Business Details
Award-Winning Sustainable Architects & Urban Designers
5th Studio is a Certified B Corporation dedicated to humanising infrastructure and creating better places through architecture, urban design, and landscape projects. Established in the mid-1990s, we specialise in adaptive reuse, decarbonisation, and strategic spatial solutions, combining visionary design with technical expertise. Our work spans award-winning buildings, public realm transformations, and large-scale urban strategies, prioritising sustainability and social equity.With studios in London and Cambridge, we collaborate closely with clients to deliver enduring value, from small interventions to complex regeneration projects. Our commitment to retrofit-first principles and environmental stewardship aligns with global sustainability goals, including RIBA 2030 and net-zero targets.
Services
Architecture
Urban Design
Retrofit Solutions
Sustainable Design
Masterplanning
Transport Design
Public Realm
Decarbonisation Strategy
Strategic Consultancy
Research-Led Design
Highlights and features
- Certified B Corp committed to social and environmental responsibility
- 25+ years of expertise in adaptive reuse and sustainable design
- Award-winning projects across architecture and urban regeneration
- Pioneers in retrofit-first strategies for decarbonisation
- Collaborative approach with clients and stakeholders
Associations and certifications
- Certified B Corporation
What people say
Award-winning designs
Excellent collaboration
Sustainability leadership
Innovative solutions
Successful regeneration
Services
Architecture
We create striking, sustainable buildings tailored to their context, combining spatial innovation with technical excellence. Our projects range from residential and educational spaces to cultural hubs, prioritising energy efficiency and adaptive reuse. Clients benefit from our holistic approach, delivering functional, aesthetically compelling spaces that meet contemporary needs while respecting heritage.
Urban Design
Our urban design strategies integrate infrastructure, landscape, and community needs to shape vibrant, future-ready cities. We specialise in masterplanning, public realm improvements, and transport-focused developments. By addressing complex challenges like regeneration and climate resilience, we create cohesive, people-centred environments that drive sustainable urban growth and economic opportunity.
Retrofit Solutions
We transform existing structures through innovative retrofitting, extending their lifespan while enhancing performance and sustainability. Our approach balances conservation with modernisation, reducing carbon footprints and unlocking new uses for historic or underutilised buildings. This service supports clients in achieving cost-effective, environmentally responsible upgrades aligned with net-zero goals.
Sustainable Design
Sustainability underpins all our projects, from material selection to energy strategies. We advocate for passive design, circular economy principles, and low-carbon technologies. Our expertise in BREEAM, EPC ratings, and net-zero frameworks ensures developments meet rigorous environmental standards while delivering long-term operational efficiency and occupant wellbeing.
Transport Design
We design integrated transport solutions that enhance connectivity and urban liveability. Our work includes rail stations, bus interchanges, and active travel networks, prioritising accessibility and seamless multimodal integration. By humanising infrastructure, we create transport hubs that serve as catalysts for regeneration and community engagement.
People
Tom Holbrook
Director
Co-founder of 5th Studio, Tom Holbrook leads design and strategic direction. With over 25 years in architecture, he specialises in urban regeneration, retrofit projects, and sustainable policy development. A former member of the London Olympic Park Quality Panel, he champions design excellence and environmental stewardship.
Oliver Smith
Director
Oliver Smith focuses on transport infrastructure and decarbonisation strategies. He contributes to national sustainability frameworks and advises on retrofitting listed buildings. His expertise in public realm design and stakeholder engagement drives transformative projects across the UK's major cities and rural landscapes.
Questions
What architectural services does 5th Studio offer?
We provide full-cycle architectural services including concept design, masterplanning, building regulations, and project management across residential, commercial, and public sectors.
How does 5th Studio approach sustainability?
Sustainability is core to our practice. We integrate passive design, retrofit-first principles, and low-carbon materials, aligning projects with net-zero targets and BREEAM standards.
Can you work on listed buildings?
Yes, we specialise in sensitive retrofit of historic structures, balancing conservation with modern functionality. Recent projects include upgrades to Grade I and II* listed buildings.
Do you handle large-scale urban projects?
We excel at complex urban regeneration, having delivered masterplans for areas like Meridian Water and the Royal Docks, integrating transport, housing, and public spaces.
What accreditations do you hold?
We are a Certified B Corporation and signatories of Architects Declare, committed to sustainability, equity, and transparency in all our operations.
