Business Details
20 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Design Services in London
Orbit Architects combines the expertise and resources of a large practice with the care and enthusiasm of a small practice to deliver thoughtful projects that add social and economic value to the built environment. Founded in 2006, we specialise in architectural and interior design, creating spaces that enhance quality of life for users while delivering practical, profitable solutions for clients. Our team of 20 professionals brings diverse perspectives and technical excellence to projects across residential, hospitality, student accommodation, and heritage sectors.We prioritise client aspirations and end-user experience, integrating sustainable technologies and contemporary design with a deep understanding of planning contexts. With over 450 completed projects and a focus on innovation, we maintain a reputation for reliability, technical rigour, and a collaborative approach that makes us enjoyable to work with.
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Heritage Projects
Student Accommodation
Residential Development
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We combine big practice expertise with small practice care and enthusiasm
- Our team has delivered 450+ projects since 2006 across diverse sectors
- We prioritise client visions and end-user experiences in all designs
- Our diverse team brings 12 languages and international perspectives
- We maintain technical excellence while embracing sustainable innovation
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design service creates functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces tailored to client needs. We specialise in commercial, residential, and hospitality projects, combining technical expertise with creative vision. Our approach integrates sustainability, planning compliance, and cost-effectiveness while maintaining design integrity across projects ranging from 25k to 80m.
Interior Design
We craft interior environments that enhance user experience while meeting practical requirements. Our team focuses on workplace, residential, and hospitality interiors, balancing aesthetics with functionality. From concept to completion, we ensure spaces reflect brand identity, optimise usability, and create lasting value through thoughtful material selection and spatial planning.
Heritage Projects
Specialising in heritage buildings, we preserve historical significance while implementing modern functionality. Our expertise covers listed buildings and conservation areas, employing sensitive restoration techniques. We navigate complex planning requirements to deliver solutions that respect architectural history while meeting contemporary needs and regulatory standards.
Student Accommodation
We design purpose-built student accommodation that balances commercial viability with resident wellbeing. Our schemes incorporate communal spaces, study areas, and modern amenities. With experience in projects ranging from 20 to 600+ beds, we deliver efficient layouts that maximise yield while creating vibrant, safe living environments for students.
Residential Development
Our residential services cover private homes, mixed-use developments, and large-scale housing schemes. We create spaces that enhance livability while optimising land value. From concept design to planning approval, we focus on market demands, sustainability, and regulatory compliance to deliver profitable, high-quality residential projects across urban and rural contexts.
People
Philip Atkinson
Managing Director
Philip founded Orbit Architects in 2006 after gaining experience at major London practices. He has led projects including EMEA headquarters, academic research facilities, and high-end residential developments. With expertise in student accommodation and heritage projects, he ensures technical excellence across all workstreams.
Llinos Hughes
Interior Design Director
Llinos heads interior design projects with a focus on workplace environments. She creates functional, inspiring spaces that enhance user experience. Her expertise spans student accommodation and private residential projects, combining creative vision with practical delivery to transform client briefs into award-winning designs.
Meghna Patel
Team Director
Meghna brings 15+ years of experience in large-scale projects including airports and high-rise developments. She leads public realm initiatives like the Thames Tideway Tunnel kiosks. Her background in planning and development ensures technically rigorous solutions that balance commercial viability with urban design principles.
Natalie Vassiliadis
Team Director
Natalie specialises in heritage architecture, working on Grosvenor Estate properties. Her conceptual design approach combines traditional conservation techniques with modern BIM workflows. She champions contextual sensitivity while delivering innovative solutions for listed buildings and historic environments.
Francesco Canfora
Studio Lead
Francesco leads luxury residential projects with a focus on detail and materiality. He applies technical precision to complex schemes in Mayfair and central London. His Italian heritage influences a design philosophy that balances functionality (Utilitas) with beauty (Venustas) and structural integrity (Firmitas).
Questions
What architectural services does Orbit Architects offer?
We provide architectural design, interior design, heritage conservation, student accommodation, and residential development services across the UK.
How long has Orbit Architects been in business?
We've been operating since 2006, completing over 450 projects with a team of 20 experienced professionals.
What project sizes do you handle?
Our projects range from £25k renovations to £80m new builds, including commercial, residential, and hospitality developments.
Do you work on heritage buildings?
Yes, we specialise in heritage projects, including listed buildings and conservation areas, combining modern functionality with historical preservation.
How do you approach sustainable design?
We integrate emerging sustainable technologies while maintaining design integrity, focusing on energy efficiency and long-term environmental impact.
Reviews (1)
Simon Rooke
Jul 17, 2017
Report
I have worked with Mark Lucas and his team of proactive and helpful architects on many projects and would highly recommend them, particularly for commercial construction and refurbishment schemes.
