Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Trusted Chartered Architects in London
Established in 1980, John Simpson Architects is a chartered architectural practice renowned for its expertise in classical and traditional architecture, urban design, and interior design. Our work spans public, educational, commercial, and residential projects globally, with a focus on creating timeless architecture that harmonises traditional forms with modern technology. We specialise in sustainable urban design, having pioneered mixed-use settlements planned around streets and squares long before this became government policy.Our portfolio includes iconic projects such as the Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre, the Royal College of Music redevelopment, and the restoration of Palazzo Grimani in Venice. As members of RIBA and INTBAU, we are committed to advancing traditional building practices while adhering to the highest standards of craftsmanship and innovation. Our team combines decades of experience with a passion for creating spaces that enrich the public realm and cultural heritage.
Services
Architecture
Urban Design
Interior Design
Conservation & Restoration
Ecological Architecture
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in classical and traditional architecture.
- Our work features in UK government guidance on urban design best practices.
- We specialise in sustainable, walkable urban developments with historic sensitivity.
- Award-winning practice with accolades including the Arthur Ross Award and RIBA Awards.
- Our projects span 12 countries, blending cultural heritage with modern innovation.
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institute of British Architects
- INTBAU: International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture and Urbanism
Services
Architecture
We deliver full architectural services for new buildings and renovations, specialising in classical and traditional styles. Our expertise spans educational, residential, medical, and cultural projects globally. We integrate modern technology with historic design principles to create timeless, sustainable spaces that enhance the public realm and cultural heritage.
Urban Design
Our urban design services focus on sustainable, walkable communities with mixed-use developments. We pioneered design codes for beautiful, functional neighbourhoods and have shaped masterplans for new settlements and urban extensions across the UK, Europe, and the USA, prioritising human-scale environments and ecological balance.
Interior Design
We create bespoke interior designs for residential, commercial, and institutional spaces, maintaining classical elegance while meeting modern needs. Our projects include royal palaces, academic institutions, and private residences, combining craftsmanship with innovative spatial solutions tailored to client requirements and heritage contexts.
Conservation & Restoration
Specialising in listed buildings and historic conservation, we restore and adapt heritage sites with meticulous attention to detail. Our work includes Grade I Listed projects like Buckingham Palace's King's Gallery and Gonville and Caius College, ensuring historical integrity while meeting contemporary functional and conservation standards.
Ecological Architecture
We integrate ecological principles into classical architecture, achieving sustainability without compromising aesthetic values. Our passive-house-standard developments and energy-efficient renovations demonstrate how traditional design languages can address modern environmental challenges through innovative materials, insulation, and renewable energy solutions.
People
John Simpson
Principal Architect & Founder
Professor John Simpson is a leading figure in classical architecture with over 40 years' experience. He pioneered sustainable urban design codes and has won numerous awards, including the Arthur Ross Award. He has taught at the University of Buckingham and Cambridge University, blending academic rigor with practical innovation.
Joanna Wachowiak
Director
Joanna Wachowiak MA RIBA leads major projects including Kensington Palace's redevelopment and the Defence Rehabilitation Centre. With expertise in listed building conservation, she has directed award-nominated work at Eton College and Peterhouse, Cambridge, combining technical precision with classical design excellence.
Tiffany Abernathy
Director of US Projects
Tiffany Abernathy directs US operations with a focus on classical revival projects. A graduate of Notre Dame and the Architectural Association, she has led masterplans for the University of Notre Dame and restoration projects in New York, merging traditional techniques with contemporary architectural education.
Victoria Lee
Associate Director
Victoria Lee oversees project delivery for major educational and healthcare developments. With experience in complex conservation projects like the Royal College of Music, she ensures technical excellence and adherence to classical principles across diverse international projects from concept to completion.
Questions
What architectural styles does John Simpson Architects specialise in?
We specialise in classical and traditional architecture, adapting historic design languages to modern requirements while maintaining timeless aesthetic principles across all our projects.
Do you work on listed building conservation projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with Grade I and II Listed buildings, including Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and Gonville and Caius College, ensuring heritage preservation with modern functionality.
What geographic areas do you operate in?
We work globally across the UK, Europe, and the USA, with notable projects in London, Paris, Venice, and New York, adapting our classical expertise to diverse cultural contexts.
Can you handle large-scale urban development projects?
Yes, we specialise in masterplanning new settlements and urban extensions, including Poundbury, Fairford Leys, and Swindon Southern Development Area, focusing on sustainable, walkable communities.
What awards has the practice received?
We have won multiple awards including RIBA Awards, the Arthur Ross Award for lifetime achievement, and the Georgian Group Award, recognising excellence in classical architecture and urban design.
