Business Details
31 Years
experience
5th Studio: Visionary Architects for Sustainable Futures
5th Studio has established itself as a leading architectural practice with a reputation for innovative design and strategic urban thinking. Founded during the economic challenges of the mid-1990s, the firm developed expertise in adaptive reuse of existing structures while maintaining a forward-looking approach to modern architectural challenges. Our team combines rigorous design principles with practical technical knowledge, delivering projects that bridge conceptual vision with real-world functionality. We specialise in creating sustainable solutions across architecture, urban design, and infrastructure projects throughout the UK. With studios in both London and Cambridge, we maintain close connections to the communities and environments we serve.Our work spans from detailed building design to large-scale strategic masterplans that address complex urban challenges. We have gained recognition for our commitment to environmental sustainability, having signed the Architects Declare initiative and committed to net-zero carbon targets. Our collaborative approach extends to working with clients, stakeholders, and consultants to create enduring value from challenging situations. We have developed particular expertise in transforming underutilised spaces and integrating transport infrastructure with urban environments. Our team combines creative design flair with practical problem-solving abilities to deliver successful outcomes beyond traditional architectural roles.
Services
Urban Design
Sustainable Architecture
Retrofit Solutions
Masterplanning
Transport Infrastructure
Spatial Strategy
Public Realm Design
Decarbonisation Strategy
Community Engagement
Heritage Conservation
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We combine over 25 years of experience in sustainable architecture and urban design.
- Our strategic approach integrates architecture with transport and infrastructure planning.
- We are certified B-Corporation with commitment to environmental sustainability.
- Our team includes experts in retrofitting listed buildings and creating energy-efficient spaces.
- We lead major urban regeneration projects with proven success in complex stakeholder environments.
Associations and certifications
- Certified B Corporation
What people say
Award-winning designs
Collaborative approach
Sustainable solutions
Innovative urban regeneration
Expert stakeholder engagement
Services
Urban Design
Our urban design expertise transforms complex urban environments through strategic masterplanning and spatial strategies. We specialise in creating cohesive frameworks that integrate architecture, infrastructure, and landscape elements. Our approach focuses on human-scale design that enhances urban connectivity and creates vibrant public spaces while addressing environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
Sustainable Architecture
We deliver architecturally striking buildings that combine environmental sustainability with functional excellence. Our sustainable architecture approach prioritises retrofit solutions, energy efficiency upgrades, and low-carbon materials. We work on new constructions and existing building transformations with proven expertise in achieving BREEAM and Passivhaus standards across various building typologies.
Retrofit Solutions
Our retrofit expertise specialises in transforming existing structures for modern requirements while preserving architectural heritage. We implement innovative solutions for energy efficiency improvements, spatial reconfiguration, and adaptive reuse of buildings. This service extends building lifecycles while significantly reducing embodied carbon compared to new constructions through technically sophisticated interventions.
Transport Infrastructure
We create integrated transport infrastructure solutions that balance technical requirements with human-centric design. Our transport design covers stations, interchanges, and public realm improvements that enhance urban connectivity. We specialise in strategic transport planning that supports regeneration while implementing sustainable mobility patterns across regional and city-wide scales.
Masterplanning
Our masterplanning service creates comprehensive development frameworks that guide long-term urban evolution. We develop strategic visions that balance growth requirements with environmental constraints while enhancing community benefits. Our approach combines spatial analysis with stakeholder engagement to create adaptable plans that support sustainable urban transformation across diverse contexts.
People
Tom Holbrook
Director
An experienced architect and urban designer with over 25 years expertise in sustainable design and regeneration projects. He has shaped national design policy and led numerous award-winning projects across the UK, specialising in integrating infrastructure with urban environments.
Oliver Smith
Director
A specialist in sustainable architecture and transport infrastructure design with extensive experience in urban regeneration. He regularly contributes to national sustainability debates and has worked on major projects ranging from railway stations to public realm improvements across the UK.
Questions
What architectural services does 5th Studio provide?
We offer urban design, sustainable architecture, retrofit solutions, masterplanning, transport infrastructure design, and spatial strategy services across the UK.
What makes 5th Studio different from other architectural firms?
Our unique combination of expertise in architecture, transport infrastructure, and urban strategy, combined with B Corp certification and track record of award-winning sustainable projects.
Are you experienced with heritage building renovations?
Yes, we specialise in retrofitting listed buildings with award-winning techniques that preserve heritage while implementing modern energy-efficient solutions.
Do you work beyond London and the UK?
While focused on London and Cambridge, we work on projects throughout the UK and have developed strategic frameworks with international applications.
What sustainability accreditations do you hold?
We are a Certified B Corporation, signatories to Architects Declare, and committed to net-zero carbon targets through RIBA 2030 Challenge.
Can you handle large-scale urban regeneration projects?
Yes, we excel at complex regeneration projects having worked on Olympic Park developments, Royal Docks transformation, and multiple city-wide masterplans.
