AAB Architects

AAB architects is a design-led practice based in north London, offering a bespoke architectural service tailored to individual client needs. Established in 2000 by practice principal Alice Brown, the firm has maintained a friendly and genuine approach, valuing positive working relationships with clients, consultants, and contractors. The practice primarily focuses on educational, community, and residential projects for a diverse range of clients and has developed a specialism in working with existing buildings, including reuse, repair, and conservation.

AAB architects are committed to delivering imaginative and high-quality building design in an environmentally responsible manner. The firm's approach is based on thorough analysis and understanding of clients' aspirations. Recently, the practice has shifted its focus towards retrofitting existing buildings to reduce CO2e emissions, energy use, and increase occupant comfort.

Alice Brown / Practice Principal

Alice studied architecture at Cambridge University and Harvard Graduate School of Design. She gained extensive experience in several renowned design practices before setting up AAB architects. Her career has been shaped by her experience working on the British Library at Colin St John Wilson & Partners and her role as project architect for the upper ticket hall of the new Jubilee line station at Southwark and proposed overstation development at MacCormac Jamieson Prichard.

Alice's specialisation in refurbishment, conversion, and adaptation of existing buildings was sparked by her success in a competition in Sweden to reuse a historic prison building for housing. As a member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and the 20th Century Society, Alice is a RIBA accredited Conservation Architect. She continues to be involved in local environmental initiatives to tackle climate change and the biodiversity crisis. She is a founding member of Retrofit Kentish Town, studying to become an accredited Retrofit Coordinator and is an active member of ACAN (Architects Climate Action Network), working on a research project on the retrofit of social housing estates across London.

Our Ethos

At AAB architects, our practice ethos is built upon the following values:

*Community & Social Engagement:*

AAB architects actively engage with charities, community groups, local authorities, and schools. Our work aims to create better places and buildings for the community, addressing real issues that have positive social, economic, and cultural value.

*Historical & Contextual Understanding:*

Our interest in the evolution of buildings and places is reflected in our ongoing research, contributing to our architectural design and practice. This understanding shapes our approach to each project.

*Low Impact:*

At AAB architects, we aspire to deliver affordable, durable, low-carbon buildings. We devise sustainable solutions through rigorous design, extensive construction and management experience. We re-use, repair, and conserve existing buildings where possible. Retrofitting is an essential aspect of our practice, enabling us to reduce energy in use and minimize waste. We aim to achieve the best quality for all budgets by nurturing positive working relationships with clients, consultants, and contractors.

Conservation, Repair, and Adaptation

At AAB architects, we are passionate about adapting, converting, and extending existing buildings. Our approach to sustainability requires long-term management and care of buildings, ensuring a sustainable future for our built environment. We consider retrofitting an essential aspect of our work, enabling us to address energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and heritage conservation.