About the practice

Our practice was founded by Donovan Purcell in 1947 and since then the responsible custodianship of our shared heritage has always been at the heart of what we do. Shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2024, and winner of Architect of the Year's Employer of the Year award in 2022, our practice continues to grow and flourish. We cherish the past and protect what we have for future generations to enjoy. For over 75 years, thoughtful understanding of place has been our foundation. Through research and innovation we constantly seek out fresh perspectives to enhance our knowledge and evolve our expertise in preserving our shared heritage in a changing world. Today, we are an award-winning international practice of architects, masterplanners and heritage consultants with over 340 people working together as one team in 14 studios across the globe, in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia. We were ranked No 7 in the Architects' Journal AJ100 in 2025 and are the UK’s largest practice working in heritage. We were named No. 1 practice for Heritage in Building Design’s World Architecture 100 for the fourth consecutive year in 2025.