Formation Architects

Formation Architects is an established, award-winning architectural practice based in Central London, known for its comprehensive approach to design and construction. With a team of over 90 professionals, the firm operates from its purpose-designed studio at The Oval, Kennington, and maintains a secondary office in Cardiff. Formation Architects combines development insight, design creativity, and construction expertise to deliver high-quality projects across various sectors.

Core Expertise and Sectors

Formation Architects operates in four main sectors: Mainstream Residential, Super Prime, Commercial Offices, and Hotels.

1. Mainstream Residential: The firm has extensive experience designing and constructing medium to large-scale residential projects. They work with private developers and housing associations to address the housing crisis, particularly in London. Notable projects include the Green Quarter in Ealing, Woolwich Central, and the Brentford Waterside development​ (Formation Architects)​​ (Formation Architects)​.
2. Super Prime: Formation Architects has built a solid reputation in the super-prime market, catering to high-end clients in London and the South-East. They handle both new-build and refurbishment projects, often collaborating with renowned interior designers and trade contractors to ensure the highest quality. Key projects include 100 Park Lane and Lancelot House in Knightsbridge​ (Formation Architects)​​ (Formation Architects)​.
3. Commercial Offices: The firm has a long history of designing and refurbishing office spaces. Their expertise in this sector is demonstrated through projects like Botanic House, a 52,280 sqft commercial office building, and various office conversions across London​ (Formation Architects)​​ (Formation Architects)​.
4. Hotels: Formation Architects has designed hotels ranging from budget to luxury, including new builds and refurbishments. One notable project is the IBIS Hotel, which features 231 rooms above the largest cycle park in the UK​ (Formation Architects)​.

Services

Formation Architects provides a full range of architectural services from concept to completion. These services include:

• Concept Design: They focus on making urban spaces more humane and sustainable, considering the unique characteristics of each site.
• Planning Applications: They assist clients in navigating the planning process, leveraging their detailed knowledge of local regulations and relationships with planning departments.
• Construction Delivery: The firm prides itself on its construction know-how, delivering various types of buildings under multiple contractual regimes.
• Construction Documentation and Audits: They use advanced software for project documentation and offer auditing services to ensure project quality and compliance​ (Formation Architects)​​ (Formation Architects)​.

Studio Environment and Culture

Formation Architects’ main studio in Kennington is designed to foster collaboration and creativity. The open-plan layout and numerous meeting areas facilitate teamwork and the cross-fertilization of ideas. The firm employs the latest software for both presentations and construction documentation, ensuring they remain at the cutting edge of architectural practice​ (Formation Architects)​​ (Formation Architects)​.

The practice also places a strong emphasis on social responsibility and community engagement. Their Formation Community team influences the culture and ethos of the organization, promoting values that support both their staff and the wider community​ (Formation Architects)​.

Notable Projects

• Lots Road Power Station: This project involved converting a historic power station into a 260-unit residential-led mixed-use development, part of the Chelsea Waterfront masterplan​ (Formation Architects)​.
• The Glebe: A luxury development in Chelsea, showcasing the firm’s ability to deliver high-end residential projects with meticulous attention to detail​ (Formation Architects)​.
• The Brewery Site: A social housing scheme that blends into its local context and serves a vibrant community, demonstrating the firm’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive design​ (Formation Architects)​.

Formation Architects is a dynamic, ambitious practice with a proven track record in delivering high-quality architectural solutions across a range of sectors. Their dedication to collaboration, sustainability, and community engagement sets them apart in the industry.