We have established the following four pillars that express how we design and do business:
- We design for people in context
- We create with craft and energy
- We prioritise re-use and innovation
- We champion collaboration and equity
GPAD is a collective of in-house design experts working across sectors and scales. We work with craft and energy to create places that deliver for clients and society. We unlock value in complex sites, producing thoughtful and distinctive workplaces, homes and spaces for culture and community. We take a future-first approach. The climate emergency informs how we approach the re-use of buildings and materials, driving innovation, research and continuous improvement. We are serious about equity. It influences what we design, how we design and the culture we create within our studio. We operate without ego, championing collaboration between studios, consultants, clients and communities because we believe working together produces better outcomes for everyone. Let’s create extraordinary together. We have Design in Common.
In the studio with GPAD. Video: Dion Barrett.
At Furnance Hill and Neepsend, with ARUP for Homes England and Sheffield City Council, our heritage-led design approach restores landmark buildings, creates new public squares, green spaces and riverside access, and prioritises walking and cycling. The project strengthens Sheffield’s urban core, supports economic growth and fosters inclusive, low-carbon city-centre living.
Design reviews, model making and sample boards are all part of our process. Photos: Peter Ghobrial, Sophie Percival.
At Colmore Row we are transforming a heritage building into a high performing contemporary office, re-using 64.6% of the existing building and incorporating smart technologies and renewable energy solutions. Find out more about our sustainability strategy here.
Opening event of our Falcon Road Bridge project in Wandsworth, co-designed with the community. Photo: Mickey LF Lee.
We founded Build the Way to increase participation and entry into the profession, and we regularly host skills workshops for young Londoners.
Our publication Common brings together voices from across the built environment and beyond. Video: Sophie Percival.
Life at GPAD is collaborative, curious and closely connected. Our Shoreditch studio brings together a mix of design backgrounds, and a culture where everyone has a voice. Regular learning sessions, team days and building tours help us keep developing, while active working groups explore everything from AI to EDI. Day to day, GPAD is tight knit and sociable, with shared lunches, design reviews, site visits and our annual bake off all part of studio life.
For the latest opportunities to join our team, read our news.
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ALASDAIR BROWNLOW
SENIOR ARCHITECT
