Studio KA is an architecture and research practice, founded in London. Drawing on building culture and contemporary art, the studio’s design process is both analytical and resourceful: making new connections between what is already there and what can happen next. The studio’s practice and academic research engages with the reuse of existing buildings, working on both historic and listed architecture, as well as the transformation of more ordinary, everyday structures. Projects include the commercial renovation of a listed, former hotel into apartments, a cafe bar on a street corner and remedial interventions to houses. The practice works in dialogue with galleries, museums, developers, architects and heritage experts to design projects in the cultural, commercial and charity sectors. Studio KA collaborates with heritage consultants and local councils on projects which require rigorous planning and listed building consent applications. In each project, Studio KA explores technical solutions and the use of natural materials to prioritise the retention of the existing building, at the same time as improving its performance and imaginatively reworking what is there. Teaching and research The work of Studio KA is underpinned by extensive research and teaching. Katherine and Alex are Design Fellows at the University of Cambridge, where they lead an undergraduate studio. Studio KA is also collaborating with Takero Shimizaki Architects to teach a diploma studio at London Metropolitan University. In dialogue with museums, artists and industry specialists, the studio researches the cultural and material potential of existing buildings, considering material circularity, demolition and designing methods for reuse. Previously, Katherine taught a Diploma unit with Tony Fretton at London Metropolitan University and Alex taught a design unit at the Architectural Association School of Architecture. Katherine Nolan Katherine worked at David Chipperfield Architects on a major cultural institution in Moscow and the high-profile conversion of the Grade II listed American Embassy, 30 Grosvenor Square in Mayfair. Katherine also worked on the renovation and conversion of a former historic hotel in Belgium, the Grand residential building. Katherine previously worked at Haworth Tompkins on the renovation of Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. Alex Butterworth Alex practised at Herzog & de Meuron in Basel and at 6a architects. At 6a, Alex worked on leading art galleries, including MK Gallery, South London Gallery and an exhibition at the Tate Modern. Alex was also project architect on the renovation of an art collector’s house, greenhouse and garden in Hackney, and the commercial office renovation and extension of Grimshaw’s Grand Union House. Alex worked on a therapeutic garden and pavilion designed for patients with life-changing spinal and neurological injuries. This project has been shortlisted for the AJ Small Projects Award 2024. Selected clients and collaborators Architecture Foundation Residency, with AHMM, 2022-2023 Wendover Development (client) Westgreen (contractor) The Heritage Practice (heritage consultant) Pegasus (heritage consultant) Redbranch Hospitality (hospitality consultant) CCE (catering consultant) ScoMac (catering consultant) John Morgan (graphic designer) Viabizzuno (lighting designer) Tilly Dallas Garden Design (landscape designer) SD Structures (structural engineers) Multilateral (structural engineers) Float Structures (structural engineers) Momentum (structural engineers) E+M Tecnica (M&E) Mosaic (AV) 415 Ways (stone specialist) Ardern Hodges (floor specialist) Viúva Lamego (tiles) and many product suppliers Team Current: Nial Brimacombe, Enrico Brondelli di Brondello Past: Lauren Dennis, Louise Underhill, Amy Young
