Business Details
30 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design in London
Established in 1996, Alison Brooks Architects is a globally recognised architectural practice renowned for its innovative approach to urban design, residential projects, and cultural institutions. Our work seamlessly integrates cultural memory, environmental responsibility, and cutting-edge design, as evidenced by landmark projects such as the Cohen Quadrangle at Exeter College, Oxford, and the Quayside Toronto masterplan. With over two decades of experience, we have earned the distinction of being the only architect to receive the RIBA Stirling Prize, Manser Medal (twice), and the Stephen Lawrence Prize. Our commitment to biophilic design and sustainable practices is demonstrated through projects like Cadence in Kings Cross and Windward House, the 2021 RIBA House of the Year.As an educational leader, we have taught at prestigious institutions including Harvard GSD and Cornell AAP, while maintaining a strong presence in international architectural discourse through exhibitions at the Venice Architecture Biennale and participation in global design competitions. Our practice continues to push boundaries through collaborations with institutions like the London School of Economics and innovative projects across five continents.
Services
Architectural Design
Urban Planning
Residential Projects
Cultural Institutions
Sustainable Development
Educational Facilities
International Competitions
Heritage Retrofit
Biophilic Design
Public Installations
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We have received the RIBA Stirling Prize, Manser Medal (twice), and Stephen Lawrence Prize
- Our practice combines sculptural innovation with environmental responsibility
- We've completed landmark projects across five continents since 1996
- Our team includes the 2020 Dezeen Architect of the Year
- We maintain strong educational ties with institutions like Harvard GSD and Cornell AAP
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design service creates innovative, context-sensitive solutions for residential, cultural, and commercial projects. We combine sculptural expression with functional excellence, as demonstrated in award-winning works like Windward House and the Cohen Quadrangle. Our approach prioritises environmental sustainability while maintaining strong connections to cultural and natural histories.
Urban Planning
Specialising in comprehensive urban development strategies, our urban planning service addresses complex challenges in city-making. From the Quayside Toronto masterplan to mixed-use developments in London, we create vibrant, sustainable environments that enhance community connections and respond to local contexts through biophilic design principles.
Cultural Institutions
We design inspiring spaces for cultural expression and education, including theatres, galleries, and academic facilities. Recent projects like the London School of Economics Global Hub and Homerton College Entrance Building demonstrate our ability to create dynamic environments that foster creativity and intellectual exchange while respecting heritage contexts.
Sustainable Development
Our sustainable development service integrates environmental responsibility throughout the design process. Through projects like Cadence in Kings Cross and the Banff Avenue Redevelopment, we implement net-zero-carbon strategies, heritage conservation techniques, and biophilic design elements to create buildings that harmonise with their natural and cultural environments.
International Competitions
We participate in prestigious international design competitions, bringing our innovative approach to global challenges. Recent successes include winning the LSE academic hub competition and being shortlisted for the Banff Avenue Redevelopment. Our competition work consistently demonstrates design excellence while addressing complex urban and environmental contexts across diverse cultural settings.
People
Alison Brooks
Founder and Creative Director
Canadian-born Alison Brooks established her London practice in 1996. The only architect to win the RIBA Stirling Prize, Manser Medal (twice), and Stephen Lawrence Prize, she combines sculptural innovation with environmental responsibility. She teaches internationally and has exhibited at three Venice Architecture Biennales.
Michael Mueller
Director
Michael Mueller leads architectural design and education initiatives at Alison Brooks Architects. He has presented at UCL East Marshgate and contributes to the practice's academic collaborations, bringing expertise in contextual design and sustainable urban development to the firm's international projects.
Questions
What architectural styles does Alison Brooks Architectss specialise in?
We combine sculptural innovation with environmental responsibility, creating context-sensitive designs that respond to cultural and natural histories while maintaining modern functionality.
Which notable awards has the firm received?
We have won the RIBA Stirling Prize, Manser Medal (twice), Stephen Lawrence Prize, and were named 2020 Dezeen Architect of the Year, demonstrating consistent design excellence.
What geographic areas do they work in?
Our projects span five continents, with recent work in London, Toronto, Mexico City, Seoul, and Boston, alongside international design competitions and academic collaborations.
What educational contributions does the firm make?
Alison Brooks has taught at Harvard GSD, Cornell AAP, and ETSAM Madrid, while directors lecture internationally on architecture and urban design principles.
How does the firm approach sustainability?
We integrate biophilic design principles and net-zero-carbon strategies across projects, balancing heritage conservation with innovative environmental solutions in urban and natural contexts.
What types of projects does the firm handle?
We work on urban design, residential developments, cultural institutions, educational facilities, and international competitions, creating diverse solutions from private houses to large-scale masterplans.
