L.A. London Architects

L.A. London Architects Practising the finest architecture and design since 1981 We offer clients a creative, collaborative and professional approach.

Lees Associates LLP is an architecture and interior design practice specialising in prime and super-prime projects. An RIBA Chartered Practice, we operate in the residential, retail, commercial and hospitality sectors throughout London, the UK and internationally. Led by directors Andrew Paulson and Kathryn Archer, with over forty years’ experience between them, the practice has established itself

as one of the UK’s foremost luxury design practices with a proud reputation for delivering the highest quality within an agreed budget and programme. Lees Associates’ approach to each project is centred around a steadfast commitment to servicing the fundamental needs of the client and their project. Every project is director-led with an appropriate project team being drawn from the practice’s talented architects, interior designers and technicians. Our reputation for leading design teams on high-profile, high-value projects with professionalism and care has led us to be regularly invited to act as executive architect for some of the world’s foremost designers. Our clients and colleagues recognise how the attention to detail that we invest in every project ensures a smooth process from concept to completion. Lees Associates is dedicated to the very highest standards of design and client service. We place emphasis on novel solutions that honour a pragmatic financial approach without compromising design. The practice’s reputation and success is a testament to this commitment.

Yesterday’s LA London Breakfast Club at The River Restaurant, The Savoy Hotel.A small group, carefully curated—bringing ...
23/04/2026

Yesterday’s LA London Breakfast Club at The River Restaurant, The Savoy Hotel.

A small group, carefully curated—bringing together trusted collaborators and new connections across the prime residential sector. These conversations are where projects often begin: shared perspectives, aligned standards, and a mutual commitment to quality.

We’ve always believed that the strength of a project is shaped long before design begins. It starts with the people around the table.

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Progress is not static—it is measured, tested, and improved over time.To mark EarthDay.org today, we are pleased to shar...
22/04/2026

Progress is not static—it is measured, tested, and improved over time.

To mark EarthDay.org today, we are pleased to share that LA London has improved its score in the annual assessment, reflecting the steps we continue to take to strengthen how we operate as a practice. The framework provides a rigorous benchmark across areas including governance, sustainability and professional standards—aligning closely with our wider commitment to continual improvement.

In our latest Journal article, we have set out what this means in practice: not just achieving a standard, but actively raising it. From refining internal systems to embedding more accountable ways of working, the focus remains on delivering quality with consistency and intent.

🔗 Read the full article via the link: https://www.la.london/journal/prime-progress

The Future Homes Standard (FHS) is often framed as a regulatory shift. In practice, it is a shift in how homes are conce...
15/04/2026

The Future Homes Standard (FHS) is often framed as a regulatory shift. In practice, it is a shift in how homes are conceived, coordinated and delivered.

For prime residential projects, the implications go beyond compliance—requiring fully integrated design from the outset, where fabric performance, building services and architectural intent are resolved together, not retrospectively.

This is already the direction of travel for high-quality projects. The FHS simply formalises it.

Read our summary of what the FHS means for prime residential new-build here:

🔗 https://www.la.london/journal/future-homes-standard

The Building Safety Act is reshaping how residential projects are designed, coordinated and delivered—placing greater em...
13/04/2026

The Building Safety Act is reshaping how residential projects are designed, coordinated and delivered—placing greater emphasis on accountability, compliance and demonstrable safety at every stage.

In our latest Journal article, architect Ema Benzar outlines what this means in practice: from clearer dutyholder responsibilities and the role of the Building Safety Regulator, to the Gateway approvals process and the “golden thread” of information that is fundamental to everything.

While the intent is clear and necessary, the reality is a complex and rigorous process—particularly for higher-risk buildings. Navigating this effectively requires early coordination, technical clarity and a disciplined approach to delivery.

At LA London, this level of rigour is already embedded in how we work—ensuring design intent is protected while meeting the evolving regulatory landscape.

🔗 Link in L.A. London Architects' Insta bio.

We’re excited to share that Andrew Paulson has been recognised in the 2026  , curated by , highlighting leading architec...
25/03/2026

We’re excited to share that Andrew Paulson has been recognised in the 2026 , curated by , highlighting leading architects, interior designers and landscape specialists working with high net worth clients today.

Andrew’s inclusion reflects his work at the forefront of London’s prime residential market, delivering complex, high-value homes defined by clarity of vision, precision in ex*****on, and a consistently high level of design and technical resolution. His approach is rooted in close collaboration with private clients and consultant teams, ensuring that each project is carefully steered from initial concept through to completion.

At LA London, this is reinforced by the integration of , providing accurate digital information from the outset and enabling more informed decision-making throughout the design and delivery process. This combination of design leadership and technical rigour underpins the studio’s ability to manage increasingly sophisticated projects while maintaining focus on quality and detail.

Recognition in the Spears Index acknowledges both Andrew’s individual contribution and the wider studio’s continued commitment to delivering work at the highest level within the prime residential sector.

🔗 https://spearswms.com/property/best-architects-high-net-worth-individuals/

A few reflections from a productive week in Cannes.A market that feels active, yet cautious. Conversations that were opt...
24/03/2026

A few reflections from a productive week in Cannes.

A market that feels active, yet cautious. Conversations that were optimistic, but increasingly grounded in reality. And a clear sense that complexity—economic, regulatory, and political—is continuing to shape decision-making at every level.

Our latest Journal piece captures what LA partner, Andrew Paulson observed on the ground, and where he sees things heading.

🔗 https://www.la.london/journal/the-view-from-cannes

We’re delighted to see our  score increase from 11 to 14 in this year’s rescore. 🥳For us, the value of PRIME is not the ...
17/03/2026

We’re delighted to see our score increase from 11 to 14 in this year’s rescore. 🥳

For us, the value of PRIME is not the number itself but the discipline it creates—encouraging us to continually review how we operate as a practice and where we can improve. The process aligns closely with the wider work we are doing as we progress on our journey toward B Corp certification, helping ensure that how we run our practice reflects the values and standards we aim to deliver in our projects.

There is still much more to do, but it’s encouraging to see steady progress as we continue working to get better at everything we do. 💪🏼

ARCHITECTS OF CHANGEFor International Women’s Day this year, we’re reflecting on the challenges and opportunities for wo...
06/03/2026

ARCHITECTS OF CHANGE

For International Women’s Day this year, we’re reflecting on the challenges and opportunities for women in architecture today.

As a rare female-majority practice, led by a senior team including partner Kathryn Archer and associate Megan Burrows, we strive to offer inclusivity and opportunities in what can still be a male-dominated world. We also recognise the need for ongoing work to address entrenched discrimination, particularly on site.

Kathryn and Megan sat down with architects Ema Benzar and Alicia Pell, and architectural assistants Pearl James, Mai Smith and Angelika Kuczynska-Hajdasz, to discuss their experiences – and the changes Kathryn has seen for women in architecture over the last 30 years.

🔗 Read the full discussion here: https://la.london/journal/architects-of-change

11 Roles Architects Perform (and what they actually mean)Exacting, technical and creative – the role of an architect is ...
25/02/2026

11 Roles Architects Perform (and what they actually mean)

Exacting, technical and creative – the role of an architect is both demanding and highly rewarding. Architects undertake many years of training even to practise, while intensive professional development takes place throughout a career.

Our role as architects is also multifaceted, and while we continue to develop specialist skills and deepen our knowledge, we also almost always wear more than one ‘hat’ on any given project. This versatility helps streamline and simplify processes, but it can occasionally lead to some confusion for our clients. What’s the difference between principal designer and lead designer? Why does a project require both a lead designer and a design lead?

As part of our ongoing series of articles demystifying architectural terminology and processes, we’ve summarised the various roles and responsibilities we might hold on any given project, and what these mean in reality for our clients.

🔗 https://www.la.london/journal/11-roles-architects-perform

The principal reception rooms of this Surrey home are united by a strong axial alignment, creating a composed sequence o...
13/02/2026

The principal reception rooms of this Surrey home are united by a strong axial alignment, creating a composed sequence of spaces with clarity and flow. Classical proportions, refined detailing, and a soft, neutral palette bring cohesion and a sense of understated elegance. 👌🏼

Subtle detailing elevates this family cinema, where crisp architectural lines meet richly textured surfaces. Controlled ...
11/02/2026

Subtle detailing elevates this family cinema, where crisp architectural lines meet richly textured surfaces. Controlled lighting and a dark, refined palette create an immersive, cinematic atmosphere with a quietly luxurious finish.

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38 Southwark Street
London
SE11UN

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Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm

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02074031000

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