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Specialists in residential architecture since 2006
Our homes are the beating hearts of our lives. We believe residential architects should create spaces which are a joy to live in.
Our story
March 2006 saw the launch of 50 Degrees North Architects at our kitchen table in Peckham.
Leigh Bowen, our founder, realised that there was a lack of tailored, professional architectural services available to homeowners. Our vision is to offer aspirational architecture so our clients can create homes they love.
Since 2006 our team has grown, we’ve moved offices and refined our niche. After six years at historic Willoughby House in St Margarets, our studio is now in the Old Deer Park by Kew Gardens, with an ‘Inspiration Station’ where you can explore and touch the materials we regularly specify.
The people you’d work with
A boutique practice with decades of experience. There’s not much we haven’t seen!
Leigh Bowen
Principal
An ARB registered architect and RIBA member since 2003, with 37 years of experience, including eight with Bill Dunster’s ZEDfactory. His approach centres on simplicity, honest materials and a particular affinity for mid-century modern homes.
Ana Meneses
Project Architect
Over 15 years of experience in the UK, specialising in residential design across London: planning applications, building regulations, technical detailing and on-site coordination.
Meryem Akca-Saygi
Assistant Architect
An MArch with Distinction from Liverpool John Moores University, with a particular strength in visualisation and design communication.
Margot
Studio Security & Wellbeing
This majestic dachshund has been with the studio since she was a puppy, and is happiest playing with tennis balls from the adjacent Richmond Tennis Club.
Recognition and press
We’re a RIBA chartered practice: we adhere to a code of ethics and comply with strict insurance, health and safety, and quality control initiatives. In 2017 we were voted Best Of on Houzz, longlisted in the NLA Don’t Move, Improve! competition and shortlisted by Build It for Best Architect for a Renovation or Extension, and our Beach House for Best Renovation.
- Ideal HomeAugust 2017: our Beach House, West Wittering
- Build ItJuly 2018: the Beach House project
- RIBA Journal2018: Sidney Road’s Roundhouse kitchen
- HouzzPilgrims Way, a 1920s house reinvented as a chic modern family home
- Channel 4St Peters Road, in a series presented by Charlie Luxton
- The Building CentreSidney Road in NLA’s Don’t Move, Improve! showcase
Local to Richmond, working across London and beyond
Many of our clients are local to our studio. Beyond Richmond we work across London, the Home Counties and West Sussex, and we’ve completed projects from Pembrokeshire to the Outer Hebrides. Our work takes us to Switzerland, Finland and China too.
- Richmond
- Teddington
- Twickenham
- St Margarets
- Kew
- Kingston
- West London
- South West London
- Central London
- Surrey
- The Home Counties
- West Sussex
What our clients say
“The team were really friendly, helpful and supportive throughout the entire project and we would highly recommend the team to anyone looking to create something unique.”
“They carefully guided us through all aspects of the planning process, advising us on using various planning application types to ensure we received the desired result.”
“Very helpful, easily contactable and approachable.”
Meet the team at the studio
Call 020 8744 2337 or send us a note. We’ll listen to your ideas and explain which of our services suit your project.