Urban Regeneration
Urban Regeneration is what Cowen+Partners is increasingly known for. We understand the immense challenges involved in bringing value-led regeneration projects through stakeholder engagement, planning and to realisation.
Whether it is disused industrial sites, river frontage or inner-city car parks, we set out to unlock the potential of sites to create a connected, enlivened place where people feel they belong, where a deep-rooted sense of identity is bound up in practical phasing and activated cultural placemaking, where architecture enables delivery.
Our understanding of the broad spectrum of asset class opportunities informs our approach to a site, balanced with Local Policy knowledge and a viable execution strategy. Our approach is founded on healthy placemaking; a commitment to creating communities that are planned around social and environmental factors that promote good health – from pedestrian access, to ease of travel, to access public landscape. Getting the place right drives value for all. The practice is currently working on masterplans for Morden Wharf, Eastgate Quarter in Leeds, Brent Cross, Asda at Park Royal, Royal Arsenal, Bournemouth CBD and Meridian Quays at Greenwich.
Masterplanning
We design neighbourhoods as frameworks for diversity, we amplify the unique elements of a brief and site to create places that have distinct and long-lasting character.
Cowen+Partners specialise in master planning & urbanism and work across a wide range of scales in both urban and rural regeneration. Our approach is centred on the creation of place, founded on a deep and holistic understanding of local traditions, connectivity, social sustainability, and integration. We create places for people that are both beautiful and rooted in everyday life. Our masterplans range in scale from single sites within a wider framework to suburban extensions, new settlements, and the formation of new neighbourhoods.
Working at allocation, outline and RMA stages, our thought leadership in viable delivery is critical to a project. Cowen+Partners thrives on collaboration and master planning is the ultimate collaborative project; a fascinating mix of research, inspiration, consultation, and design, with a central focus on building and improving communities.
Real Estate challenges are more complex than ever. Whether challenges with funding, inflation, planning or regulations, Cowen+Partners provides unique real estate advice that helps unlock value in sited and portfolios.
This is more than a feasibility – this is real industry expert advice on operations, build and efficiency as well as creative marketplace positioning and strategy. We can support both as architects or independently alongside your existing tea;, a trusted advisor from the outset. The tailored advice, innovative insights and hands-on support translates into the creation of bold authentic vision and executable strategy. Growth and innovation, unlocking grants and clean and green, in conjunction with market leading schemes are designed to support with funding objectives and connections.
Viability and Deliverability
Bring a ‘commercially focussed’ architect doesn’t mean that we don’t prioritise design. In fact, it’s this commercial approach that enables investment in design where it matters.
Cowen+Partners are recognised across the industry for our ability to maximise the value that can be achieved with any site. By focussing on viable design, we are able to create value in placemaking, townscape, green technology, quality building form and architecture.
Our approach to any site starts from the base point of using site efficiently, enabling significant public realm and legibility of places within the wider context. This approach enables simpler delivery and phasing, providing route to market and stabilisation. Our inherent knowledge of funding structures can impact this sequence through planning and BSR Gateway 2, key in bringing forward viable schemes that deliver returns. Not just for our client and the investor, but for the customer, the user and the community.
Build to Rent
Cowen+Partners are Build-to-Rent (Living) specialists. We advise investors, developers and landowners looking to sell, acquire and enhance their Living Build-to-rent assets to sites within the UK residential market.
We can optimise your residential build-to-rent development through expert architectural and operational advice on all aspects of design, planning, procurement and regulations, as well as interior design, space planning, and value engineering.
Our clients receive expert guidance and data-driven insights from our team of sector leading architects. At every stage of the asset lifecycle, from securing development, design consultancy and scheme optimisation, to delivering for an operating partner- we add value.
Our team is focused on London and key regional cities, we maintain extensive up to date market knowledge and balance this with architectural proposals and planning strategy. We work hard to help our clients make well-informed investment decision founded in concrete scheme proposals.
Co-Living
Co-living plays a vital role in the UK’s housing market, bridging the gap between student, HMO’s and build-to-rent. Cowen+Partners considers co-living as a housing model that thinks differently about space without compromising on quality.
Instead of a traditional block of flats with self-contained apartments, connecting hallways and the occasional amenity like a gym, co-living creates an active community. By trading a small amount of private space, residents gain much larger and more exciting collective facilities and shared amenities for working, socialising and relaxing.
Co-living like the other Living sectors, requires careful consideration as to how we use every inch of space. Width, depths of studios, layouts and servicing strategies come before architecture. Design from the inside out. Curated thoughtful design for rooms, vertical servicing, ambitious and efficient operational models, and identity driven interiors are key components for successful schemes. We are, in essence ‘hospitality driven’ in operational design strategies.
PBSA
Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) is much more than building design. Its about design for a whole community of like minded individuals. Students are residents, and any scheme needs to promote social enrichment.
The real skill comes in designing spaces that foster community and create places that people want to live in and use – a true home away from home. Projects designed in this way are the ones that generate demand at launch and for years to come.
Cowen+Partners does not merely design great schemes; it focuses on creating schemes that are able to be expediently and successfully built. They comprehend the deadlines associated with delivering in alignment with academic schedules – the necessity to complete work on site in preparation for the new term.
Through streamlined stakeholder and supply chain coordination, effective consent acquisition, maximising efficiencies, and utilising innovative construction techniques, Cowen+Partners assists in delivering successful projects on time.
A rigorous technical approach to every design is a key differentiator of our practice. Cowen+Partners is known for our ability to maximise the value of a site through technical assessment and delivery.
We have achieved recognition for both our innovative design and technical expertise. Under the progressive leadership of our principals, we are continually advancing our design, project management, and technical skills in order to remain at the forefront of the architectural profession.
Crucial to this is our knowledge and management of the route through BSR Gateway 2 introduced by the Building Safety Act (BSA 2022). Led by Gregory Malek, our Technical Director, we are investing heavily at RIBA Stage 1-2 in technical work to ensure compliance and ability to bring planning approved schemes straight into delivery.