We’re SO excited to announce that Magdalene House, our pioneering hemp-based home in the New Forest, has received planning permission! 🌱🏡
Built with a low-carbon, modular hemp system, Magdalene House is aiming for a negative carbon footprint.
Huge thanks to our amazing team and collaborators @naturalbuildingsystems ! Check out the article in @architectsjournal for more details.
Visuals @schnabel.co.uk
#sustainablearchitecture #hempbuilding #ecofriendly #newforest #design #architecture #sustainableliving #passivhaus #lowcarbon #pioneeringdesign #magdalenehouse #ifdo #architectsjournal #planningpermission #newforestnationalpark
On site.
This project has been designed for long-term social, environmental and economic sustainability, and was developed with extensive community engagement to ensure that it responds to the needs and aspirations of local people.
You can find out more on our website (link in bio)
A huge thank you to the client and project team:
Client: @methodistchurch Enfield
Architect: @if_do
Community Engagement: @street_space__
Structural Engineer: @cor_task
Quantity Surveyor: PT projects
Services Engineer: @edpenvironmental
CLT via @klhukclt
Photography by @buildingnarratives
#if_do #architecture #londonarchitecture #community #socialinfrastructure #onsite #construction #londonarchitects #timberarchitecture
IF_DO team includes @jamiekyleagnew@simon_mt1
YEY!🎉 The Brent Cross Town Substation has been awarded a 2024 Civic Trust Award — one of only 22 national winners.
The project was described as “a testament to the transformative power of architecture and design, combining functionality, sustainability, and public art”.
“This innovative approach not only fulfils its essential role in the urban infrastructure, but also contributes to the visual and cultural identity of Brent Cross Town. It leaves a positive imprint on the community and the six million individuals who witness its vibrant presence each year.” — Judges’ Comments
A huge thank you to the incredible project team:
Architect and artist: @if_do@lakwena
Client: @related_group@brentcrosstown
Lead designer: @arupgroup
Contractor: @galldrisgroup
Specialist subcontractor: @bournegroup
Architectural panels: @fifthelevationltd
Lighting: @mgrubbstudio
Landscape: @gillespies_llp
Photography: @johnnysturrock / @jasonhawkes
#if_do #londonarchitects #socialinfrastructure #civictrustawards #cta2024 #communityarchitecture
An exciting moment for the studio — Eagle House has been shortlisted for the Mix Awards.
We’re grateful to see the project recognised and look forward to sharing more about the thinking and design behind it.
Shout out to our incredible clients @hastingscommons as well as the wider team including @simple__works@maxfordhamllp@stockdaleuk
More details on the project coming soon.
#MixAwards #Shortlisted #EagleHouse
IFDO are heading to UKREiiF 2026!
This year, Director Sarah Castle and Associate Candice Moore will be in Leeds from 19–21 May, and we’d love to connect with clients, collaborators and peers across regeneration, development and the built environment.
Sarah will also be leading a workshop at the London Pavilion on Thursday 21 May at 11am:
Built Barriers: Workshop Unpicking Gender Barriers in the Built Environment, delivered in partnership with Part W and UKREiiF.
The session will explore how gender shapes experiences of the built environment and test practical tools aimed at addressing inequalities in planning and design.
If you’re attending UKREiiF and would like to meet, do get in touch.
📅 19–21 May 2026
📍 Royal Armouries Museum and New Dock, Leeds
#UKREiiF #UKREiiF2026 #Leeds #PartW
We’re delighted to welcome Dieuwke Cappaert and Gini Smart to IF_DO! 👋
Dieuwke joins us as an architect with a passion for people-centred design and learning from existing buildings, while Gini joins as a Part II Architectural Assistant bringing a community-led and playful approach from The Bartlett.
We couldn’t be more pleased to have them on board. Welcome! 🎉
A building within a building — Planning Approved 🎉
We’re excited to share that Kentish Town Neighbourhood Space has received planning approval!
Our retrofit scheme reimagines a 110-year-old former cinema on Prince of Wales Road as a mixed-use civic hub for Camden — preserving its historic façade while delivering affordable workspace and community facilities at the heart of Kentish Town.
Thank you to Camden Council and everyone who made this possible. Exciting times ahead!
#Architecture #Retrofit #PlanningApproved #KentishTown #Camden
From the archives - a site model for a new development of 16 homes in Greenwich. The proposal looked to address how a development can be designed within a complex and tight urban site, while also providing a generosity of space, flexibility for future occupants, and promoting communal spirit.
#modelmaking #architecturemodel #londonarchitects #placemaking #housingdesign
Happy Friday!
We are excited to share a sneak peak of our recently completed community retrofit project at Eagle House for @hastingscommons , photographed by the wonderful @kilianosullivan . Stay tuned for more, soon!
#communityarchitecture #retrofit #sustainableDesign #archdaily #dezeen
A look back at one of our favourite projects Gallery Barn ! — a transformed 17th century agricultural structure reimagined as a place for both retreat and celebration.
Designed for versatility, the barn was carefully transformed to host large gatherings as well as moments of reflection. Two new pods were introduced, resting ever so lightly against the historic timber frame and allowing the original fabric to remain the true protagonist.
Old and new in quiet dialogue.
Photography by @fh_otography and @jounderhill
#ThrowbackThursday #TBT #Architecture #GalleryBarn #Suffolk Barn Conversion HeritageArchitecture
💚 Today we’re recognising IFDO as one of the first organisations to join the Part W Supporters’ Circle. 💚
By becoming a supporter, IFDO is helping sustain the research, advocacy and campaigns pushing for gender equity in the built environment.
Backing this work sends an important message: equity isn’t just something to talk about — it’s something to support and invest in.
Thank you @if_do for standing with us as part of this inaugural year.
#WeArePartW #PartWSupportersCircle #IWD2026
Happy International Women’s Day!
At IF_DO, we’re committed to building a more equitable profession — not just today, but every day.
This year, we’ve joined the Part W Supporters Circle to back their ongoing work championing gender equity in the built environment.
Real change doesn’t happen in a single post or panel. It happens through sustained action, research, advocacy and support.
We’re proud to stand alongside practices investing in a more representative, inclusive future for architecture.
#IWD2026 #InternationalWomensDay #PartW #GenderEquity #Architecture IFDO”
