Community-Led Architecture
Structural Engineering for climate-resilient &
Inclusive Places

Our building design is an interdisciplinary studio offering design-led Architecture and Structural Engineering consultancy based in London. Our collaborative design approach places people and community at the heart of our projects, allowing us to engage with our clients in a unique way, resulting in an appropriate outcome that responds to the context.

Who We Are

Our Building Design is an inter-disciplinary and collaborative platform that provides a unique opportunity for professionals such as architects, structural engineers, researchers and strategists, to work with communities, to co-design to create spatial, environmental and social change.

We deliver award-winning architectural and structural engineering design services from concept development and feasibility studies to planning applications, technical design, and project delivery. Working closely with clients, stakeholders, and communities, we create sustainable, inclusive, and context-responsive buildings, public spaces, and neighbourhoods.

WHAT WE DO

Architectural services

Community-Led Architecture for Inclusive Places

We are architects specialising in community-led design, co-design, and community engagement. We work with local authorities, charities, public sector organisations, housing providers, and community groups to create inclusive buildings, public spaces, and neighbourhoods that respond to local needs and aspirations.

Our services span the full project lifecycle, from feasibility studies and concept design to planning applications, technical design, and project delivery. By combining architectural expertise with meaningful participation, we deliver sustainable, socially impactful projects that strengthen communities, create lasting social value, and foster a stronger sense of belonging.

Architecture & Design

Award-winning architectural design services from concept to delivery, creating regenerative, inclusive buildings, public spaces, and neighbourhoods that generate lasting social, environmental, and economic value.

Curation: Exhibition & Public Programmes

Curating research events, exhibitions, and public programmes that foster knowledge exchange, public engagement, and dialogue on architecture, climate resilience, and spatial justice.

Research, Pedagogy and Communities

Architectural research, education, and community engagement advancing inclusive design, climate resilience, spatial justice, and meaningful participation to create equitable and socially impactful places.

Structural engineering services

Structural Engineering to Support Your Building Projects

At Our Building Design, every project is undertaken by a dedicated chartered structural engineer with over 22 years of experience. Since establishing the company in 2018, over 300 projects have been completed alongside individual clients, architects, and contractors. We use the latest technical design and industry developments, as informed by the continual professional development (CPD) process required by
The Institution of Structural Engineers.

Analysis & Design

We use the latest structural engineering software to analyse and design complex shapes including modelling second-order effects, portal frames and vibration.

House Extension Structural Calculations & Drawings

Information provided includes all structural calculations and structural drawings required for Building Control approval and construction level information that will be required by the Contractor.

Steelwork Connections

Designing in accordance with the latest Eurocode EC3 (Part 1-8), Our Building Design is able to design and detail all types of steelwork connections including splices, moment connections and simple connections.

Reinforced Concrete Detailing

Design and reinforcement detailing (including bar bending schedules) of piled foundations, ground beams, staircases, floor slabs, beams and columns.

Temporary Works Design

Working with temporary works suppliers to provide a temporary works design, ranging from temporary vertical and stability support to an existing frame, to temporary lateral support to a basement excavation.

Commercial Work

Working with commercial clients on a variety of projects, such as mezzanine floor structures for storage purposes, art gallery spaces, retail, offices and HMO properties.

Projects

Our projects deliver co-designed, climate-responsive architecture and structural engineering with communities and individuals.

The practice develops low-impact bio-based building systems, integrating design with on-site training and local fabrication, to build skills in sustainable assembly and local material innovation.

WHY CHOOSE US?

Our Building Design has been listed in the Architecture Foundation’s book New Architects 5 as one of the best emerging architectural practices in the United Kingdom, for our community-led architecture and structural engineering for climate-resilient & inclusive places.

Unlike traditional design practices, our award-winning approach integrates architecture, structural engineering, community engagement, and practice-based research to create inclusive, climate-resilient places shaped by the people who use them.

Research

We have worked closely alongside FAME (Female Architects of Minority Ethnic) who are a research-network, exposing the barriers in architecture. Drawing on research, personal testimonies, and the experiences of FAME (Female Architects of Minority Ethnic), this book exposes structural barriers and offers pathways towards a more inclusive and equitable built environment.

An essential resource for educators, practitioners, students, and policymakers, combining research and lived experience to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in architecture.

Some of our collaborators

Kind Words

Very professional, friendly and knowledgeable.
I had struggled to find a firm that would break down the expected costs to me and had even found some to be rather rude when listening to my layman’s explanation of what I wanted doing.

David was very willing to indulge me and help me to understand exactly what costs I might run into, depending on his findings. Very happy with his services and would absolutely recommend.

M Baxter, London

Promptness of response : Quick, efficient response. Communication and quote first rate.
Quality of service : 10/10
Value for money : 10/10
Professionalism : 10/10
Arrived on time for site visit. Very open to discuss project and impact on residence. Would recommend them and would use them again.

A Binfield, Kingston upon Thames

“I used the supplier twice and they are professional, reliable and provide a very prompt service. I would recommend Our Building Design to everyone.”

K Nathan, Surrey

Ready to bring your vision to life?

Every remarkable building begins with a conversation

From the first sketch to the final detail, we design spaces that balance creativity, function, and engineering precision.

Beautiful architecture deserves intelligent engineering. Whether you’re extending your home, planning a new build, or developing a community project, Our Building Design will guide you from concept to completion.

Let us help you to create something extraordinary.

Community-Led Architecture Structural Engineering for climate-resilient & Inclusive Places