detail, strong relationships with local authorities and a thoughtful approach. They delivered designs for our project which were beautiful and well considered. We’re grateful to have found them.” – Rebecca & Dan, Bayswater
“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
“AFL transformed our rather dowdy Grade 2 listed building into a beautiful, bright home, carefully preserving its heritage but bringing the house elegantly into the 21st century. Their ideas and suggestions for the structure, the materials to be used, the setting out of each room and the fittings throughout the house were of the highest quality. From the first rough drawing to the completion of the project, via hundreds of drawings, AFL’s creative and vibrant expertise has been exceptional.” – Mike and Judith, Islington
“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
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Architecture for London on numerous projects and have always been impressed by their diligence, thoroughness, and proactive approach. Their commitment to delivering high quality projects and outcomes for the client and team members is evident and they are a great company to collaborate with.” – Luke Meyers, LMQS Surveying Ltd.