Business Details
Innovative Architecture for Future Cities
We are a collective of architects, designers, and makers dedicated to shaping transformative urban environments. Our practice spans the UK and international markets, driven by a collaborative ethos that integrates diverse expertise. Every project begins with first principles, ensuring solutions align with client needs, local context, and community impact. Sustainability has been central to our work for over three decades, focusing on low-energy designs and carbon reduction. Our team thrives on experimentation, fostering creativity through knowledge-sharing at all career stages. Recognised as Building Design's Retail and Leisure Architect of the Year, we combine innovation with practicality across sectors like residential, education, and infrastructure.Our commitment extends beyond projects to social value initiatives, reflecting our belief in architecture's broader societal role. Offices in Birmingham and London serve as hubs for our multidisciplinary approach, connecting talent and resources globally. From masterplanning to retrofitting, we create spaces that enrich lives while prioritising environmental stewardship. This philosophy underpins award-winning projects such as Eden Dock and The Mulryan Centre for Dance.
Services
Masterplanning
Residential
Culture
Workplace
Education
Infrastructure
Retrofit
Retail
Leisure
Student Housing
Highlights and features
- We pioneer sustainable architecture with 30+ years of low-energy design expertise
- Our collaborative approach integrates multidisciplinary experts for holistic solutions
- Award-winning practice recognised for retail and leisure architecture innovation
- We combine global perspective with deep local market understanding
- Committed to social value through community-focused design principles
Services
Masterplanning
We create comprehensive masterplans that integrate residential, commercial, and public spaces. Our approach prioritises sustainable urban ecosystems while enhancing community connectivity. Projects like Sea Gardens in Ireland demonstrate our ability to transform large-scale sites into vibrant, future-ready environments through stakeholder collaboration and strategic phasing.
Residential Architecture
Specialising in build-to-rent, student accommodation, and private residential schemes. Our designs focus on creating livable communities with attention to environmental performance. Notable projects include London City Island and Birmingham's Custard Factory Living, which combine innovative layouts with sustainable materials and communal amenities.
Cultural Projects
We design cultural venues that become community anchors. From the Savill Building's woodland pavilion to the Mulryan Centre for Dance, our work balances aesthetic impact with functional excellence. Retrofit projects like Aspex Gallery demonstrate our skill in revitalising existing structures for contemporary cultural use.
Workplace Design
Creating adaptable, sustainable work environments that enhance productivity. Our portfolio includes corporate headquarters, co-working spaces, and campus developments. Projects like One Centenary Way in Birmingham showcase our ability to integrate advanced sustainability features while maintaining aesthetic distinctiveness and user comfort.
Retrofit Solutions
Specialists in extending building lifecycles through strategic upgrades. Our approach combines heritage preservation with modern performance standards. Recent work on the Institute of Translational Medicine demonstrates our capability to enhance energy efficiency and functionality in existing structures while maintaining architectural integrity.
People
Dav Bansal
Director
Leading architect with expertise in urban regeneration. Oversees major projects including Birmingham's Paradise redevelopment. Advocates for sustainable design integration across all project phases. Mentors emerging talent through the Howells Glenn Academy programme.
Fraser Godfrey
Director
Experienced in complex urban projects. Recently contributed to Goods Yard development in Stoke-on-Trent. Focuses on material innovation and construction efficiency. Regular speaker at architectural conferences on sustainable building practices.
Questions
What architectural sectors does Howells specialise in?
We work across masterplanning, residential, cultural, workplace, education, infrastructure, retail, leisure, and student housing sectors with particular expertise in urban regeneration projects.
Are Howells committed to sustainable design?
Yes, sustainability has been central to our practice for over 30 years, focusing on low-energy buildings, carbon reduction strategies, and environmentally responsible materials across all projects.
Where are Howells' offices located?
Our main offices are in Birmingham (321 Bradford Street) and London (7477 White Lion Street), serving clients across the UK and internationally.
What awards has Howells won?
Recognised as Building Design's Retail and Leisure Architect of the Year, with multiple project awards including for Eden Dock, The Mulryan Centre for Dance, and The Octagon.
Can I submit a speculative job application?
We welcome speculative applications through our 'Join Us' section. Review current openings and submit your portfolio via our website's careers page.
How does Howells approach community engagement?
Our Social Value report details initiatives including educational partnerships, public space improvements, and pro-bono work that align with our commitment to positive societal impact.
Reviews (1)
Charlie
Jul 21, 2021
Report
Absolutely phenomenal architects group who have single handedly changed the way central birmingham looks for the better. their most notable design there is paradise birmingham which is up there with Brindleyplace and Arena Central as one of the most important and highest quality regeneration projects in the citys history. Absolutely a well established company!
