Jan Kattein Architects is a London-based practice founded in 2004 with a 15 year track record of innovative public-facing projects. They understand architecture as a tool to engage and empower communities. Their method stimulates innovative design, and always seeks to add benefits through education, economic growth, cultural activity or greater community coherence.
They believe that an integrated approach is needed for any place to fulfil its potential. This conviction has led them to work across sectors, including regeneration, housing, economic development, education, public space and planning. In each field, their projects are united by their public purpose.
They work predominantly on civic projects. Their clients include 16 local authorities in London, HS2, British Land, Lendlease, large housing providers including Peabody and Notting Hill Genesis as well as charities, schools and community groups. Their approach has been recognised by numerous national and international design awards including the Community Prize at the NLA Awards, the RIBAJ McEwen Award and the Civic Trust Awards.
For them, sustainability is more than just a technological challenge. By engaging a broad community in frank and open conversation from the outset of a project, they can work to ensure that their proposals are needed, useful and proportionate.
Throughout design, procurement and delivery, we look for opportunities to re-activate existing spaces, use reclaimed or surplus materials and tap into local supply networks. Looking ahead, they are researching how the spaces they design and the strategies they develop can accommodate change, through flexible design strategies to demountable construction techniques. Sustainability must be a shared pursuit, and they hope to inspire others through their work.
Jan Kattein set up Jan Kattein Architects in 2004 with an ambition to embrace design as an open and collaborative process. His research has established the methodology that characterises the studio's work today. His contribution transcends disciplinary boundaries and includes writing, speaking, architecture, design, urbanism and theatre.
He studied at the Bartlett, where he was awarded a Distinction for his PG Diploma and a Commendation for his Masters. His PhD was twice nominated for a RIBA research Award. Jan’s book, The Architecture Chronicle: Diary of an Architectural Practice was published by Ashgate in 2014. Jan teaches and lectures in the UK and internationally. He also holds a lectureship at UCL.
Before setting up his own studio, Jan worked on urban regeneration projects at Jestico and Whiles and Peter Barber Architects. He grew the business from sole practitioner to a reputable and multiple award-winning regeneration practice. Today, responsibility for the day to day management of the studio is shared between the four directors. Aside from his strategic role, Jan writes, draws and makes. He is also often involved in participatory design activities.
They believe that an integrated approach is needed for any place to fulfil its potential. This conviction has led them to work across sectors, including regeneration, housing, economic development, education, public space and planning. In each field, their projects are united by their public purpose.
They work predominantly on civic projects. Their clients include 16 local authorities in London, HS2, British Land, Lendlease, large housing providers including Peabody and Notting Hill Genesis as well as charities, schools and community groups. Their approach has been recognised by numerous national and international design awards including the Community Prize at the NLA Awards, the RIBAJ McEwen Award and the Civic Trust Awards.
For them, sustainability is more than just a technological challenge. By engaging a broad community in frank and open conversation from the outset of a project, they can work to ensure that their proposals are needed, useful and proportionate.
Throughout design, procurement and delivery, we look for opportunities to re-activate existing spaces, use reclaimed or surplus materials and tap into local supply networks. Looking ahead, they are researching how the spaces they design and the strategies they develop can accommodate change, through flexible design strategies to demountable construction techniques. Sustainability must be a shared pursuit, and they hope to inspire others through their work.
Jan Kattein set up Jan Kattein Architects in 2004 with an ambition to embrace design as an open and collaborative process. His research has established the methodology that characterises the studio's work today. His contribution transcends disciplinary boundaries and includes writing, speaking, architecture, design, urbanism and theatre.
He studied at the Bartlett, where he was awarded a Distinction for his PG Diploma and a Commendation for his Masters. His PhD was twice nominated for a RIBA research Award. Jan’s book, The Architecture Chronicle: Diary of an Architectural Practice was published by Ashgate in 2014. Jan teaches and lectures in the UK and internationally. He also holds a lectureship at UCL.
Before setting up his own studio, Jan worked on urban regeneration projects at Jestico and Whiles and Peter Barber Architects. He grew the business from sole practitioner to a reputable and multiple award-winning regeneration practice. Today, responsibility for the day to day management of the studio is shared between the four directors. Aside from his strategic role, Jan writes, draws and makes. He is also often involved in participatory design activities.
