Business Details
30 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design in London
Established in 1996, Toh Shimazaki Architecture (t-sa) is a London-based architectural practice renowned for its commitment to creating enduring, tactile architecture. Our methodology prioritises engagement with the existing built fabric, materials, and cultural narratives of each project, ensuring designs that harmonise with their context while addressing contemporary needs. With a focus on renewal and sustainability, we specialise in transforming both historic and modern structures through meticulous attention to detail and materiality. Our team, led by Director Takero Shimazaki and Associate Director Jennifer Frewen, brings decades of collective experience in projects ranging from small-scale refurbishments to large cultural and residential developments.Recognised with prestigious accolades, including RIBA National Awards and shortlistings for the Stirling Prize, our work reflects a philosophy of emotional resonance and timeless design. Collaborations with institutions like the Royal Academy of Dance and Curzon Cinemas underscore our ability to deliver innovative solutions tailored to clients' unique visions. Through teaching initiatives like t-sa forum, we actively contribute to architectural discourse, bridging academic research and professional practice.
Services
Architectural Design
Building Refurbishment
Sustainable Renewal
Cultural Projects
Residential Architecture
Material Consultancy
Urban Regeneration
Heritage Conservation
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 28+ years of experience in architectural design and renewal projects.
- Our team holds RIBA award-winning expertise in sustainable materiality and context-driven design.
- We prioritise collaborative partnerships with clients, engineers, and craftspeople.
- Our work bridges academic research and practical innovation through t-sa forum.
- We deliver tailored solutions for residential, cultural, and commercial architecture.
Services
Architectural Design
Creating bespoke architectural solutions that balance functionality, aesthetics, and contextual harmony. Our designs prioritise material integrity and spatial clarity, delivering timeless structures for residential, cultural, and commercial clients. Projects range from new builds to adaptive reuse, ensuring each space meets contemporary needs while respecting its historical narrative.
Building Refurbishment
Specialising in sensitive refurbishments that extend building lifecycles while enhancing usability. We retain and repurpose existing elements, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to create spaces that feel both renewed and authentic to their heritage.
Sustainable Renewal
Focusing on low-impact interventions that improve energy efficiency and environmental performance. Our approach includes material reuse, passive design strategies, and selecting sustainable finishes to reduce carbon footprints without compromising architectural quality.
Cultural Projects
Designing spaces for cultural institutions that foster community engagement and artistic expression. Recent projects include the Royal Academy of Dance headquarters and Leicester Print Workshop, where spatial flow and materiality enhance functional and aesthetic requirements.
Residential Architecture
Crafting residential spaces that prioritise comfort, light, and material warmth. From urban extensions to rural new builds, our homes integrate with their surroundings while offering modern living solutions tailored to occupants' lifestyles and aspirations.
People
Takero Shimazaki
Director
Co-founder of t-sa with 28+ years of experience. Graduated from The Bartlett and taught at the Architectural Association. Leads design direction and academic collaborations, focusing on renewal and materiality.
Jennifer Frewen
Associate Director
Lead designer on major projects including the Royal Academy of Dance. Joined t-sa after participating in t-sa forum, bringing precision and aesthetic rigor to cultural and commercial developments.
Ccile David
Associate
Specialises in cultural and heritage projects. Graduated from cole d'Architecture de la Valle and brings expertise in material expression and detailed design solutions for complex sites.
Paolo Emilio Pisano
Associate
Award-winning architect with a focus on residential and public projects. Holds a RIBA President's Medal Commendation and contributes to t-sa's research-driven design approach.
Joshua King
Senior Architect
Specialises in material culture and listed building conversions. Graduated from the Cass School of Architecture and contributes to projects requiring historical sensitivity and technical precision.
Questions
What architectural services does Takero Shimazaki Architects offer?
We specialise in architectural design, building refurbishment, sustainable renewal, cultural projects, residential architecture, and urban regeneration, tailored to each project's unique context.
How does the practice approach sustainability?
Our approach focuses on reusing existing materials, extending building lifecycles, and selecting tactile, durable materials to minimise environmental impact while enhancing longevity.
What notable projects have they completed?
Notable works include Niwa House (Stirling Prize shortlisted), Royal Academy of Dance headquarters, Curzon Camden Cinema, and Prewetts Mill residential renewal.
Do they work outside London?
While based in London, we undertake projects across the UK and collaborate internationally, adapting our contextual approach to diverse environments.
How can I join their team?
We occasionally recruit architectural assistants and host t-sa forum workshops. Check our website for current vacancies or workshop applications.
