Business Details
16 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architects in London
Established in 2010 by Will Burges and Stephen Davies, 31/44 Architects is an architectural practice rooted in London with an office in Nantes, France led by Benoit Sanson. Our approach prioritises the integration of new architecture into the urban fabric by engaging with the historic, cultural, spatial, and material qualities of each site. We ensure every project contributes positively to its environment through careful design and contextual sensitivity. Our work spans residential, cultural, educational, and urban regeneration projects, reflecting a commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.Recognised with prestigious accolades including the Manser Medal, RIBA National and Regional Awards, and a nomination for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture Mies van der Rohe Award, our projects have been exhibited and published internationally. We actively engage in architectural education as a postgraduate studio at Kingston School of Art, fostering critical dialogue that shapes our practice. Our team combines extensive experience from leading firms with a dedication to delivering architecture that resonates with its surroundings and users.
Services
Residential Architecture
Urban Regeneration
Cultural Projects
International Projects
Architectural Education
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We have been awarded the Manser Medal and RIBA National Awards for architectural excellence.
- Our practice integrates historic and cultural context into every design solution.
- We lead postgraduate architectural education at Kingston School of Art.
- Our team has experience across international urban regeneration and high-end residential projects.
- We maintain offices in London and Nantes for tailored regional expertise.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
Services
Residential Architecture
We create bespoke residential projects that respond to their historic and cultural contexts. Our designs prioritise spatial quality, materiality, and environmental sustainability while meeting contemporary living needs. Projects include townhouses, beach houses, and specialist care housing across the UK and Europe.
Urban Regeneration
Our urban regeneration expertise transforms underutilised sites through masterplanning and mixed-use developments. We focus on enhancing public spaces, preserving heritage, and creating sustainable communities. Notable projects include high-density housing schemes and commercial developments in London and Brussels.
Cultural Projects
We design cultural facilities that celebrate architectural innovation and community engagement. Our portfolio includes fire stations, schools, and public buildings that balance functional requirements with striking aesthetic expression, such as Oslo's Sentrum Brannasjon fire station.
International Projects
With offices in London and Nantes, we deliver architecture across Europe and beyond. Our international experience spans co-housing in Brussels, student housing in Rennes, and urban masterplans in the Loire-Atlantique region, adapting contextual sensitivity to diverse environments.
Architectural Education
We lead a postgraduate studio at Kingston School of Art, exploring postmodernism, urban fabric, and architectural theory. This academic engagement informs our practice, fostering critical thinking and innovation in projects ranging from housing to public buildings.
People
William Burges
Director
Co-founder of 31/44 Architects, Will Burges leads design across all projects. A RIBA Chartered Architect since 2001, he previously worked at Proctor & Matthews Architects and teaches at Kingston School of Art.
Stephen Davies
Director
Co-founder Stephen Davies oversees project delivery. With experience at Richard Drinkwater Architects and Proctor & Matthews, he lectures at UK architecture schools and examines professional practice.
Tobias Jewson
Director
Tobias Jewson, a lead project architect, brings expertise from OMA and PLP Architecture. He specialises in cultural projects and graduated from the Architectural Association, contributing to The Bell Foundry's design.
Benoit Sanson
Nantes Office Lead
Benoit Sanson heads the Nantes office with experience in international masterplans and commercial projects. He previously led design at Willmotte & Associs' London office and worked at Conran & Partners.
Questions
What architectural styles does 31/44 specialise in?
We focus on context-sensitive design that respects historic and cultural environments while incorporating modern functionality and sustainability principles.
Which awards has 31/44 won?
Our accolades include the Manser Medal, RIBA National and Regional Awards, and a nomination for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture Mies van der Rohe Award.
Do you offer international architectural services?
Yes, we operate from London and Nantes, delivering projects across Europe including Belgium, France, and Norway.
What educational initiatives are you involved in?
We lead a postgraduate design studio at Kingston School of Art, exploring architectural theory and practice through critical projects.
