Glenn Howells Architects

Howells, formerly known as Glenn Howells Architects, is an architectural design studio operating across the UK and internationally. The firm was founded in 1990 by Glenn Howells and has since grown to encompass a creative team of approximately 140 to 150 individuals. With established studios in both Birmingham and London, the company focuses on delivering innovative projects that aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of both individuals and communities. The company's work is deeply rooted in collaboration and exploration, maintaining a diverse team of talented designers who work alongside a range of experts to create outstanding projects. Each project undertaken by Howells is generated from first principles, employing a collaborative approach to identify solutions that are appropriate for the client, the specific location, and the people who will experience the built environment.

The firm is driven by a commitment to delivering the highest quality work possible and operating with integrity. Howells acknowledges that its impact extends beyond individual projects, influencing its own community, collaborators, and wider society. The company fosters an environment where ideas are shared, and talented individuals at all stages of their careers are brought together to unlock their creativity. For over three decades, Howells has focused on designing low-energy buildings that aim to reduce environmental impact. Its approach to sustainability is integral to its operations, ensuring that carbon emissions are minimised across every project and within its own studio environments. Furthermore, the firm invests in the professional development of its team members through its Howells Academy, a structured programme dedicated to continuous learning.

Howells has established a reputation for influencing some of the UK's most complex and ambitious regeneration projects. The firm has been particularly instrumental in shaping regional cities, including Birmingham, and significant areas of East London. The practice's extensive portfolio spans a wide array of sectors, encompassing masterplanning, residential developments, offices, educational facilities, retail spaces, healthcare projects, hotels, leisure facilities, culture, infrastructure, re-use, and workplace design. Howells has delivered award-winning projects across these sectors, with notable works including the Savill Building, London City Island, English National Ballet HQ, and contributions to HS2. The company's strategic and intelligent thinking underpins its approach, enabling it to address and unlock the potential of complex sites.

Howells possesses extensive experience in the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector, which is explicitly listed as one of its areas of expertise. The firm has designed numerous student living developments across the UK, contributing significantly to the provision of high-quality student homes. Notable PBSA projects include The Union in Leamington Spa, which involved the transformation of a former BT storage facility into 187 student bedrooms. In London, Howells designed a 46-storey building at Wood Wharf, Canary Wharf, approved to deliver 912 bedrooms, and the 27-storey Urbanest King's Cross tower, providing 669 student bedrooms and setting a high standard for student housing in the capital. Other projects include Straits Village in Nottingham, a 300-bed scheme offering a mix of sophisticated private studios, shared apartments, and townhouses within a campus environment. The firm also developed the Channelsea Stratford proposal for Queen Mary University of London, which integrates high-quality student accommodation with a new community pub, affordable workspace, and a public square. Additionally, Howells designed the Dogpool Lane student residence in Birmingham, accommodating 167 residents through a mix of cluster beds and studios, and secured approval for an 850-room, 55-storey student accommodation tower in Manchester. These projects demonstrate Howells' capability in creating diverse and integrated student living environments, often incorporating communal areas, retail spaces, and public realm enhancements.