Michael Collins Architects

Studio

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We are an emerging, award winning practice based in Hertfordshire and London with work across the Uk. We specialise in progressive, sustainable architecture and are skilled at delivering exceptional projects on challenging sites an are sustainable accredited designers.

  • We believe that great architecture can emerge from the constraints of every site, brief and budget.

  • We believe in playful experimentation backed up by serious research.

  • We believe that beautiful buildings improve peoples lives, be designed to enhance our environment. We are members of Architects Declare

We would love to hear about your project.

Please get in touch for an informal consultation. We have experience of a broad range of project types, please refer to our current projects for more information.  

Contact:

E: michael@michaelcollinsarchitects.com

T: 01462 236866

T: 07866479770

Awards:

2021 - RIBA/HAA Best Domestic project Award

2020 - New London Architecture, ‘Don’t Move Improve’ Awards

2020 -Shorlisted Dezeen Awards

2019- RIBA/HAA Design award - Best commercial project Award

2013 - Scottish Design Awards Grand Prix

2012 - Architects Journal small projects award shortlist

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Michael Collins, RIBA, ARB, RIAS sustainable Accredited Architect

Michael spent over fifteen years leading award winning projects for nationally recognised architecture practices in London and Edinburgh. Michael is one of only thirty RIAS Sustainable Accredited Architects, is passive house trained, and combines practice with research and teaching, currently teaching at the Bartlett UCL, and leading the 4th year ‘Edge’ design studio at ESALA. Michael is also a professional practice examiner and auditor for new entrants to the architects register.

As an Associate at Stirling Award nominated Niall McLaughlin Architects, Michael was the project architect responsible for the delivery of a new drama school theatre for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, and the development of a new visitor masterplan for Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland. At Oliver Chapman Architects, Edinburgh, Michael led the design and delivery of the Kelpies visitor cafe, the award winning Skerrie house, and the practices highly acclaimed affordable housing projects. Abroad Michael worked at practices in Melbourne and Santiago Chile.

Michael studied at Edinburgh university and ETSAB Barcelona, graduating with a 1st class honours and a Masters with distinction. Since 2011 Michael has taught at Edinburgh University Architecture department as well as lecturing as part of the Universities MSC Latin American Cities Programme. Michael is currently a doctoral researcher at the University of Cambridge.  

Michael enjoys surfing, cycling and long walks with his young family.

michael@michaelcollinsarchitects.com

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Andrea Obando, BArch (1st Class)

I am an Architectural Assistant at Michael Collins Architects. I completed my part 1 at London Metropolitan University with First-Class Honours in BA Architecture. Always eager to be thrown in the deep end. I assist throughout different RIBA work stages, mainly focusing on design, materials and research. Since joining, I have worked on various projects such as residential architecture and restaurant loft conversion.

Before MCA, I worked as a Freelance 3D Visualiser for almost a year, creating realistic and artistic CGIs and spatial layouts, having completed various designs in both residential and commercial sectors. I believe architecture is fundamentally about a few main things: attention to detail, a stroke of inspiration and emphasis on where the dialogue between functionality and beauty merges.  

My architectural interests lie in sustainability and the broader social impact of architecture.  I enjoy travelling, learning about different cultures, dancing, visiting galleries and handmade pottery. I am also a native Spanish speaker. 

andrea@michaelcollinsarchitects.com

Anna Collins, BA Hons, Prince 2

Anna has over ten years experience of capital project leadership consultancy, and project management within the arts , culture and sport sector.

In 2012 and 2014 she led the design and delivery phases of key London Olympic and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Competition venues, both of which had significant fit outs and builds. More recently, Anna was Project Director for The Guardian News & Media Group for the Midlands Goodshed Kings Cross. Currently anna is leading the client side delivery of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts for their new £20m drama school in Peckham. Anna leads the practice management but also offers a specialist project management and consultancy service for clients undertaking building and refurbishment projects from feasibility stages through to delivery and operations.

Anna leads the professional consultancy side of the practice that offers project implementation and directorship advice to clients embarking on complex projects such as Kettering Borough Council and Cambridge Arts theatre.

anna@michaelcollinsarchitects.com

Our Services

  • High quality architectural design (new build and conversions)

  • New build housing

  • Masterplanning

  • Interior design and fit out

  • Sustainable design appraisals.

  • Furniture and bespoke joinery design

  • Site appraisals and brief development

  • Feasibility and capacity studies

  • Planning Applications

  • (incl. Conservation Areas / Listed Buildings)

  • Building Control Applications

  • Specialist technical design and specifications

  • Site inspections and contract administration