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

2024Finalist: RIBA Awards
2023Finalist: AJ Architecture Award
2023Finalist: BD Interior Architect of the Year
2023Finalist: BD Net Zero Architect of the Year
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
2018Finalist: Dezeen Awards
2017Winner: RIBA Journal Rising Stars Cohort
2017Finalist: BD Housing Architect of the Year
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

2024Mar: Metropolis Magazine – Georgian House
2024Jan: Architectural Review – Low Energy House, Muswell Hill
2023Aug: Modern House – Low Energy House, Muswell Hill
2023May: The Telegraph
2023Mar: Financial Times
2023Feb: Dezeen – House extension in North London
2023Jan: BBC
2022Sep: The Times
2022Aug: House Goals, RIBA – Highbury House Extension
2022Feb: Dezeen – Low Energy House, Muswell Hill
2022Jan: The Times – Low Energy House, Muswell Hill
2021Nov: Wallpaper – Low Energy House, Muswell Hill
2021Apr: The Telegraph
2021Mar: Metro
2020Apr: Grand Designs – House Extension in North London
2019Aug: Dezeen – House Extension in North London
2018Aug: RIBA Journal – House Extension in North London
2017May: Grand Designs – Bethnal Green House
2017Jan: Dezeen – Bethnal Green House
2016Nov: Evening Standard – Bethnal Green House
2016Nov: Grand Designs – Highbury House Extension
2015Jan: Architects Journal – Dartmouth Park House Extension
2014Jun: Dezeen – Highbury House Extension
2014Jan: Evening Standard – Islington Flat Refurbishment
2013Nov: Grand Designs – Lambeth House

Clients

“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.

Team