KKA Architects

KKA Architects is a multidisciplinary practice with a heritage spanning over 70 years, originally established in Liverpool as Kingham Knight Associates. The firm maintains strong connections to its North West roots, while also operating nationally across the United Kingdom. KKA's project portfolio extends beyond national borders, encompassing work in the Channel Islands and mainland Europe. The company's vision is to be both practical and commercial, yet brave and creative in its architectural and interior design solutions. This approach aims to result in commercially and creatively successful buildings, consistently prioritizing the end-user experience in every development.

KKA Studio is structured into two distinct yet collaborative divisions: architecture, known as KKA, and interiors, operating as KKAI. The KKAI team functions both in close collaboration with the architectural division and independently, demonstrating expertise across the hospitality and accommodation sectors. In 2020, Kasia Borkowska and Chris Long assumed the leadership of the practice, becoming joint owners after having worked for the firm for over a decade. This change in ownership aligned with the firm's succession plan, following the retirement of previous directors. The practice is committed to delivering a first-class professional service, underpinned by a collaborative approach that is considered a core strength, often leading to optimal client outcomes when both divisions work together.

The practice is composed of a team of approximately 25 talented designers, who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to their work. Team members originate from various locations, including the Liverpool City Region, Canada, and Poland. KKA fosters a collaborative working environment, with both the architecture and interiors teams sharing a single open-plan office to enhance communication and synergy. The firm's ethos is built upon principles of friendliness, creativity, and reliability, with an aspiration to cultivate growth from within its team. KKA's vision is deeply rooted in its core values, which were established with the assistance of a branding firm to ensure a consistent and clear communication of its identity both internally and externally. The company is a Quality Assured practice, dedicated to providing high standards of service and aiming to deliver solutions that exceed client expectations.

KKA Architects possesses extensive experience across a wide array of sectors, including sport, retail, hotels, and broader residential developments. The firm's expertise also extends significantly into the student accommodation sector, where it has undertaken various projects. KKA has been involved in developments such as the Folk co-living development at Florence Dock, which has received multiple industry award nominations. Furthermore, its interior design division, KKAI, has developed distinctive interiors for Novel Student, a portfolio established by the global investment company CA Ventures in Europe. These specific projects for Novel Student encompass locations in Edinburgh, Belfast, and Leicester, with each property featuring an individual visual narrative tailored to its specific location while maintaining an overarching brand identity. The company also acknowledges and comments on the rising standards for student accommodation within universities, reflecting its engagement with the evolving requirements and trends in this specialized sector.