Practice

About

Waugh Thistleton is a London-based architecture, design, consultancy and research practice shaped by more than 25 years of continuous innovation. Founded by Andrew Waugh and Anthony Thistleton, the studio is built on a clear conviction that architecture should contribute to a thriving, equitable and low carbon future. The practice works with investors, developers and public sector clients across the UK, Europe and the United States, designing buildings that enrich daily life and support long-term environmental goals.
We are acknowledged leaders in engineered timber construction and have played a central role in demonstrating how systematised approaches can transform architecture. Our international reputation is built on the quality of our projects, our commitment to material innovation and our long-standing focus on environmentally responsible design.

what we do

Our work covers architecture, consultancy and research, with each strand informing the others. This integration allows every project to be shaped by deep technical knowledge, rigorous practicality and a strong commitment to social and environmental value. We design resilient and elegant buildings across a wide range of sectors, including affordable and private housing, workplaces, cultural buildings, community spaces and mixed-use neighbourhoods in the UK and internationally. Our consultancy services build on this experience, supporting ambitious clients who want to deliver low carbon and timber based projects at scale.
We begin every commission by understanding aims and principles, informed by a a careful reading of place. We study the cultural and social setting, the existing character of the site and the needs of the people who will live and work in the buildings, as well as the priorities of those who fund and deliver them. This understanding guides our choice of construction materials and methods and helps us shape buildings that offer long-term value and public benefit.
Our design work is supported by digital modelling, environmental analysis, physical prototyping, photography and hand sketches. This diversity of tools allows us to explore ideas in depth with clients, collaborators and project teams.

A Practice with PUrpose

Our 30 architects, designers and researchers work together in a sociable 'shop front' workspace, supported by our satellite studio in Madrid. A culture of collective discussion, curiosity, precision and optimism ensures that all work benefits from the full breadth of expertise within the practice.
We believe strongly in advocacy and industry learning: with the built environment responsible for 40% of global carbon emissions, it is essential to share knowledge and support change across the sector. Our team leads and contributes to industry learning initiatives, and the practice hosts PhD and Masters researchers, as well as a full-time timber engineer who supports ongoing experimentation and technical development.

Leadership in Timber

For more than two decades, timber has been central to our approach. In 2003 we completed one of the earliest cross laminated timber buildings in the UK, and since then we have continued to demonstrates timber construction's ability to reduce carbon, enhance wellbeing and improve the experience of buildings for users and communities.
Through projects, teaching and research, we have helped define a new direction for architecture, one rooted in wellbeing, material clarity and environmental responsibility. Our research informs our built work, and our consultancy service helps clients adopt low carbon construction with confidence and ambition. Our projects are known for their clarity, originality and integrity, and we are proud that many clients return to work with us again and again.