Business Details
Sustainable & Regenerative Architectural Design
We are Marks Barfield, a London-based architectural practice founded in 2000 by David Marks and Julia Barfield. Our work is driven by a commitment to regenerative design, aiming to create buildings that actively enhance the environment and society. With over two decades of experience, we have delivered projects across sectors including education, culture, transport, and mixed-use developments. Our approach prioritises sustainability, circularity, and biophilic design, informed by rigorous research and collaboration. Recognised with over 130 awards, we are leaders in sustainable architecture and members of the Circular Do Tank.Our team combines technical expertise with creative innovation to deliver bespoke solutions that respond to client needs and site contexts. We are dedicated to advancing industry standards through initiatives like the Ellen MacArthur Foundations circular economy principles. Our practice fosters open-minded exploration, ensuring every project contributes positively to planetary boundaries and human wellbeing.
Services
Architectural Design
Sustainable Architecture
Regenerative Design
Circular Economy Consultancy
Retrofit Projects
Highlights and features
- We have over 130 awards for design innovation and sustainability.
- Our practice is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified.
- We pioneered regenerative design principles in the UK construction industry.
- Our team collaborates with leading engineers and sustainability consultants.
- We offer circular economy consultancy to meet ESG and carbon targets.
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
- ISO 14001
Services
Architectural Design
We deliver tailored architectural solutions that integrate client aspirations with environmental stewardship. Our designs prioritise functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability, ensuring projects align with site contexts and community needs. By combining creativity with technical expertise, we create spaces that inspire and endure.
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainable architecture focuses on minimising carbon footprints and resource use. We employ energy-efficient systems, renewable materials, and passive design strategies to meet BREEAM and LEED standards. Projects aim to reduce operational costs while enhancing occupant wellbeing through biophilic elements and natural light.
Regenerative Design
Regenerative design goes beyond sustainability to actively restore ecosystems. We create buildings that generate more energy than consumed, support biodiversity, and improve social equity. This approach ensures developments contribute positively to their environments and future generations.
Circular Economy Consultancy
We advise on material reuse, waste reduction, and circular strategies to meet ESG goals. Services include material audits, circularity roadmaps, and access to our network of deconstruction partners. This reduces costs, carbon emissions, and reliance on virgin resources while achieving sustainability accreditations.
Retrofit Projects
Our retrofit expertise extends the life of existing structures through energy-efficient upgrades and adaptive reuse. We enhance thermal performance, integrate renewable technologies, and repurpose materials to reduce demolition waste. This approach balances heritage preservation with modern functionality.
People
Julia Barfield
Managing Director
Julia co-founded Marks Barfield and pioneered their shift to regenerative design. She initiated Architects Declare and champions sustainability through projects like the Cambridge Mosque. Her work focuses on environmental justice and circular economy innovation.
David Marks
Co-Founder
David Marks co-founded the practice and drives creative innovation. He advocates for design that enhances human wellbeing while respecting planetary boundaries. His projects, including the British Airways i360, blend engineering excellence with ecological sensitivity.
Ian Rudolph
Practice Director
Ian leads project delivery with a focus on sustainable construction and client collaboration. He ensures technical excellence across diverse sectors, from education to transport infrastructure, aligning projects with regenerative design principles.
Ian Crockford
Director
Ian oversees design innovation and sustainability integration. He champions material reuse and circular economy strategies, ensuring projects meet rigorous environmental standards while delivering functional, inspiring spaces.
Guilherme Ressel
Associate
Guilherme specialises in biophilic design and low-carbon solutions. He contributes to projects by merging ecological principles with architectural creativity, ensuring spaces foster both environmental and human health.
Questions
What is regenerative design?
Regenerative design creates buildings that actively restore ecosystems and communities, going beyond sustainability to give back more than they consume.
How do you incorporate sustainability into projects?
We use renewable materials, energy-efficient systems, and circular economy principles to reduce carbon footprints and enhance biodiversity.
What sectors do you specialise in?
We work across education, culture, transport, mixed-use developments, and retrofit projects, prioritising environmental and social impact.
Can you help with circular economy strategies?
Yes, we offer material audits, reuse networks, and circularity roadmaps to meet ESG goals and sustainability accreditations.
What awards have you won?
We have over 130 awards, including RIBA Stirling Prize shortlistings and recognition as regenerative design front runners by Architecture Today.
How do you approach retrofit projects?
We extend building lifespans through energy upgrades, material reuse, and adaptive design, balancing heritage with modern sustainability standards.
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Reviews (1)
Andrew Roberts
Dec 26, 2019
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Back then I worked for AHR. my then girlfrend then wife and me both looked at the huge queue waiting to go on the very first day. both standing looking. typical me being in architecture Anne I know him ill give the architect a ring. I'm laughing thinking, omy trying to impress I said wait ill be back. cost me 100.00 escorted through all those waiting and watching. never to this day have I said cost a 100 that.,. so David Marks. London eye. I wish I had what you had. plus your phone your number.
