Business Details
21 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design Services
AOC Architecture is a London-based architectural practice established in 2005, led by directors Tom Coward, Gill Lambert, and Geoff Shearcroft. We specialise in creating transformative buildings, experiences, and places that foster human connection through collaborative design. Our approach combines practical research, in-situ testing, and material innovation to deliver context-specific solutions with low environmental impact. With over two decades of collective experience, we excel in adapting historically significant structures and pioneering sustainable architecture, evidenced by our numerous industry awards and recognition in national and international press.Our team maintains strong academic ties, contributing to architectural education through teaching and research, while our portfolio spans cultural institutions, educational facilities, and community spaces. We prioritise transparency, client collaboration, and ethical practices, demonstrated through our status as a London Living Wage employer and commitment to diversity in recruitment.
Services
Architectural Design
Heritage Adaptation
Sustainable Architecture
Cultural Spaces
Educational Facilities
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We combine 20+ years of architectural expertise with academic research to deliver innovative solutions
- Our collaborative design process involves clients, communities, and experts throughout project development
- Specialists in low-carbon construction and adaptive reuse of historic buildings
- Recognised leaders in cultural and educational architecture with 40+ industry awards
- Maintain transparency through rigorous design testing and client communication
What people say
Award-winning designs
Sustainable innovation
Community engagement
Heritage expertise
Academic leadership
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design service creates context-specific solutions that balance aesthetic innovation with functional requirements. We specialise in new-build and adaptive reuse projects across cultural, educational, and civic sectors. Through collaborative workshops and material experimentation, we develop spaces that respond to environmental considerations and community needs while maintaining rigorous attention to detail and construction quality.
Heritage Adaptation
We specialise in transforming historically significant buildings through sensitive interventions that preserve architectural heritage while meeting modern functional demands. Our approach combines thorough historical research with innovative engineering solutions to breathe new life into protected structures while maintaining their cultural significance and embodied energy.
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainable architecture service focuses on reducing environmental impact through material innovation and energy-efficient design. We prioritise low-carbon construction methods and adaptive reuse strategies to create buildings with minimal ecological footprint, demonstrated through our pioneering work in educational and cultural projects across the UK.
Cultural Spaces
We design dynamic cultural spaces that foster community engagement and artistic expression. Our portfolio includes museums, galleries, and performance venues that combine spatial innovation with accessibility considerations, creating environments that enhance visitor experiences while supporting institutional programming requirements.
Educational Facilities
Our educational architecture creates inspiring environments that support diverse learning styles and institutional goals. We specialise in schools, libraries, and university facilities that balance functional requirements with imaginative design elements, fostering engagement while accommodating evolving pedagogical approaches.
People
Tom Coward
Director
Co-founder with expertise in heritage and education projects. PhD holder and academic leader, he combines practice with teaching at Kingston University and international lecturing. Specialises in transforming historic buildings for modern use while maintaining architectural integrity.
Geoff Shearcroft
Director
Co-founder specialising in cultural masterplans and performing arts buildings. Holds leadership roles in design review panels and contributes to architectural discourse through publications and academic positions at University of Westminster and Yale University.
Gill Lambert
Director
Specialist in museum and exhibition design with RIBA Silver Medal-winning credentials. Leads complex cultural projects combining architectural innovation with curatorial requirements, while contributing to architectural education as a university design studio leader.
Hannah Stringer
Associate
Cultural and educational architecture specialist with award-winning project experience. Currently leading major museum developments including The National Archives at Kew and National Railway Museum's open store facility in County Durham.
Bryony Martin
Associate
Delivers historically sensitive projects with expertise in dementia care design. Currently leading the Stonehenge learning centre and transforming Lloyds Register headquarters into a heritage-focused public space.
Questions
What architectural services does AOC Projects offer?
We provide architectural design, heritage adaptation, sustainable building solutions, and specialist expertise in cultural and educational facilities across the UK.
How long has AOC Projects been in operation?
The practice was established in 2005 by directors Tom Coward and Geoff Shearcroft, with over 20 years of combined experience in architectural design.
What sustainability approaches do you employ?
We prioritise adaptive reuse of existing structures, low-carbon materials, and energy-efficient design strategies to minimise environmental impact across all project types.
Which notable awards have you received?
Our work has been recognised with multiple RIBA Awards, New London Awards, and international accolades including World Architecture Festival shortlistings.
How do you involve clients in the design process?
We use collaborative workshops and co-creation sessions with clients, communities, and experts to ensure designs meet specific needs and context requirements.
