
The architecture reflects our client’s needs, finding solutions to their problems. It evolves from their brief, an analysis of the site and a design philosophy based on simple sustainable principles. Brought together through a holistic architectural response that benefits our clients and their building users.
Recurring themes are threaded through our work with sustainable ideas adopted across a mix of different sectors. Issues such as the provision of good quality daylight is as important in the deep plan Green Man community hub designed for Phoenix, as it is in the dual aspect social housing we are delivering for Watford Community Housing. The adoption of simple well tested design principles shapes this focus on wellbeing.
A selection of our work is presented illustrating a series of recurring ideas; whether enabling social interaction, reducing energy consumption or adoption of intelligent construction systems. It encompasses housing and office schemes, civic and cultural buildings and community spaces through to retail centres.
Collaborating with specialist consultants and suppliers enabled Black to provide a full design service to our clients. These relationships have developed successfully across our projects adding value to the buildings we are commissioned to design. These consultants are inquisitive and challenge our thinking, generating better design solutions.
We respond to the challenge of complex sites, seeking to get more out of less on each project through innovative design solutions. Our portfolio shows that good architectural ideas are transferable, so please take a look and get in touch to see how we can respond to your specific needs.

Morley College
A comprehensive masterplan for the college that focusses on enhanced accessibility, visibility and usability

Kingston Magistrates Court
Transformation of the Maurice Webb listed magistrate’s courts into registry office facilities for the citizens of Kingston

VolkerWessels Headquarters
Two phase BREEAM Excellent office for the international contractor VolkerWessels built in a coniferous forest setting

Kings Chase Shopping Centre
Urban retail extension to this established shopping centre in Bristol replacing a tired multi-storey car park

North Watford Police Station
High density edge of settlement site that challenges the prevailing character to deliver more homes

Hemming Way
A housing scheme where detailed site analysis and challenging the brief added a third more homes

Hope Green
A small garage back lands site now delivering individual family homes for social rent to residents of Watford

Croxley View
Mixed tenure housing development along a narrow route of land originally reserved for a link road

The Green Man
Timber framed community hub and headquarters office for Phoenix Community Housing Association in Lewisham

Boxwood Residential
21 low carbon woodland dwellings on the edge of ancient woodland in the heart of Hertfordshire

Rodmill Lane
Seven mews houses with a secluded communal garden hidden away from the bustle of Brixton

Three River Garage sites
A repeatable design for a series of good quality homes for homeless families in Rickmansworth

Centrepoint
A new community centre and family sized social rent homes replacing underused and low density facilities

Institution of Civil Engineers
Conversion of the Gilbert Scott listed chambers building into an administrative headquarters for the ICE

Romero House/CAFOD
The new low energy home for the DEC charity Catholic Agency For Overseas Development