what if: projects

what if: projects is an award-winning architecture practice, and we have a track record of providing high-quality architectural services tailored to the requirements of public and third-sector clients. We work collaboratively and flexibly with often complex stakeholder and client groups to accommodate project-specific processes and timelines. Our small team brings creativity and extensive experience to project development. We pay attention to detail and are committed to delivering all our work to a high standard. Our selection to the Mayor of London’s A+U Framework (2023) to support High Street & Town Centre Recovery has recognised the quality of our practice. We seek to work with clients who want to explore creative approaches in response to the biodiversity and climate crisis. Below an overview of our interests and the fields of work we engage with: HOUSING ENVIRONMENTS: We work in the social housing context to adapt existing buildings, transform shared open spaces, and create the social infrastructure that complements housing. Our participatory process is guided by a commitment to sustainability and resilience. BUILDING DESIGN: Embracing a non-fussy, simple, and restrained design language, we have refurbished, reconfigured, and expanded existing structures to accommodate changing needs and designed proposals for zero-carbon public buildings. ACTIVE TRAVEL: We design urban environments around active, human-powered transport to reduce air pollution and enhance living conditions. Collaborating with stakeholders such as local governments, policymakers, campaign groups, highway engineers, schools, and citizens, we develop strategies and deliver projects prioritising cycling and walking. PUBLIC SPACE: Our public realm work focuses on ordinary streets and neglected open spaces. We collaborate with neighbourhoods and borough councils to create urban environments that improve the quality of life for people and nature. Greening is a key objective – from tree planting to sustainable urban drainage solutions. URBAN RESILIENCE: Our projects leverage local knowledge and community participation to create more equitable, climate-resilient urban environments. We support grassroots organisations in their efforts to effect change locally. Small projects can bring powerful, positive outcomes for people and places. ARTISTIC PRACTICE: Our work is grounded in artistic practice and evolved through art commissions and collaborations. These initiatives are calls for action, provocations and critiques of given conditions. They are a testbed for ideas and, at times, the beginning of something new.