Business Details
39 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design in London
Barbara Weiss Architects has been delivering architectural excellence since 1987, specialising in creating buildings that are simple, elegant and timeless. Our practice is rooted in a deep sensitivity to context, with meticulous attention to plan form, proportions, light and materiality. We prioritise listening to clients to understand their essential needs and refine aspirations, guiding projects through every decision from concept to completion. With a team of 10 based in London, we work across the UK and internationally, maintaining long-term relationships with clients, contractors and consultants. Our portfolio spans residential, healthcare, community and commercial sectors, reflecting over three decades of bespoke design and advocacy for architecture's cultural and civic role.Barbara Weiss, founder and director, brings international experience from Milan, Geneva and New York, alongside leadership in initiatives like Women in Architecture. Co-director David Cawston oversees residential, healthcare and community projects while managing business strategy. Our work has earned recognition through repeat business and collaborations lasting over 20 years, serving public institutions, commercial clients and private individuals worldwide.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Design
Community Projects
Healthcare Facilities
Masterplanning
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in architectural design across multiple sectors
- Our practice maintains long-term relationships with clients and consultants
- Our team brings international expertise from Milan, Geneva and New York
- We specialise in bespoke residential, healthcare and community projects
- Our work combines design excellence with practical implementation expertise
Services
Residential Architecture
Creating bespoke private residences that respond to context and client needs. Our homes combine elegant proportions with functional layouts, using carefully selected materials to achieve timeless aesthetics. Projects range from urban renovations to international country houses, reflecting over 30 years of expertise in residential design.
Healthcare Facilities
Designing functional, healing-focused healthcare environments. Our portfolio includes medical centres, birth units and specialist facilities that prioritise patient comfort and operational efficiency. Projects like Wokingham Medical Centre demonstrate our ability to create welcoming spaces that meet complex clinical requirements while integrating with local contexts.
Community Projects
Developing culturally significant spaces that enrich communities. From the Wiener Library in Bloomsbury to Newhall Community Centre, we create buildings that balance civic function with architectural integrity. Our approach ensures public spaces foster engagement while maintaining aesthetic coherence with their surroundings.
Commercial Design
Delivering tailored commercial environments that enhance business operations. Our work includes adaptive reuse projects and new office developments, focusing on creating functional spaces that reflect brand identity. Projects demonstrate expertise in balancing commercial practicality with innovative architectural solutions for evolving workplace needs.
Masterplanning
Creating comprehensive spatial strategies for large-scale developments. Our masterplans, such as Parkview Farm and Borough Green, integrate architectural coherence with practical infrastructure. We specialise in balancing long-term vision with phased implementation, ensuring developments maintain contextual sensitivity while meeting contemporary demands.
People
Barbara Weiss
Director
Founder of the practice with over 35 years' experience, Barbara combines design excellence with architectural advocacy. She has taught at leading universities, co-authored books on client-architect collaboration, and played a pivotal role in initiatives like Women in Architecture.
David Cawston
Co-Director
Co-director with extensive experience in residential and commercial projects. Previously at Cullinan Studio and Piercy & Company, he manages business strategy while leading architectural projects. He studied at Newcastle University and has been a RIBA member since 2004.
Islay
Head of Belly Rubs
Office director and beloved cocker spaniel who joined in 2021. Known for her fluffy presence and popularity around Westminster, she maintains a waiting list of admirers eager to take her for walks.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialise in?
We create timeless, context-sensitive designs that prioritise simplicity and elegance. Our approach focuses on proportion, light and materiality rather than specific stylistic labels.
How long has the practice been operating?
Barbara Weiss Architects has been delivering architectural projects since 1987, with our founder Barbara Weiss bringing additional international experience from New York and London practices.
Do you work outside London?
Yes, while based in London we work across the UK and internationally, with completed projects in Italy, Belgium, the USA and continental Europe.
What sectors do you work in?
We specialise in residential, healthcare, community and commercial architecture, with experience in masterplanning and adaptive reuse projects across public and private sectors.
How do you approach client collaboration?
We begin by listening to understand client needs and aspirations, maintaining this collaborative approach throughout the design and implementation process to ensure successful project outcomes.
What is your design philosophy?
Our philosophy centres on creating buildings that feel naturally belonging through meticulous attention to context, proportion and material selection while maintaining functional excellence.
