About Us
The architecture of BWA is simple, elegant and timeless. It belies the effort that has gone into its making, and the complexities of the processes by which it is designed and built: it looks as if it was always meant to be there. It belongs. Intensely sensitive to context, the practice is obsessive about plan form, proportions, light, and the use of materials. Every detail is thought through, resulting in buildings that are wholly bespoke.
From its inception in 1987, Barbara Weiss Architects has developed a reputation for providing an exceptionally personal service, based first and foremost on listening to clients. Understanding essential needs and refining aspirations is BWA’s crucial first step towards expertly steering each project through the many stages and endless decision-making required by the progression from design to implementation.
Barbara Weiss Architects believes successful relationships are vital to successful construction projects. Among the large number of clients, contractors and consultants with whom Barbara Weiss Architects regularly works, several have been collaborating with the practice for more than two decades, with repeat business and word-of-mouth recommendations still bringing in the majority of new projects.
Although based in London, Barbara Weiss Architects has built around the UK, and as far away as Los Angeles. The practice is currently home to a team of 10, including a high proportion of women, a wide range of nationalities and a part-time cocker spaniel...
Barbara Weiss, Director
Since founding Barbara Weiss Architects in1987, Barbara Weiss has enjoyed a notable career spanning practice and advocacy, leading her practice with a consistent commitment to design excellence and a thoughtful approach to the built environment. Her portfolio of work reflects a wide-ranging engagement with a variety of architectural sectors, as represented by significant community/cultural buildings, healthcare facilities and highly bespoke residential designs, alongside a sustained contribution to debate and activism within the profession.
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In addition to practice Barbara has held teaching positions, co-authored popular books bridging the gap between clients and the architectural profession (Do It with an Architect, written with Louis Hellman) and contributed many articles to the architectural press. She is a respected voice in architectural discourse and has played a leading role in initiatives such as Women in Architecture (WIA) and the Skyline Campaign, reflecting her dedication to shaping the cultural and civic role of architecture.
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Barbara’s judgement and expertise is also widely recognised through her work as a juror and assessor. She has served on the Civic Trust and CABE Design Review panel (for the Building Schools of the Future initiative), as well as holding juror roles for the RIBA awards, LB Kensington and Chelsea Quality Review Panel, Architect of the Year Awards and Design South-East, amongst others. Alongside these roles, Barbara has been committed to supporting the next generation of future architects, mentoring through the Social Mobility Foundation but also tutoring sixth-form students through The Access Project.
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Earlier in her career, Barbara worked for globally acclaimed architects Philip Johnson–John Burgee and Richard Meier in New York, and with Stirling Wilford and Associates in London, where she contributed as Project Architect to several significant international projects. Born and raised in Milan and trained in Geneva and London, she brings a truly international perspective to her work.
David Cawston, Director
David Cawston is an architect and co-director at Barbara Weiss Architects. He joined the practice in early 2023 and he is currently leading a range of residential, healthcare and community projects, alongside co-ordinating BWA’s business development, corporate strategy, and marketing.
David began his career in practice in 2004 at Cullinan Studio where he worked for 7 years as a director in the cooperative. In 2011 he joined Piercy & Company where he was Associate and then Associate Director. Over his 11 years there, he oversaw projects in the Commercial and Adaptive Re-use sectors as well as co-leading one of the practice’s three studios.
David studied at Newcastle-Upon-Tyne University where he was nominated for the RIBA President’s Medal, and subsequently became a member of the RIBA. He enjoys the academic and theoretical side of architecture and has been a visiting tutor at Kingston University.
Islay, Director
Islay is the fluffiest director in the office. She joined the firm in 2021, and quickly rose through the ranks to become head of the belly rubs department. She is a popular pooch about Westminster, and currently has a long waiting list of admirers eager to take her out for walkies.
People
Clients
Commercial:
Banca Nazionale del Lavoro Investment Bank
Over the last three decades we have delivered more than 300 private residential clients worldwide, including families and high profile individuals, across the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
Barbara Weiss, Director
David Cawston, Director
