Building Dreams, One Space at a Time
At ZCD Architects, we're passionate about creating positive change and making a lasting difference through our innovative designs and community-focused approach. With a research-driven approach to design, we prioritize collaboration and engagement with diverse communities, inspiring a sense of ownership and pride in the spaces we create. Our expertise lies in transforming communities through inclusive and interactive design processes, which has led to the development of numerous award-winning projects that have made a tangible impact on the lives of those who inhabit them.
Our Approach
What sets us apart is our commitment to working closely with communities, understanding their needs and aspirations through observational research and direct engagement. This approach has led to the creation of child-friendly designs and youth engagement strategies that empower young people to influence the design of their surroundings. Our unique methodology has positioned us as strong partners for a wide range of projects, from small-scale co-design initiatives to large-scale regeneration masterplans. We take pride in our ability to work with children and young people, ensuring their input has a positive impact on the project.
Team
Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering exceptional results, driven by our shared passion for community engagement and design excellence. Our directors, Dinah Bornat and Cordula Weisser, lead the studio with a combined expertise in architecture, urban design, and community engagement. Our senior architects, Becky Woodward, China Chapman, Rallou Grigoropoulou, and Nick Honey, bring extensive experience in design and project management, while our urban designer, Nabiha Qadir, provides expertise in public realm design and community engagement. Our team of architects includes Part I graduates, who bring fresh perspectives and creative thinking to our projects.
Awards and Recognition
We're proud of our outstanding achievements in design and community engagement, having received numerous awards and recognition for our work. Some of our notable awards include the Davidson Prize, the Architects' Journal Retrofit Awards, the New London Awards, and the Inspire Future Generations Research Award. These accolades demonstrate our commitment to delivering outstanding design solutions that meet the needs and aspirations of diverse communities.
Community Engagement
At ZCD Architects, we believe in the power of community engagement to transform spaces and improve lives. We've worked on numerous projects that have brought communities together, fostered a sense of ownership and pride, and delivered tangible social value. Our child-friendly design and youth engagement strategies have empowered young people to shape the design of their surroundings, ensuring they have a positive impact on the project. We've delivered numerous workshops, reports, and policy guidance roles, demonstrating our expertise in stakeholder engagement and community consultation.
Research and Publications
We're dedicated to advancing our knowledge and expertise through ongoing research and publishing. Our research has focused on child-friendly design, youth engagement, and community-led design, informing our design solutions and community engagement strategies. We've published numerous reports, papers, and conference presentations, showcasing our expertise in community engagement and design excellence.
