Purcell

Purcell is an international practice of architects, masterplanners, and heritage consultants, trusted for our expertise in understanding, conserving, and reimagining the world’s most significant historic places. Founded in 1947, we pioneered the post-war conservation movement and continue to champion conservation and adaptive reuse as a pathway to a sustainable, low-carbon future.

With 14 studios - 10 across the UK and four in Asia Pacific - we lead with a conservation-first mindset, combining design excellence with technical rigour to deliver inclusive, planet-positive solutions. Our work spans across 9 key sectors: cultural, public, education, residential, hospitality, commercial, infrastructure and faith. With a spirit that is genuinely innovative and collaborative, we are focused on planet-positive design, championing adaptive reuse of our existing built environment over new construction. We pioneer a conservation-led approach that celebrates our past and responsibly considers the legacy we will leave for future generations.

Our award-winning portfolio includes the National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing with Selldorf Architects; the Wallace Collection masterplan; and the Stirling Prize-nominated Elizabeth Tower and National Portrait Gallery with Jamie Fobert Architects.

We are proud to be a Certified B Corporation®, ranked No.1 for Heritage in the World Architecture 100, and recognised for creating places that celebrate heritage while making space for new stories to unfold.

Contributors Sorted by recent

Neil McLaughlin

Nick de Klerk

Theo Manzaroli

Liz Smith

Contact Details

Purcell
4th Floor, 15 Bermondsey Square
Tower Bridge Road
London
SE1 3UN

Tel: 020 7397 7171
Web: www.purcellarchitecture.com

Projects Sorted by recent

The Old Rectory

Built

A grade II listed project in the heart of the City, offering versatile spread spaces over 5 floors. The past emerges from the historic bell tower, in the welcoming entrance.

View project

Hampstead House

Built

This 1960 house by the late Trevor Dannatt was due for demolition. This extensive repair and reimagining includes contemporary black steel extensions, an interior fit-out and new gardens.

View project

V&A Photography Centre

Built

Transformation of the V&A’s west wing creates the UK’s largest photography gallery, restoring Grade I listed spaces and delivering five galleries for display, learning and public engagement.

View project

The National Gallery

Built

Reimagining the National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing delivers an inclusive new entrance, improved public realm and upgraded facilities while conserving its Grade I listed postmodern character.

View project

National Portrait Gallery

Built

Transformation of the National Portrait Gallery reorients and restores its Grade I-listed fabric, enhancing access, increasing public space and creating a more inclusive visitor experience.

View project

Elizabeth Tower

Built

Major refurbishment of the Grade I listed Elizabeth Tower restored historic fabric, upgraded clock and services, and improved efficiency, securing its future.

View project

Hammersmith & Fulham Civic Campus

Under Construction

A ‘ruthlessly inclusive’ zero-harm scheme, it is the extension and full refurbishment of the Grade II listed Town Hall, and creation of a new high-quality civic mixed-use development.

View project

Camden Town Hall

Built

Restoration of Camden Town Hall renews a civic landmark, improving access, sustainability and flexibility while creating inclusive spaces for community use, services and local enterprise.

View project

National Gallery - The Accommodation Hub

Built

A new office at the heart of the Grade I listed building, uniting the entire Gallery staff of 250+ within previously redundant/ underused spaces between and underneath the exhibition halls.

View project

Boston Manor House

Built

A Grade I-listed Jacobean mansion – one of West London’s lesser-known gems – undergoing extensive restoration to transform the house into an engaging, vibrant visitor destination.

View project

The Wallace Collection

Built

A full-scale conservation and restoration of the front facade of the Wallace Collection, including repairs to the Portico, stonework and the restoration of existing features and elements.

View project

Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Built

Purcell was appointed Architect and Lead Design Consultant for the major renovation and refurbishment of the internationally-renowned luxury hotel, Mandarin Oriental at Hyde Park, London.

View project