Lucas Lawrence

I’m lucky enough to lead a truly diverse range of projects in the studio — from large-scale transformational designs to more independent architectural work. Whatever the project, I’ve found that success is driven by collaboration, however you choose to measure it. I’m deeply committed to working in partnership with the entire development team — and by that, I mean everyone connected to the process: from local authorities and developers to professional designers, community design groups, the public, and those with specific interests.

While this collaborative approach can add complexity, it also makes the truly ambitious possible. And that, for me, is key: never settle for the ordinary. If we have the opportunity to address real challenges and bring joy to people’s lives, then we should strive to do so as best we can.

There’s a lot of designing (and redesigning) along the way — but also a lot of listening and conversation, as we work to understand the challenges and aspirations of everyone involved. Creating places, buildings, or landscapes is always a collective effort, and I try to make the process as enjoyable and engaging as possible.

As Principal Architect at the studio, I’m focused on building excellence across all of our built work — from concept design through to building safety. Outside the studio, I sit on the Design Review Panels for the London Boroughs of Barking & Dagenham and Havering, and I’m also an invited panel member for several other boroughs.

Alongside my project work, I’ve enjoyed the challenge of helping the studio grow — from its early days to the 80-strong practice we are today. The ability of everyone here to uncover the unexpected and tackle problems head-on continues to inspire me. For them, and for me, no challenge is too complex to take on.