A nnual review 2025 crawford partnership
2025: Resilience in the Face of the Freeze As we look back on 2025, it is impossible to ignore the friction that has defined the year. Across the UK construction and design sectors, we have navigated a "perfect storm" of economic headwinds. Lengthening planning timelines, increased regulatory controls, and the stubborn persistence of inflation have created repercussions felt by everyone in our industry, rendering many traditional budgets obsolete and creating a palpable slowdown in starts across the capital. Despite these sector-wide challenges, at Crawford Partnership, we remain resolute and optimistic. We have chosen not to view this slowdown as a stop, but as a call for rigorous management and innovation. While the cranes on the skyline may have paused, our team has remained focused on delivery. We have doubled down on our commitment to unlocking value in the most challenging of sites, working tirelessly to bring projects in on budget and on time to meet our clients' aspirations. Crucially, the housing crisis has not paused. The need for shelter is more acute than ever, and our work addressing homelessness remains the moral anchor of the practice. We have continued our vital collaboration with partners like Centrepoint, championing the belief that high-quality architecture is not a luxury, but a necessity. This year also marked a deepening of our digital transformation. Championed by Alan, our integration of Artificial Intelligence has moved from experimentation to implementation. We are using these tools not to replace the architect's eye, but to sharpen it, finding efficiencies in the process so we can focus on the humanity of the result. As you browse this review, whether in print or via our interactive digital edition, you will see a collection of work that defies the "freeze." You will see warmth, creativity, and an unwavering determination to build a better London. We wish you a restful Christmas and a prosperous, dynamic New Year. Alan, Maria, and the Team
Projects
Centrepoint NW10
By combining careful design, sustainability, and a strong social focus, we exemplify our commitment to creating inclusive spaces that improve both residents' lives and the wider community.
In 2025, we submitted a pre-application for a carefully considered development for our client's site in NW10. Our client was particularly 5.03 MODULE DESIGN committed to collaborating with Centrepoint, a youth homelessness The microflat design optimises space while charity, to identify land within the borough ofmaintaining Hammersmith and high living standards. Features include: Fulham suitable for delivering homes for homeless young people • Open-plan living and sleeping areas with partitioning options for privacy. aged 16 to 24. The proposal focuses on providing 10 modular • Multifunctional furniture and space-saving solutions to maximise usability. • Energy-efficient heating, lighting, and ventilation. homes, designed to offer safe, supportive,• High-quality and fixtures high-quality and fittings, ensuring durability and comfort. Integration of smart home technologies to improve accommodation for residents transitioning into•security independent living. and energy usage. • Modular units that can be dismantled and relocated should future urban needs evolve.
Following detailed feedback from the pre-application process, we are now preparing to submit a full planning application in early 2026. The design seeks to maximise both space and community interaction while responding to the constraints of the site. Liaison with Network Rail and other stakeholders has presented particular challenges, as the site sits directly above active railway infrastructure. Careful structural and acoustic solutions have been incorporated to ensure both safety and comfort for future residents. The modular units are prefabricated in a controlled factory environment, ensuring precision and quality while minimising on-site disruption. High-quality materials such as timber facades, anthracite steel cladding, and green roofs create a contemporary Modular Construction aesthetic that integrates with the surrounding streetscape, while landscaped communal areas and terraces promote social interaction and wellbeing. Energy-efficient measures, including air source heat pumps, electric hot water storage, and photovoltaic panels with battery storage, support a sustainable, low-carbon approach. This project demonstrates how innovative modular construction can address pressing social needs, delivering safe and resilient homes in a constrained urban setting.
Proposed Modular Layout
Previous Project: Referential Axonometry
Land on Alma Place to the rear of 691 and 693 Harrow Road, NW10 5NY | Design & Access Statement a. 1a Muswell Hill London N10 3TH t. (+44) 02084442070 w. www.crawfordpartnership.co.uk
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N2 In 2025, we submitted a pre-application for a sensitive side extension on a three-storey family home in N2. The client's brief focused on enhancing the property's living space while maintaining the character and scale of the existing home. The proposed extension is designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing structure, creating additional functional space for modern family life without compromising the architectural integrity of the property. Thoughtful consideration has been given to materials, proportions, and fenestration to ensure the extension complements the original building and the surrounding streetscape. The project demonstrates our commitment to delivering wellconsidered, contextually responsive residential designs. By carefully balancing functionality, aesthetics, and respect for the existing home, the extension aims to provide an improved family environment while enhancing the overall quality of the property.
N19 We are preparing to go out to tender for a comprehensive full-house renovation in N19. The project responds to the client's need to expand and adapt their family home to better accommodate their growing household. Central to the scheme is the installation of internal stairs connecting the lower ground floor to the main living areas, enabling the previously rented lower ground floor to become an integral part of the home. The renovation involves relocating the kitchen to the lower ground floor, freeing up space on the ground floor to create a larger lobby, a study, and an additional guest bedroom. This reconfiguration maximises the use of space while improving the flow and functionality of the house. Thoughtful attention will be given to material selection, natural light, and circulation to ensure the extension of the lower ground floor integrates seamlessly with the existing home. This project exemplifies our approach to careful, context-sensitive residential renovations, balancing practical family needs with design quality to transform an existing property into a more spacious, comfortable, and cohesive family environment.
The Swimming Pool Project N10 The ambitious plans for this Edwardian semi-detached home in Muswell Hill reached a significant milestone in December 2024, with planning approval anticipated from Haringey Council for a subterranean swimming pool. This transformative addition, which also includes a gym and associated spaces, represents a bold step in modernising the property while balancing functionality and luxury. The anticipated approval follows extensive collaboration between Crawford Partnership, the client, and their structural engineer, addressing a series of complex technical hurdles. These included overcoming concerns about groundwater displacement, structural integrity, and flood mitigation on a site classified as a critical drainage area. Comprehensive assessments, including a Basement Impact Assessment and geotechnical studies, were pivotal in demonstrating the feasibility and safety of the design. Despite this initial success, the project faced delays following an appeal and a lengthy court case with Haringey Council, which prevented the scheme from going out to tender as initially planned in early 2025. Following a year of careful discussions with both Thames Water and Haringey Council to resolve a complex drainage issue, planning permission is now expected to be forthcoming on the anniversary of the original decision. With these matters resolved, the next stage of the project is anticipated to commence in early 2026, enabling the detailed design and construction of the subterranean pool, gym, and associated spaces. This project demonstrates our ability to deliver innovative, technically challenging residential schemes
that combine luxury, functionality, and sensitive engagement with complex planning and regulatory frameworks.
N15 Crawford Partnership continues to support clients in navigating permitted development rights, securing approvals that allow for carefully considered home improvements without the need for full planning applications. These approvals typically include rear and side extensions, loft conversions, and minor alterations that enhance living space, functionality, and value while respecting the character of the existing property and surrounding context. Through close collaboration with clients and local authorities, we ensure that each proposal meets all regulatory requirements, including design, scale, and neighbour considerations. By leveraging permitted development rights, our projects can be delivered efficiently and cost-effectively, providing homeowners with flexible, high-quality residential solutions that respond to their evolving needs.
W6 In 2025, significant progress was made on the conservationled refurbishment of a former Neo-Gothic church and Building of Merit in Hammersmith & Fulham. The project involved the simultaneous submission of two planning applications: one for full re-roofing and window replacement and another for the installation of solar PV panels on the roof, alongside a concurrent building control application. Following extensive survey work and material analysis, the full re-roofing proposal, comprising a like-for-like replacement of the original natural slate with Del Carmen Spanish slate, was fully designed, coordinated, and submitted for planning in June 2025. The team also finalised an integrated package of thermal upgrades, including enhanced roof insulation, modern double-glazed units to replace all 72 Velux windows, and upgraded leaded light double glazing to the primary facades. These interventions aim to improve energy efficiency while respecting the building's historic character. A key achievement this year was the parallel submission of a separate planning application for 30 solar PV panels on the southfacing roof slope. The system is expected to deliver an estimated 5.8 tonnes of CO2 savings in its first year, representing a major milestone in the building's long-term sustainability strategy. The panels are carefully positioned to minimise visual impact and ensure full compliance with local heritage requirements. Looking ahead to 2026, the project is set to progress into procurement and delivery, including the erection of full scaffolding for the roof works and the coordinated replacement of individual flat windows while access is available. The coming year will focus on detailed technical design, contractor appointment, and the implementation phase for both the conservation repairs
and the renewable energy installation, ensuring the building's historic fabric is preserved while enhancing its environmental performance.
N16 Beginning in 2022, this project is an ambitious residential scheme located on the edge of the Lordship Park Conservation Area in the London Borough of Haringey. Having previously secured planning permission in 2024 for a high-quality basement and ground-floor dwelling, our current focus in 2025 is an application for a sensitively designed first-floor addition. This vertical enhancement is intended to deliver additional bedroom accommodation to meet the client's needs while contributing to the borough's ongoing commitment to providing homes on small, underutilised sites. The design of the upper-level accommodation has been meticulously refined to respect the site's sensitive context and to address previous pre-application concerns regarding scale and massing within the Conservation Area. Rather than a conventional second storey, the first floor is expressed as a sculpted, recessive, and lightweight architectural volume, clearly subordinate to the solid, approved London stock brick base. A defining feature of this approach is the curved semi-barrel roof, which softens the building's silhouette and reduces its perceived height. Material choices such as a standing-seam zinc roof and charred larch cladding ensure that the addition integrates harmoniously with the surrounding Victorian streetscape, while protecting the amenity and privacy of neighbouring properties. Sustainability has been a key focus of the project, with a fabricfirst approach adopted to achieve Passive House or near-passive standards. The design incorporates low-carbon technologies, including air source heat pumps and solar photovoltaic panels, to reduce operational carbon emissions. Given the site's location in a high-risk surface water flooding zone, the scheme also integrates robust flood mitigation strategies, including Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and rainwater harvesting, ensuring the
development is resilient, high-quality, and future-proof. This project exemplifies our approach to context-sensitive, sustainable residential design, combining innovative architectural solutions with careful consideration of the site, neighbours, and environmental performance to deliver a home that is both functional and visually harmonious.
UB6 The project in west London began when a client approached us after acquiring a plot currently occupied by two garages, with the aspiration of converting it into a new family home. In response, we submitted a pre-application to Ealing Planning Department, seeking feedback on our proposed two-storey dwelling. The design focuses on creating a compact, high-quality home that maximises the potential of the constrained site while responding sensitively to the surrounding context. Careful consideration has been given to scale, proportion, and materiality to ensure the proposal integrates harmoniously into the streetscape. The pre-application feedback has been positive, and we will be progressing the project with a full planning application in 2026. This project highlights our approach to innovative infill residential design, demonstrating how previously underutilised plots can be transformed into functional, contemporary, and well-considered family homes.
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PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT (OVERVIEW)
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The proposal seeks permission for a new two storey, two bedroom detached dwelling on the site of the existing garages at the rear of 28 Sidney Road. The scheme converts three unused garages into a sensitively designed home that remains fully within the footprint of the existing structures. The design has been carefully developed to respond respectfully to its surroundings appropriate massing, This project involves a client-owned plot through currently occupied siting, and architectural detailing. Key elements by three semi-derelict lockup include garages, with the intention of no windows overlooking neighbours, minimum floor to ceiling heigh and a design that developing a new 2 storey family home. Following an earlier aligns with the established character of Sidney Road. firm, An optional basement arrangementahasprebeen planning refusal by a previous we submitted explored but is not part of the primary proposal.
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This project demonstrates our commitment to thoughtful infill residential design, exploring opportunities to deliver functional, contemporary homes on previously underutilised plots.
Proposed Main Facade
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N8 The project involves a pre-application proposal submitted to Haringey Planning Department for the upward extension and internal reorganisation of the iconic Dunns Bakery in Crouch End. Dunns is not just a building; it is a valued non-designated heritage asset and a deep-rooted Crouch End institution, having operated as a family-run bakery on this site for over 150 years. The project is driven by the urgent need to modernise the existing accommodation and secure the long-term operational and economic viability of this historic local employer. The existing twostorey property has accommodated the bakery's requirements for many years; however, the existing space does not allow for growing operational needs and administrative staff requirements. Our proposal seeks to address these challenges through the introduction of a carefully designed roof extension that sits at the top of the existing building. This vertical expansion is intended to provide the much-needed additional floor space for staff welfare, administrative offices, and general ancillary functions, thereby future-proofing the business without impacting its popular ground-floor retail operations. The roof addition is designed to ensure it appears subservient to the existing heritage architecture, using high-quality materials such as natural slate to integrate seamlessly with the prevailing aesthetic of the Crouch End Conservation Area. Following a pre-application meeting, we received constructive advice from the Conservation Officer. The primary prerogative is to maintain the street-level visual integrity of this 'Building of Merit'. The principle of the roof top addition is acceptable, with some adjustments suggested to ensure that all direct views of the rooftop extension from the primary streetscape are considered further to ensure that the character of the existing historic
building is maintained. This positive advice guides our next steps towards fine-tuning a design that robustly complies with heritage requirements, whilst achieving the necessary operational capacity to enable the bakery to continue serving the local community for many years to come. The project also speaks directly to policy objectives concerning the regeneration of town centres and the long-term resilience of independent businesses, showcasing a sustainable model for intensification by retaining the building's embodied carbon and avoiding demolition.
N10 Planning approval was granted in July 2024 for a new signature home located within the grounds of Fairport, an Arts & Craftsstyle house notable as the birthplace of the folk rock band Fairport Convention. The proposal replaces the existing four-car garage structure, delivering a contemporary reinterpretation that respects the traditional motifs of the neighbouring house. The home is arranged over three storeys, including an expansive basement and four spacious bedrooms, providing a modern family residence while responding to the site's unique context. Situated within the Muswell Hill Conservation Area, the design carefully considers the surrounding historical fabric, ensuring the new home integrates seamlessly without creating a pastiche of neighbouring period buildings. Innovative tools, including text-to-image AI, were incorporated into the design process to explore forms and materials that harmonise with the streetscape while expressing a contemporary architectural language. The project exemplifies the efficient use of under-utilised brownfield plots and embodies Crawford Partnership's ethos for 'Signature Homes,' combining sensitive contextual design with bold, contemporary interventions that represents a significant step in enhancing the local urban fabric through carefully considered, high-quality residential design. We are pleased to have just received the client's go-ahead to commence the construction package in 2026.
EN4 This scheme advanced considerably throughout 2025, refining the design for a comprehensive residential upgrade within the Monken Hadley Conservation Area. Earlier pre-application feedback from Barnets planning and heritage teams informed a series of design improvements, including a more traditional mansard roof profile, reduced dormer proportions, the removal of rear-facing balconies, and an updated boundary strategy. These revisions were incorporated into the planning package, resulting in a scheme supported in principle by the local authority. This year saw the consolidation of a holistic building enhancement strategy, including two sympathetically integrated lift shafts to improve accessibility, upgraded anthracite aluminium doubleglazed window systems across all existing units, and the introduction of new balconies and bay-window enhancements to improve living quality. Additionally, the outdated garages were replaced within the proposal by a modern arrangement of 22 parking spaces, each with dedicated storage and EV charging, alongside new refuse and cycle storage facilities, all designed with green roofs to strengthen site biodiversity.
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FLAT 4 122.237 m2
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With the design work completed and pre-application support secured, the focus for the coming year will be on formal planning determination, followed by the preparation of detailed technical design information. Subject to approval, the project will move toward procurement, enabling works, and phased construction, with the aim of delivering new fourth-storey homes, improved resident amenity, and a more sustainable and contextually integrated building.
EN4 Crawford Partnership completed the tender package earlier in 2025 for the approved house renovation and extension project in Enfield. The project involves an extensive reconfiguration of the rear garden facade of the detached family home, combining modernisation of fixtures and fittings and new extensions at ground floor and attic level to meet the evolving needs of the client. The proposals include creating an expanded master suite with an added ensuite and dressing area at attic level that offer views out across the landscaped garden, reconfigured ground-floor living spaces with new insulated pitched roofs, and the installation of a new lift to improve accessibility and mobility access for the occupants . A new first-floor balcony has also been incorporated, enhancing both internal and external connectivity and offering additional outdoor amenity space. Scheduled to move onto site in the coming year, the project exemplifies Crawford Partnership's approach to carefully considered residential redesigns, integrating contemporary architectural interventions with the existing building fabric to improve functionality, comfort, and quality of life for the client.
Speculative Projects
N15 The Green Lanes project explores the redevelopment of a prominent mixed-use corner site above the existing Iceland supermarket between Manor House and Turnpike Lane. The three-storey building, with long-underused commercial upper floors, presents a rare opportunity for residential intensification in a highly connected part of Haringey. In 2025, we developed two parallel conceptual proposals to unlock the site's potential. The first is a partnership model with Centrepoint, delivering 23 compact micro-apartments for vulnerable young people aged 16-25. Designed as selfcontained homes with shared communal spaces, this option provides dignified transitional accommodation while retaining the commercial unit below, offering strong social value and a replicable model for underused high-street buildings. The second proposal comprises 14 spacious private-sale flats and three studios, each exceeding national space standards and accessed independently from Kimberley Gardens. This approach maximises asset value and creates high-quality new homes without major demolition, aligning with policy aims for sustainable, mixed-use growth. Together, these studies demonstrate the site's capacity to support either a socially driven housing scheme or a market-led residential offer. As we move into 2026, Green Lanes remains a strong candidate for strategic reinvention, capable of delivering meaningful regeneration and high-quality urban housing. See page 39 for more on our partnership with Centrepoint.
HA0 In 2025, we began exploring the long-term development potential of two back-to-back end of terrace properties in north west London, assessing how the two plots could be combined to form a larger, more coherent development site. Early conceptual massing studies indicate that the combined landholding could support a low-rise apartment building of approximately four storeys, positioned parallel to the railway and utilising the depth of the unified plot more efficiently than the existing detached houses. Initial 3D aerial views illustrate how the new building could sit comfortably within the site, with the possibility of acquiring a small section of the wooded railway edge to accommodate resident parking and improve site functionality. While this would require negotiation with Network Rail, similar schemes located beside or above railway lines are increasingly common, suggesting that the principle of development here could be viewed positively by the planning authority. To test this potential formally, we are in dialogue with the property owner to review how a pre-application submission could be submitted to Brent Planning Department in 2026 to gauge planning appetite and identify any early constraints. Our current discussions on a separate project in Kensal Green, also involving Network Rail and proposals for microflats over existing railway tunnels, highlight both the opportunities and procedural challenges of such sites. Nonetheless, this concept remains a promising prospect for medium-density housing on underutilised suburban land, offering a strategic route to unlocking value while delivering much-needed new homes to chip away at the ongoing housing crisis.
N10 In late 2025, we began preliminary feasibility work for the redevelopment of a large urban site in Muswell Hill, identified in the Haringey Draft Local Plan as suitable for residential development. Our early studies explore how the site could support a residential proposal that retains existing use whilst responding sensitively to the surrounding residential context. Alongside initial massing concepts, we are synthesising site parameters and planning policy appraisal to test viability and inform a strategic design direction. This early-stage exploration presents a significant opportunity for sustainable town-centre intensification that aspires to maintain the viabilitry of our local shopping areas.
Social Value & Homelessness
Looking ahead, we are exploring opportunities to expand this life changing work. Following our adaptive reuse of the original Woolworths building at 412a Muswell Hill Broadway, now a bustling Aldi supermarket at ground floor with 7 flats above, we have been exploring the potential of a similar former Woolworths building on Green Lanes High Street, to provide secure microflats for vulnerable youth and demonstrating our sustained commitment to tackling the youth homelessness crisis alongside a trusted charity partner.
The AI Lab
This page showcases our latest experiments with AI, Machine Learning, and computational design, separate from our standard project portfolio. At Crawford Partnership, we see AI as an inevitable part of contemporary architectural practice, and tools like Nanao Banana are becoming increasingly central to our dayto-day workflows. Its ever-growing capabilities allow us to explore complex design problems with speed and precision, opening up possibilities that were previously difficult or impossible to achieve. Alongside Nanao Banana, we are constantly testing and evaluating a variety of AI platforms to understand which best align with our creative ambitions, technical requirements, and studio workflows. This iterative exploration ensures that we remain at the forefront of technological innovation, while maintaining the core values of human-led design thinking. Ultimately, we view AI not as a replacement for human creativity, but as a generative collaborator, a tool that amplifies our ability to experiment, iterate, and uncover design solutions that push the boundaries of architectural practice.
The Reading Room
The Reading Room is our ongoing series of reflective book reviews, curated and written by Alan, that explore the ideas, histories, and philosophies shaping contemporary architecture and design. By engaging with a broad spectrum of texts from architectural theory and urbanism to cultural commentary and creative practice, the Reading Room allows us to continually challenge our assumptions, expand our horizons, and enrich the intellectual foundation of our work. These reviews not only deepen our collective understanding as a practice but also inform and inspire the way we approach design, ensuring that our projects remain rooted in thoughtful discourse, critical curiosity, and a wider cultural context. https://www.crawfordpartnership.co.uk/the-reading-room2/#review-020
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Awards
This year, Crawford Partnership proudly submitted the 412a Muswell Hill project to several major industry award programmes, underscoring our commitment to design excellence and innovation. The scheme was shortlisted as a Finalist in the SBID International Design Awards within the category Residential Budget Up To £50,000. This recognition highlights the project's exceptional craftsmanship, intelligent spatial planning, and refined contemporary detailing, all delivered within a sensitive conservation setting. The project was also entered into the KBB Awards, further emphasising its standout approach to kitchen and bathroom design. The submission covered two key categories: KBB Kitchen Designer of the Year: Project Cost Up To £30,000, sponsored by Franke, and KBB Bathroom Designer of the Year: Project Cost Up To £15,000, sponsored by Carysil. We now await the announcement of the finalists in early 2026. These entries celebrate the project's bespoke joinery, meticulous detailing, and seamless integration of high-performance materials and fittings. The 412a Muswell Hill project was also recognised as a London Construction News Awards Finalist, further validating the scheme's outstanding design quality and execution. Together, these nominations reflect Crawford Partnership's dedication to pushing boundaries in residential architecture and interior design, while acknowledging the collaborative effort between our team, consultants, and clients in realising this exceptional home.
Team & Events
January Top Drawer Exhibition 1 at Olympia The first of two events of the year that we attended. It's one of the main retail trade events of the year.
Visit to The Painted Hall at Greenwich to see Luke Jerram's astonishing installation Mars. The visit started with a River boat trip down the Thames from Tate Britain https://ornc.org/whats-on/mars/
The Surface Design Show at the Business Design Centre Alan visited to chat to suppliers on procuring materials for several ongoing projects.
February Brownfield Planning Passports Roundtable discussion at Westminster A discussion held in tandem with the publishing of a report on speeding up planning approvals for new residential developments on Brownfield land.
Futurebuild at Excel Alan visited this must-see exhibition again in 2025. Its an invaluable day out to catchup with suppliers on all the latest innovations in construction and services installations.
March Visit to Edinburgh Alan and Maria caught up with the spectacular sights in beautiful city again on a short visit.
Visit to Cambridge Alan and Maria caught up with the equally spectacular sights in this beautiful historic city on a short visit.
April A Visit to The Royal Academy of Arts Alan and Maria visited the exhibition, Astonishing Things, The Drawings of Victor Hugo. Inspiration in architecture can come from many varied sources.
A visit to The Wallace Collection Museum
A visit to Canary Wharf and the Docklands Museum
Alan and Maria visited the exhibition, Delusions of Grandeur, featuring the incredible work of artist, Grayson Perry.
Alan and Maria visited the Docklands to absorb recent architecture and landscaping works around Canary Wharf and to learn more about the history of the Docklands.
May A visit to Buckingham Palace Alan and Maria visited to see the exhibition, "The Edwardians Age of Elegance" The Edwardians: Age of Elegance: The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace. The exhibition explores the opulence and glamour of the Edwardian age through the lives and tastes of two of Britain's most fashionable royal couples - King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, (whom our nearby iconic Alexandra Palace is named after), and King George V and Queen Mary. With some stunning artefacts and object d'art on display the exhibition reveals a world very much apart from the average citizens of the era. A wonderfully illustrated book, The Glittering Plain, printed by William Morris's Kelmscott Press caught my eye, and prompted a visit to the William Morris Gallery, and a subsequent book review. The Edwardians: Age of Elegance: The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace
Grand Designs Live at Excel Alan and Maria made another annual visit to this eponymous exhibition that we have attended since Kevin McCloud rolled out his TV programme to the public. If we take just one new idea away - it's worthwhile.
The RIBA Southeast Awards in Canterbury
Penhaligon's Exhibition at Hanover Square
Alan and Maria were invited by Equitone as their guests at the awards evening, which was held at the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge with the awe-inspiring cathedral in view just 100 metres away and necessitating a visit prior to the evening event and the next day. Some fantastic projects were awards recipients, with other incredible projects just missing out. Thanks to Roslyn Hypolite-Achom and Equitone for the kind invite.
Alan and Maria were invited to the exhibition, "Eau So British" to celebrate the 155th anniversary of the British fragrance house, with its origins tracing back to a London barber who began blending scents inspired by Turkish Baths. Alan was inspired by the elegance of the scent bottles to come up with a new brand concept - watch this space. https://www.penhaligons.com/uk/en/our-story
June The Design Soiree B&S event at Hanbury Manor Hotel & Country Club, Hertfordshire Alan was invited to attend this 'meet the buyer' style event with 25 suppliers speed networking with architects and interior designers during the day. The event was timely and coincided with some new projects we are working on. The networking was interspersed with two interesting talks by architect and TV personality, Charlie Luxton, and lighting supplier and author, Xander Cadish, of Phos Lighting. Thanks to The Design Forums team for the invite. www.TheDesignForums.com
The Crouch End Art Trail Maria and Alan joined the annual sojourn around the environs of Crouch End to visit the many local artists who participate in the Art Trail. Starting at the Crouch End Library and then mapping out a route to visit the locations where artists exhibit. It all adds to the pleasure of living in a '15-Minute Neighbourhood'.
The Serpentine Pavilion and Art Gallery
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
Alan has been visiting Hyde Park each year since the annual pavilion design was inaugurated in 2000. This year with a design by Marina Tabassum Architects. The barrel structure sat comfortably within the park with a middle section carved out to preserve a view of the gallery in the background. We were also fortunate to stumble upon a smaller, colourful play pavilion designed by Sir Peter Cook that was filled with children enjoying the free Lego games inside.
A highlight of the year in Alan and Maria’ s London gallery visits. This year it was interesting to see the architectural works more integrated with the main artworks creating a relationship of architecture as 'art'. Having seen Sir Peter Cook's built pavilion in Hyde Park, it was a surprise to see his drawing that inspired the built structure hanging on the wall at the RA.
https://youtu.be/qZ4yA_nI6lA?si=i3gQav4L-tkA18jk
The William Morris Gallery, Walthamstow
Wow House at The Chelsea Design Centre
Alan and Maria were inspired by a recent visit to the Edwardians exhibition, to visit the William Morris gallery in north London. The gallery was transformed from the original Georgian house built in the 1740's that Morris lived in with his family from 1848 to 1856. The gallery is a must see for anyone interested in the Arts and Crafts movement, and the visit was the inspiration to read Morris's book, 'News from Nowhere' which is reviewed by Alan on the Reading Room page of our website.
Maria and Alan visited the now annual Wow House exhibition at Chelsea Design Centre with interior room sets in the temporary exhibition designed by leading lights in the interior design world.
Our history - William Morris Gallery
July The London School of Architecture Crawford Partnership is a participant in the LSA's hybrid architecture part time study course with students working 3 days in practice and studying 2 days at LSA. Alan was invited to attend an end of year review of students work and visited with LSA student and employees, David Mullaly now undertaking his final year of academic studies. It was a great opportunity to see the inspiring work of the 2025 final year's cohort work, and a wonderful surprise to bump into our former Part 1 student employee, Alexis Piponodes, who was graduating. https://www.the-lsa.org/
The Soane Museum Alan and Maria headed to the Sir John Soane museum to visit the exhibition 'Talking Buildings' dedicated to architect, Richard Rogers. Visiting the museum is always a fascinating experience akin to time travelling, and to see the bespoke Roger's exhibition was doubly pleasing.
August Designerati Awards Judging Day 1 at Cosentino City Showroom, London Alan was privileged to be invited once again in 2025 as part of the judging panel for the prestigious awards, meeting up with industry peers to review and debate the merits of all the longlisted entries in each of the kitchen categories. Thank you to Cosentino for their wonderful hospitality.
Designerati Awards Judging Day 2 at The Water Studio - Hansgrohe, London Alan ventured down to Clerkenwell for the second day of the awards judging, again reviewing and debating the individual long list of submissions in the Bathroom categories. Thank you to The Water Studio - Hansgrohe for their equally wonderful hospitality.
September The London Society Discussion Event at Dugdale Arts Centre in Enfield Where London meets the countryside: Tackling the housing crisis in Enfield, the first in a new series of community housing discussions in Enfield, one of London's outer boroughs facing some of the toughest questions around growth, green belt, and the future of the capital.
Architects Not Architecture Discussion event at St James Church, Clerkenwell An inspiring evening with three outstanding architects from different backgrounds and perspectives. Thanks to Equitone for the kind invite. Alex de Rijke, dRMM, London www.drmmstudio.com Eva Jiricna, AI Design, Czech Republic www.aidesign.cz Tosin Oshinowo, Oshinowo Studio, Lagos www.oshinowostudio.com
Designerati / Quooker 'Future Kitchen' Round table discussion event in Manchester Alan was privileged to be invited to participate in a round table discussion around ideas and concepts for kitchen design in the year 2050. The event was organised by Designerati as part of their continuing explorations on the topical subject, and hosted by Stephen Johnson and his team at the new Quooker Showroom in Manchester. It was a lively discussion and debate with Alan's colleagues from the kitchen industry world, with participants discussing their unique views on this potentially transformative area of the market. A record of the discussion and the individual papers produced by participants can be seen on the Designerati online hub. Thank you to Stephen and his team for the excellent hospitality. designerati x Quooker : FutureKitchen FutureKitchen
The Designerati Awards North 2025 Alan and Maria were delighted to be invited to the inaugural Awards North held at Manchester Hall. Congratulations to all the winners on the evening, and well done to all the shortlisted submissions, and thank you to Designerati and all the awards sponsors. designerati Awards North 2025 designerati magazine : awards
Top Drawer Exhibition at Olympia
More Than Human at The Design Museum
The second of the year that we attended. It's one of the main retail trade events of the year.
inspired The Reading Room book review #01 A major exhibition bringing together art, science, and radical thinking to ask how design can help our planet thrive by shifting its focus beyond human needs. https://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/more-than-human
SBID Industry Day at the Landmark Hotel A full day of CPD talks and networking with suppliers and designers from the interior design world.
October Decorex at Olympia One of the main Interior Design events of the year.
Roundhouse Kitchens Wigmore Street The Future of Kitchen Design: Creating Tomorrow with AI talk by Tim Fu and Rada Daleva.
Architects Design Forum B2B Event
SBID Awards Alan and Maria attended the 2025 SBID Awards along with 400 luminaries from the interior design world held at The Royal Lancaster Hotel in London . We were delighted to be nominated as a shortlisted finalist (for the third time) for our interior design of the flats at 412a Muswell Hill Broadway. Zen Apartment | SBID Awards
November Arclinea event at Wigmore Street Alan attended a networking event, which was held by Arclinea at the flagship Gaggenau showroom, whilst their London showroom is being refurbished https://arclinea.com/en/
Fischer and Paykel event at Wigmore Street Alan and Maria were invited by Justine Bourland, the Design Development Manager at the London Experience Centre, to attend a panel discussion on the subject 'Beyond Aesthetics: Wellbeing, Culture, Legacy, and the architecture of luxury' hosted by Aidan Anderson, Founder of the Local Project, with guest speakers, Jo leGleud, Founder of Maddux Creative; Alison Brooks, Founder of Alison Brooks Architecture; and Joe Morris, CEO & Head of Architecture at Morris + Company. Fisher & Paykel London Experience Centre | UK Home - The Local Project
Natuzzi Italia at Tottenham Court Road Alan and Maria were invited by Natuzzi Italia to attend a panel discussion taking place in their flagship store in Tottenham Court Road. The talk focused on 'how to design with purpose, so that every room tells your story', with speakers Matt Smith Wood and Kate Watson Smyth. This proved to be an illuminating and controversial topic. It was also an opportunity to meet the team at Natuzzi and see some of the brand’ s crafted furniture products. Thank you, Natuzzi, for the wonderful hospitality. www.natuzzi.com/it/en/natuzzi-italia
The Annual Club Cricket Conference Lunch at Lords Cricket Ground Alan was invited by Championbuild Contractors to attend the annual charity lunch at the iconic cricket ground. It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with colleagues we have worked with during the year, and to see again, the beautiful contemporary architecture of the Press Stand designed by Future Systems. Thank you Championbuild for the invite.
www.championbuild.co.uk
The Designerati Awards UK 2025 Alan, Maria, Alejandro and Anthony were delighted to attend to the awards held this year at London's iconic Art Deco style Troxy. Congratulations to all the winners on the evening, and well done to all the shortlisted submissions, and thank you to Designerati and all the awards sponsors. designerati Awards UK 2025 designerati magazine : awards
December Peloton Studios Live Cycle Ride Alan and Maria attended the Peloton Studios in Covent Garden for a live recorded cycling session in the beautifully fitted out London Studios. Along with around 30 Peloton enthusiasts from around the world, the session was led by Sam Yo, one of Peloton London's favourite trainers. Having acquired their Peloton + Bike in 2021 during Covid, and ditching their gym membership, Alan and Maria are now Peloton addicts. Having completed 24,000 minutes of various Peloton workouts in 2024 (1 hour a day for 365 days) Alan is aiming to hit 24,000 minutes of Peloton Exercise routines again in 2025. Talk to Alan about Peloton if your fitness is on the rails and you don't have time or the inclination to go to a gym.
The Vitra London Showroom Alan and Maria had great fun at Vitra’ s flagship bathroom showroom in Clerkenwell participating in a festive 'Nutcracker Workshop' which was a challenge requiring some degree of dexterity and imagination painting our own nutcracker. The challenge was made even more difficult with the festive spirit and hospitality provided. Thank you, Nicola and all the Vitra team. https://www.vitra.co.uk/london/
https://studio.onepeloton.com/en-GB
"If RIBA CPD required 35 hours per year were a constellation, 2025 would be a galaxy. From Brownfield debates to AI kitchens, from Victor Hugo's sketches to William Morris's utopias, the orbit of ideas has been vast. Thirty-five hours? Let's just say the clock stopped counting somewhere between Canterbury's cathedral and Clerkenwell's nutcracker." - Alan Crawford
"As we close the chapter on a dynamic 2025, we extend our warmest wishes for the festive season. Thank you for building with us, challenging us, and inspiring our designs. We look forward to creating more exceptional spaces together in 2026." - Alan Crawford
a. 1a Muswell Hill London N10 3TH t. (+44) 02084442070 w. www.crawfordpartnership.co.uk
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