30 Rising Architects in London to Watch in 2026

London’s architecture scene is evolving rapidly , both in how buildings are designed and how architects approach social value, sustainability, and innovation. While long-established studios continue to shape the skyline, a new generation of rising architects and small design practices is redefining what it means to build for the future. These emerging minds are deeply engaged in regenerative design, community-led architecture, and cultural experimentation, positioning London as a global hub of creative generational change.

1. Kennedy Woods Architecture

Based in Peckham, Kennedy Woods is one of the UK’s first B-Corp certified architecture firms. Their design ethos balances social impact and sustainability, making them one of Wallpaper*’s most exciting emerging London practices.

2. McCloy + Muchemwa

Led by Bongani Muchemwa and Steve McCloy, this small London studio works with bold, experimental ideas , their competition-based model allows them to explore diverse typologies and culturally rooted design.

3. Spheron Architects

Founded by Samuel Bentil-Mensah and Tszwai So, Spheron is known for emotionally responsive design. Their projects probe the intersection of architecture and personal identity, producing very human-centered spaces.

4. Matter Space Soul

Natasha Reid’s London-based consultancy-centred practice researches how architecture can support wellbeing. Their innovative work often weaves together spatial psychology, biomorphic forms, and emotionally intelligent design.

5. Okra

This London equity-focused collective, co-founded by several architects including Roz Peebles, is redefining participatory architecture and inclusive design.

6. Collective Works

Co-founded by Alasdair Ben Dixon, Siri Zanelli and Khuzema Hussain, the practice is rooted in collaboration , they prioritize shared decision-making and community-driven design in every project.

7. Tara Gbolade / Gbolade Design Studio

Based in Lambeth, Tara Gbolade runs a studio defined by sustainable, design-led architecture. Their small but nimble team creates work that is socially minded and commercially thoughtful.

8. George Beer (HTA Design)

Named in the AJ100 New Talent shortlist, George Beer is a young architect at HTA Design being recognised for his strong design ability and technical precision.

9. Harry Crow (Barr Gazetas)

Also shortlisted in AJ100’s New Talent, Crow leads digital innovation at Barr Gazetas, working on high-complexity design tasks that bridge architecture and technology.

10 . Elizabeth Jackson (HLM Architects)

A New Talent shortlistee, Jackson brings fresh, inclusive perspectives to HLM’s architecture, particularly focusing on public housing and community infrastructure.

11. Allyah Mitra Nandy (Eric Parry Architects)

Mitra Nandy’s architectural work engages deeply with social context, and she’s been lauded for her design thinking and leadership in Eric Parry’s young talent cohort.

12. Maryna Sadovska (Collective Architecture)

Sadovska, recognised in the AJ New Talent Awards, contributes a strong design voice in Collective Architecture’s efforts toward housing, urban design, and community-focused work.

13. Elizabeth Akamo (Scott Brownrigg)

Winner in the AJ100 New Architects competition, Akamo helps shape Scott Brownrigg’s mission around equity and development of young practitioners within the firm.

14. Walker Hay Architects

A friendly, emerging London practice that emphasises context, light, and material, delivering buildings that feel both contemporary and grounded.

15. ao-ft

Named in the Architecture Foundation’s “New Architects 5” lineup, this London-area practice is among the next wave of studios that will shape future British architecture.

16. Arbor Architects

Also part of the Architecture Foundation’s New Architects 5 list, this younger firm is setting roots in sustainable design and thoughtful urban interventions.

17. Built Works

Featured in the New Architects 5 roster, Built Works is a studio committed to community-led architecture and creating civic value through design.

18 . Liddicoat & Goldhill

Founded in 2011, this London studio experiments with materiality and form, producing visually rich buildings that combine craftsmanship with conceptual rigor.

19. Studio Armitage

Another New Architects 5 nominee, Studio Armitage is bringing a fresh perspective to London architecture, blending small-scale residential and public-realm work.

20 . Material Cultures

Featured in the New Architects 5 list, Material Cultures is a London-based studio that experiments with material innovation, craft, and sustainable building systems.

21. Nick Hill

Also in the New Architects volume, Nick Hill’s practice is emerging as a thoughtful, research-driven design studio focusing on the built environment’s social future.

22. Nickjoo

Named among the New Architects 5 lineup, Nickjoo is a young practice in London developing site-specific architectural responses with strong cultural awareness.

23. Mooradian Studio

A London-based emerging firm on the New Architects 5 list known for its minimal yet meaningful architectural interventions.

24. Nooma Studio

As part of the New Architects 5 edition, Nooma Studio is a promising young practice making waves with sensitive, context-aware design in London.

25. Topo Architects

Featured in the New Architects 5 collection, Topo Architects is a studio rooted in spatial storytelling and sustainability, blending innovation with human-centered design. 

26. NVBL

A London-based collective steeped in research-led design, NVBL is part of the Architecture Foundation’s “New Architects 5” roster.

27. OF Architecture

This emerging practice was selected by the Architecture Foundation for New Architects 5, known for its thoughtful, context-driven urban designs.

28. Studio KA

Also part of New Architects 5, Studio KA from London brings a refined aesthetic and strong attention to detail in small-scale housing and public projects.

29 . Tigg + Coll Architects

A youthful West London practice, Tigg + Coll is praised for its bold, conceptual residential work and strong collaborative design ethos.

30 . Mary Duggan Architects

Based in London, their studio prioritizes thoughtful, well-detailed architecture across housing and urban projects , always with a sensitive design philosophy.

The architectural studios listed above represent some of the most compelling voices in London’s next chapter , young, agile, and unapologetically forward-thinking. As the London Festival of Architecture charts “Belonging” as its theme for 2026, these practices are those most likely to shape it, reconnecting public life, social purpose, and design excellence. Watching their work now offers a glimpse into how the city’s built form could become more inclusive, sustainable, and deeply rooted in community.