Pedder & Scampton Architects

Business Details

Inclusive Architecture Specialists in London

Pedder & Scampton Architects is an Islington-based architectural practice with over 35 years of experience specialising in residential and community-focused design. Our expertise lies in creating inclusive spaces for individuals with autism, mental health conditions, and physical disabilities, alongside contemporary living environments for private and commercial clients. We prioritise understanding client needs through collaborative relationships, ensuring bespoke designs that maximise spatial potential while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Our team delivers full architectural services from inception to completion, with a proven track record in securing planning permissions for sensitive sites, including listed buildings and conservation areas. We integrate sustainable practices as standard, such as natural lighting optimisation and eco-friendly materials, while exploring renewable energy solutions tailored to each project.

Our directors, Helen Pedder and Gillian Scampton, personally oversee every project to guarantee individual attention and quality outcomes. Recognised for award-winning work like the Chad Gordon Autism Campus, we combine technical excellence with empathetic design to create adaptable, user-centric spaces. Our portfolio spans the UK and international projects, with construction budgets up to 15 million, reflecting our versatility in handling diverse and complex briefs. We maintain strong client relationships, evidenced by repeat commissions for both private homes and large-scale community developments. Our commitment to regenerative architecture and community co-design processes underscores our dedication to creating built environments that positively impact users and the planet.

Services

Autism-friendly design Community architecture Residential extensions Sustainable retrofitting Educational buildings Commercial spaces Urban regeneration Planning permission support Neurodiverse housing Deep energy retrofits

Highlights and features

35 years of architectural expertise with a focus on neurodiverse and inclusive design
Award-winning autism campus projects demonstrating deep understanding of special needs
Sustainable practices integrated as standard in all projects
Direct director involvement ensures consistent quality and client communication
Proven success in complex planning applications for sensitive sites

Associations and certifications

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)

What people say

Empathetic designs Technical excellence Sensory expertise Award-winning work Client-focused approach

Website

Update Listing

Services

Autism-friendly design

Specialist architectural solutions for individuals with autism and sensory processing conditions. Our designs incorporate evidence-based principles to reduce sensory overload while promoting independence and wellbeing. We collaborate with autism specialists and user groups to create calming, functional spaces that support diverse needs in residential, educational, and community settings. Projects include sensory rooms, day centres, and supported housing schemes.

Sustainable retrofitting

Deep energy retrofit solutions for existing buildings to achieve high environmental performance. We implement passive design strategies, natural insulation materials, and renewable energy systems while maintaining structural integrity. Our EnerPHit-standard projects demonstrate how Victorian and post-war buildings can be transformed into low-carbon, comfortable spaces without compromising architectural character.

Community architecture

Design services for community facilities including hubs, pavilions, and multi-use spaces. We employ participatory co-design processes to ensure projects reflect local needs and foster social inclusion. Our work addresses accessibility requirements while creating vibrant spaces that serve diverse user groups, from disability support centres to urban regeneration schemes.

Planning permission support

Expert guidance through the planning process for complex projects. We specialise in securing approvals for sensitive sites including listed buildings, conservation areas, and urban regeneration zones. Our approach combines technical knowledge with stakeholder engagement strategies to navigate regulatory challenges and achieve successful outcomes for residential and commercial developments.

Educational buildings

Design of learning environments tailored to specific educational needs. Our portfolio includes autism units, sensory rooms, and inclusive school facilities that enhance teaching effectiveness and student wellbeing. We focus on adaptable layouts, sensory-appropriate materials, and flexible spaces that accommodate evolving educational methodologies and diverse learning requirements.

People

Helen Pedder

Founding Director

With 27 years leading the practice, Helen Pedder established Pedder & Scampton's reputation for inclusive design. Her expertise in community architecture and autism-friendly spaces shaped award-winning projects like the Chad Gordon Autism Campus. She championed sustainable practices and collaborative design processes before retiring in 2023.

Gillian Scampton

Director

Co-founding director with extensive experience in special needs architecture. Gillian leads projects requiring sensitive design solutions, particularly for neurodiverse individuals. She continues Helen Pedder's legacy while expanding the practice's regenerative architecture initiatives. Her technical expertise ensures rigorous attention to detail across all project phases.

Questions

What makes your autism-friendly designs different from standard architecture?

Our designs incorporate evidence-based principles developed through collaboration with autism specialists and user groups. We focus on sensory regulation, spatial clarity, and adaptable environments that support diverse needs while maintaining aesthetic quality.

Can you handle projects outside London?

Yes, we work across the UK and internationally. Our portfolio includes projects in Ireland, France, and Scotland, with experience navigating different regional planning requirements and building regulations.

How do you approach sustainable design?

We integrate passive sustainability measures as standard practice, including natural ventilation, daylight optimisation, and eco-materials. For retrofit projects, we apply deep energy principles to achieve EnerPHit standards while preserving building heritage.

What project sizes do you typically handle?

We work on projects ranging from £200,000 to £10 million, with construction budgets up to £15 million. Our size allows personal director involvement across all project scales, from small home adaptations to large community campuses.

How do you ensure successful planning applications?

Our proven track record combines technical expertise with strategic stakeholder engagement. We specialise in complex cases involving listed buildings, conservation areas, and projects requiring phased construction to maintain building usability during works.

Do you offer partial architectural services?

While we recommend full-service engagement for optimal results, we can provide specific services like feasibility studies, planning applications, or construction phase support according to client requirements.

Reviews (6)

Write a Review

Steve Buck

Jan 01, 2020 Report

Gill Scampton was the architect of the splendid extension to our garden flat! We found her to be an extremely amiable and adaptable person to work with. She worked tirelessly on the early design process, creatively incorporating our many suggestions into the final scheme.
Importantly, Gill held the financial reins tightly through the entire project. We felt there was great transparency and she even managed to keep to budget! The results have changed our lives. The garden bedroom is both aesthetically pleasing and sympathetic to the Victorian house of which it forms part. It also featured in

Ann Read

Dec 29, 2019 Report

Working with P&S on the recent renovation of our 3 story Victorian house was a really good experience. They patiently spent time listening to our needs and wishes and put them to the front of the design, never pushing an agenda of their own. This didn't stop them from making some excellent suggestions which added greatly to the successful outcome of the renovation. We continue to love the improvements to our way of life on a daily basis and are grateful for the sound advice and help P&S gave.

Laura Rosefield

Nov 25, 2019 Report

I have only positive things to say about working with Gill Scampton. Not only was she utterly genuine and a lovely person to work with, but the plans she drew up for me combined innovative style and practical application to create a stunning renovation. Her management of the building works was also superb and took an immense amount of stress away from me. I found her pricing to be fair and reasonable and I wouldnt hesitate to recommend her. She will be my first port of call when I move again.

Jacky Peaxock

Nov 24, 2019 Report

It's been a few years since you redesigned the layout of my flat, and I've just had it redecorated. I thought I'd let you know that I still delight in it every day - you understood and designed exactly to suit my lifestyle so it stands the test of time!

Kate N.

Oct 02, 2019 Report

Gill Scampton is an amazing architect and project director who came up with a liveable and stunning design and project managed our complex home refurbishment and rebuild. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend her and have done to other friends already!

Bumpacupuncture Bumpacupuncture

Sep 15, 2019 Report

I was very impressed and delighted with the redesign of my flat. You gave me various creative design options (I didn't want 'normal'!) to maximise the space and layout in my flat and helped me make decisions on style, colour etc and kept a close eye on the work being carried out to a high standard! Very professional, helpful and knowledgeable! I highly recommend Pedder and Scampton Architects to listen carefully and do a really good job for you!