About-
Kirkwood McCarthy is an award winning London based architecture and design studio established in 2013 by Fiona Kirkwood and Sophie McCarthy.
Reputed for working on constrained or otherwise complicated sites, we create buildings with highly resolved space planning that maximise site and setting to bring enjoyment and delight to the occupant.
Experienced with Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas, we are adept at balancing local heritage with contemporary design outcomes.
Our projects are acclaimed for their manipulation of space, light and use of material palette.
We do not bring a fixed style or outcome, but rather apply experience, intuition and skill to develop a design based on the opportunities of the site and personality of the end user.
We are friendly, diligent and attentive in our approach and encourage a collaborative approach between the design team, consultants, stake holders and end users.
Likewise in our work, we seek to forge social engagements for the user, the internal and external environments. This manoeuvre achieves a heightened spatial quality and enhanced internal environment, making for buildings that belie the sites upon which they stand.
Approach-
Part Australian, part English, we are a friendly and diligent team that is easy to work with.
We encourage a collaborative and enjoyable process that brings together the design team, clients, investors and end users.
The studio is filled with drawings, models, books and materials. We use these to test ideas and present them onwards.
We contribute at a range of scales and service types, from by-the hour consultations through to full project delivery.
Working frequently with Conservation Area and listed buildings, we are adept at balancing local heritage with contemporary design and materiality.
Awards-
New London Architecture Awards 2017
Highly Commended
- Pages Lane
Real Homes Magazine Transformation Awards 2016
Overall Winner; Best Conversion
- Winkley Workshop
Houzz Awards 2016
Influencer; Best of Houzz Design winner
New London Architecture Awards 2014
Shortlisted
- Winkley Workshop
Books-
30| 09 | 2020
Green, Jacqueline. RIBA
How to Extend Your Victorian Terraced House
28 | 03 | 2018
Jenkins, Hannah. Images Publishing
'British + Irish Modern: New Houses and Old Houses Made New'
29 | 08 | 2016
Leitte, Sandra. Prestel
Tiny: Innovative houses in tiny format
Publications-
14| 08 | 2020
Wallpaper Magazine
Is this railway arch roastery the future of London’s coffee scene?
14|03|2020
Dezeen
Eight new London restaurants where design is as important as food
22|12|2019
Dezeen
Kirkwood McCarthy creates earthy interior for Terence Conran's new restaurant Wilder
14|12|2019
Wallpaper Magazine
20 | 12 | 2017
09 | 12 | 2016
The Times
'Find me a perfect pad or a wreck to renovate'
16|09|2016
Dezeen
10 of the most popular brick interiors on Dezeen's Pinterest boards
19 | 09 | 2016
The Architects Journal
28 | 08 | 2016
Dezeen
10 | 11 | 2015
Time Out Magazine
'Little wonders'
12 | 08 | 2015
Arch Daily
22 | 04 | 2015
Evening Standard
'Doubling space and value: from boarded-up workshop to contemporary Bethnal Green home'
04 | 04 | 2015
Interiors
10 | 04 | 2015
The Times
'How to exploit the gap in the housing market'
29 | 02 | 2015
Dezeen
'Old upholsterer's workshop in London transformed into a narrow brick home'
20 | 09 | 2014
Open House London
17 | 07 | 14
Edition29 Housed 019
Hoxton Square Penthouse
25 | 05 | 14
architecturelab
07 | 07 | 13
Architect's Journal
New Practices: Kirkwood McCarthy