van Heyningen and Haward Architects LLP

van Heyningen and Haward is an award winning design-led practice. Founded in 1983, we are now a partnership, owned and managed by three equity partners, James McCosh, Meryl Townley and Chris Wilderspin. The partners are closely involved in the design and delivery of challenging and interesting projects where we can really add value. This ethos has continued to inform the practice as we have grown, and underpins our ability to undertake a wide range of complex projects.

By adopting an open and holistic approach which respects the input of the client, the whole of the professional team, stakeholders and other interest groups (as appropriate) we are able to arrive at elegant and effective buildings that maximise their potential. Teamwork allows us to benefit from the contribution of specialists and have constructive negotiations with the statutory authorities, but is directed by our determination to produce good design for the common good.

This inclusive attitude needs to be balanced with commitment and a determination to carry a design through and maintain quality. We produce innovative solutions which work well in their context, are fit for purpose and good value for money. When we have arrived at a scheme supported by our Client we are determined and skilled advocates - to stakeholders, consultees and statutory authorities. We will work closely with all parties to achieve the best result possible.

The architecture of each project responds to the specific wishes of the client, the nature of the site, brief and budget, coupled with the pursuit of excellence in place making, construction and sustainability. We therefore have no ‘house style’. Instead our projects share a common approach and a common understanding of what is important; ‘the place’, clarity of layout, responding to the surroundings intelligently, attending to the detail of the brief and taking a long term view.