Business Details
15 Years
experience
Award-Winning Cambridge Architectural Design Studio
Established in 2011, MCW Architects is a Cambridge-based studio dedicated to creating exceptional architecture that prioritises people, communities, and environmental responsibility. Our approach combines creativity, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to client needs, delivering designs that are both functional and aesthetically impactful. With a team of skilled professionals, we collaborate with institutions and organisations to produce innovative solutions tailored to specific contexts, cultures, and sustainability goals.Recognised through numerous awards, including Civic Trust and RIBA accolades, we remain focused on advancing architectural excellence while addressing the climate crisis and social legacy. Our long-term relationships with clients and partners reflect our dedication to transparency, collaboration, and delivering projects that make a lasting positive impact.
Services
Architectural Design
Sustainable Architecture
Project Management
Adaptive Reuse
Masterplanning
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We have over a decade of experience in architectural design for education and community spaces.
- Our team holds RIBA and Civic Trust award-winning expertise in sustainable building solutions.
- We prioritise environmental responsibility through adaptive reuse and low-carbon materials.
- Our client-centric approach ensures dedicated project teams from concept to completion.
- We maintain transparent communication and collaborative partnerships throughout the design process.
Associations and certifications
- Civic Trust Awards
- RIBA East Awards
- RICS Awards
- Wood Awards
- Structural Timber Awards
What people say
Award-winning designs
Client-focused approach
Sustainable expertise
Collaborative process
Community impact
Services
Architectural Design
We create tailored architectural solutions combining functionality and aesthetic value. Our process prioritises client needs while addressing environmental and social considerations. Projects span educational facilities, residential developments, and cultural spaces, ensuring each design enhances its context and users' experience through innovative spatial planning and material selection.
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainability approach integrates low-carbon materials, energy-efficient systems, and adaptive reuse strategies. We deliver buildings that minimise environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency. Expertise includes Passivhaus principles, renewable energy integration, and circular economy practices, ensuring compliance with the highest environmental standards across new builds and retrofit projects.
Project Management
We provide end-to-end project management from initial concept to construction completion. Our dedicated teams ensure timely delivery within budget while maintaining design integrity. Services include contractor coordination, regulatory compliance, and quality control, supported by BIM technology for efficient workflow management and stakeholder communication throughout the project lifecycle.
Adaptive Reuse
We specialise in transforming existing structures through sensitive modernisation and repurposing. Our approach preserves architectural heritage while introducing contemporary functionality and sustainability improvements. Projects include historic building conversions, campus upgrades, and industrial space revitalisation, balancing conservation with innovative engineering solutions to extend building lifespans and reduce environmental impact.
Masterplanning
We develop comprehensive spatial strategies for large-scale developments integrating built environment, infrastructure, and green spaces. Our masterplans prioritise connectivity, accessibility, and long-term adaptability, working with stakeholders to create vibrant, future-ready communities. Expertise includes campus developments, mixed-use schemes, and regeneration projects that balance commercial viability with social and environmental responsibility.
People
Colin Moses
Director
Co-founder with over 20 years' experience in educational architecture, leading award-winning projects like University House and The Lab. Advocates for sustainable design and community-focused spaces.
Peter Williams
Director
Specialises in complex higher education projects, overseeing technical delivery and innovation. Leads studio recruitment and maintains strong industry partnerships for collaborative design solutions.
Angus Barnard
Associate
Project architect with expertise in sustainable materials and construction detailing. Key contributor to Civic Trust Award-winning schemes, focusing on low-carbon building methods and user-centric spatial design.
Alba Salcedo Rahola
Associate
Leads design teams on campus masterplans, integrating accessibility and environmental considerations. Recognised for innovative solutions in adaptive reuse projects across historic and modern building stock.
Murdoch Cameron
Director
Specialises in stakeholder engagement and project strategy, ensuring alignment between client vision and technical execution. Key contact for public sector partnerships and community-focused development schemes.
Questions
What architectural services does MCW Architects offer?
We provide architectural design, sustainable building solutions, project management, adaptive reuse, and masterplanning services across education, residential, and cultural sectors.
Do you specialise in sustainable design?
Yes, we integrate low-carbon materials, energy-efficient systems, and circular economy principles into all projects, with award-winning expertise in green architecture.
How do you approach the design process?
We begin with collaborative workshops to understand client needs, followed by concept development, technical detailing, and construction oversight using BIM technology.
Which areas do you serve?
Primarily Cambridge and East Anglia, but we undertake projects nationwide including London, the Midlands, and Northern England.
What awards have you won?
We've received Civic Trust Awards, RIBA East accolades, RICS recognition, and multiple shortlists for Wood Awards and Structural Timber Awards.
