London-based practice DO+CO Studio works across multiple sectors to create eco-conscious buildings that don't compromise on aesthetics.

DO+CO Studio is based in West Dulwich, South London, and aims to create joyful spaces and forward-thinking architecture that "makes life better" for people, communities and the planet.

Established in 2013, the studio works with homeowners, developers, businesses and community organisations across London, the South East of England, and further afield to create carefully crafted, sustainable buildings.

Company details

Location: London
Number of employees: five to six full-time, one part-time
Website: www.doandco.studio

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What is DO+CO Studios' vision?

"We make playful, creative work, combining the subtle and the bold, which centres the clients' needs, not our own. We design happy buildings for people to lead long and fulfilled lives in them.

"We use our sound architectural knowledge and expertise to improve the quality of life for our clients and the communities and environments that surround them. Our first mission is not profit: it is good quality, fair and sustainable design.

"Our work celebrates the small, human moments that define daily life – the warmth of a hand on a timber handrail, the play of light through a window, the calm of a home that simply feels right.

"We listen deeply and design without ego, collaborating closely with clients, consultants, and communities to create spaces that are as individual as the people who use them. Every project is personal. We make it yours – a lasting reflection of who you are and what you value.

"Sustainability isn't an add-on. We make it the obvious, intelligent choice – guiding everything from materials and detailing to how our buildings perform over time.

"By combining inventive thinking with meticulous craft, we design architecture that performs beautifully for people and planet alike."

What has the practice worked on?

"Our portfolio includes a range of private residential projects and new-build homes, including the RIBA-shortlisted Southfields,  and an accessible, sustainable home for an older couple.

"We're also currently working on a new
low-energy aparthotel and commercial space in Peckham, South London."

What is the culture like at DO+CO Studio?

"DO+CO is a small, part employee-owned architecture studio that places sustainability, inclusion and care at the centre of how we design and work.

"We believe that good architecture emerges from strong relationships. In the studio, this means rejecting long-hours cultures and competition-driven models in favour of collaboration, trust and shared responsibility.

"Beyond the studio, it means working closely with clients, consultants and communities to design thoughtful, low-carbon buildings that prioritise wellbeing and long-term value.

"Operating in a crowded UK market of small practices, we are intentional about being an authentically good place to work. We invest in fair pay, transparent progression, flexible working from day one, and enhanced family-friendly policies that go well beyond statutory requirements. As a part employee-owned business, we involve our team in major decisions about the direction of the practice.

"The diverse backgrounds, cultures and characteristics of our team are what support our sustainable growth. We acknowledge our shared responsibilities to supporting our team's diversity, as this also contributes to diversifying architecture as a sector. We take diversity, inclusion and belonging seriously from the first stage someone approaches us to work with us, to the time they decide to leave.

"Sustainability is never an add-on for us – it shapes our design processes, our business ethics and our workplace culture. We aim to prove that small practices can lead by example, showing that people-centred working cultures and high-quality, sustainable design are mutually reinforcing."

What are the career opportunities at DO+CO Studio?

"We have a rigorous, fair, honest and friendly recruitment process, where we really want to get to know the applicants and their work, and understand the directions they want to take in their future careers.

"From induction, new employees receive structured support, including goal-setting and regular reviews with the Director, alongside introductions to the senior team members, and one-to-one coaching post-probation.

"We pride ourselves on championing the career development of our team and we regularly review our recruitment plans in line with the growth of the business.

"We provide clear career progression outlining expectations, competencies and the practice’s commitments at each stage. We fully support architectural training pathways from Part 1 through to Part 3.

"Beyond qualification as an architect, we encourage ongoing learning, including Passivhaus certification, Principal Designer training, conservation accreditation and MCIPD study. We also run internal training on topics such as fair and inclusive recruitment and EDI. Our shared CPD programme with local practices broadens learning opportunities while strengthening professional networks.

"After two years with the practice, all employees become eligible for our share scheme, which leads to part-ownership of the business if they choose to take up the opportunity."

What makes Paul Archer Design stand out?

"We are a genuinely good place to work and we pride ourselves on it! Our commitment to creating happy buildings begins with a workplace where people feel supported, respected and able to do their best work. We involve the whole team in decision-making about our practice direction and design choices.

"We invest in our team, and our office culture of care and reciprocity means that we have great retention rates, too. Our average staff tenure is three years and ten months – a strong outcome for a small architectural practice.

"Our longest-serving team member recently celebrated ten years with the practice, having joined as a Part 2 assistant. We keep in touch with our alumni: they often return for social activities and keep up with practice news.

We take architectural careers seriously, and to make good on this, we provide the following commitments and benefits:

• 37.5 hour working week, with no expectation or requirement of overtime
• two week winter closure period on top of yearly increases in annual leave
• annual discretionary bonus
• company share scheme and profit share for long-serving team members
• enhanced family-friendly policies significantly above statutory requirements
• cycle to work scheme
• support for qualification at Part 3 and beyond
• training opportunities for further career progression are actively encouraged
• bespoke personal development, including one-to-one coaching with trained specialists
• regular office socials with local architecture studios
• inclusive and supportive office culture where everybody's voice is encouraged
• a fun, spacious, plant-filled penthouse studio in West Dulwich with city skyline views and office dog Alf
• location in an Art Deco building alongside a wide range of creative businesses and plenty of opportunities for networking

"In recognition of our office culture, we were named as one of Dezeen Top Companies 2026.

"We are also going through a period of growth and recognition – we were shortlisted for an RIBA award in 2026. And there is more to come."

What qualities does your practice look for when hiring?

"First and foremost, we look for people whose values are aligned with our own: sustainability, good design, happy buildings.

"Excellent drawing, drafting and detailing skills are important: hand-drawn where relevant and computer-generated. We offer fair work for fair pay, and that means we appreciate efficiency and care without the need for long-hours cultures.

"We look for people who are seeking to grow their skills and knowledge, with a genuine enthusiasm for sustainable residential, commercial and cultural architecture.

"Jenny Chamarette, head of culture and operations at DO+CO has provided a summary below on how to deliver a strong application:

• tailor your application to us – show you've got the skills and experience we're looking for, in your cover letter, CV and portfolio
• tell us why you want to work with us! We'd also love to know why it's our team and our work you want to be part of
• show your experience... and it's ok to be honest! For architecture roles, we're looking for at least three years of post-Part 3 work experience in a UK architecture practice, but if things have got in the way and you have slightly less, it's ok to be clear about that
• if there are gaps in your CV, be clear about why they're there. Travelling, parenting, health, or unemployment - we understand change happens. We won't penalise you for explained gaps, but we can't fill in unexplained ones.
• highlight your best (and most relevant) work: we look at experience from all levels, though as an architect, your work experience tends to matter the most. In your portfolio, be selective about showing us the best of what you have, across the full range of your technical skills and experience.

"As a small practice and a kind community, we look for all- rounders who have strong attention to detail, great interpersonal skills, and a gift for good collaboration."

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