Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Architectural Solutions in London
Established in 1972, The BWCP (BWCP) is a multidisciplinary architecture and planning consultancy with a diverse portfolio spanning urban regeneration, historic building conservation, and international development projects. Our expertise includes navigating complex planning systems, delivering mixed-use developments, and repurposing heritage sites such as Grade I listed churches. With decades of experience advising on strategic planning and collaborating with public and private sector clients, we combine design innovation with practical problem-solving.Our team has worked on landmark schemes like the London International Trade Zone, adaptive reuse of Sir John Soanes Holy Trinity church, and infrastructure projects in Libya. As industry leaders, we maintain active roles in professional organisations and contribute thought leadership through publications and policy development.
Services
Architectural Consultancy
Urban Planning
Heritage Conservation
International Development Projects
Strategic Planning Advice
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of architectural and planning expertise in London and beyond
- Specialists in navigating complex planning systems and heritage projects
- Proven track record with landmark developments like the Roundhouse regeneration
- Active contributors to national planning policy and industry publications
- International experience including masterplanning for Tripoli's metro system
Services
Architectural Consultancy
Our architectural consultancy delivers tailored design solutions for residential, commercial, and heritage projects. We specialise in transforming complex briefs into functional spaces while maintaining aesthetic integrity. Clients benefit from our 50-year track record in creating sustainable, context-sensitive developments across the UK and internationally.
Urban Planning
We provide strategic urban planning advice for regeneration schemes and infrastructure projects. Our expertise includes negotiating planning permissions for challenging sites and preparing design statements that align with local authority requirements. Recent work includes advising on London's Thames boatyard relocation and Crossrail-related developments.
Heritage Conservation
Specialist conservation services focus on preserving architectural heritage while enabling modern reuse. Notable projects include converting Sir John Soane's Holy Trinity church into luxury apartments and securing planning approval for Grade I listed St Marks church. Our approach balances historical integrity with contemporary functionality.
International Development Projects
We deliver international development schemes through strategic partnerships, including Libya's Tripoli metro masterplan. Our cross-border expertise combines local knowledge with UK planning standards, ensuring culturally sensitive solutions for transport infrastructure and urban regeneration in diverse regulatory environments.
Strategic Planning Advice
Our planning specialists advise on complex development applications, from securing London's first smoking roof terrace in Westminster to facilitating charity-led property sales. We leverage deep sector knowledge and policy influence to achieve client objectives while maintaining compliance with evolving planning legislation.
People
Brian Waters
Principal
Co-founder of BWCP, Brian is a chartered architect and town planner with over 50 years' experience. He chaired the London Planning & Development Forum for 25 years and contributes to industry publications. His expertise spans heritage conservation and strategic planning.
Max Boisot
Co-founder
Co-founder with Harvard/MIT postgraduate qualifications in city planning. Instrumental in establishing BWCP's reputation for innovative design solutions. Led early competition entries that shaped the practice's architectural philosophy and approach to urban challenges.
Ralph Cohen
Partner-Advisor
Chartered accountant and financial advisor to BWCP since its founding. Brings extensive corporate finance experience from public company roles. Provides strategic financial guidance ensuring the practice's long-term sustainability and project viability assessments.
Georgina Holden
Collaborator
Key collaborator on recent projects, working alongside Brian Waters. Leverages specialist knowledge in architectural design and planning strategy to deliver complex regeneration schemes. Maintains BWCP's tradition of interdisciplinary teamwork.
Donald Needham
Former Chief Architect
Served as chief architect for two decades, overseeing major projects including the Roundhouse regeneration. Retired after contributing to BWCP's reputation for innovative solutions to challenging architectural briefs across residential and commercial sectors.
Questions
What architectural services does BWCP specialise in?
We specialise in urban planning, heritage conservation, international development projects, and strategic planning advice for complex developments.
How long has BWCP been operating?
The practice was established in 1972, giving us over 50 years' experience in architectural and planning consultancy.
Can BWCP handle international architectural projects?
Yes, we have international experience including masterplanning for Tripoli's metro system and cross-border urban regeneration schemes.
What planning expertise does BWCP offer?
We specialise in negotiating complex planning permissions, preparing design statements, and advising on regulatory compliance for developments in London and beyond.
Does BWCP work on heritage building projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience in historic building conservation, including Grade I listed church conversions and heritage site redevelopments.
