February '26 - Five Years
Five Years of Kirby Architecture: A Studio Built on Relationships, Family and Purpose
We’re incredibly proud to have marked our fifth anniversary last month, celebrating our journey from a one‑person practice to a growing studio known for thoughtful design, trusted client relationships and meaningful community impact.
Founded in 2021 by Myles Taylor, Kirby Architecture grew out of two decades of experience at global architectural firm, Squire & Partners. Myles progressed there from architectural assistant to director, leading a 25‑strong team and contributing to major national and international projects, from the Shell Centre Masterplan to the Landmark Towers and the Bvlgari Hotel. Squire & Partners evolved from 25 staff to 250 and 12 directors during his time there - an environment that shaped Myles’ extensive experience over a diverse range of client projects and his ongoing love for superb design.
“I reached a moment where I wanted to refocus on family,” says Myles. “My wife Alix also wanted to retrain as a priest, and we asked ourselves: did we want to look back and say we’d worked on great projects but missed the time that really matters, or be a bit more cash‑poor and time‑rich for a while? Kirby Architecture was our family’s answer to doing other great work, the right way for us.”
From Big Practice to Bespoke: A Different Start
When Kirby Architecture began, Myles’ long‑standing client relationships gave the studio a distinctive starting point. Several of his ‘big practice’ clients wanted to commission houses and extensions that were too small for a major firm - projects where a hands‑on, senior‑led approach matters most.
In those early months, Kirby often acted as a client adviser, providing an ‘architectural pair of eyes and ears’ to help clients manage the process. It was a model that benefitted everyone: clients felt supported, , and Kirby gained the financial stability to grow on its own terms.
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The practice has grown organically through word‑of‑mouth, friends of friends, the sports club network, Alix’s parish connections, and recommendations from trusted local builders. One agricultural barn commission led to work for a brother‑in‑law; an engineering firm owner asked for help; soon there were two more farmers seeking advice. The thread through it all: relationships built on trust and the understanding that for private clients, this is their savings and their future, not a corporate budget.
“It’s a privilege to help people shape the places they live their lives,” says Myles. “We never forget it’s their money, their dream, their home.”
We’re incredibly proud to have marked our fifth anniversary last month, celebrating our journey from a one‑person practice to a growing studio known for thoughtful design, trusted client relationships and meaningful community impact.
Founded in 2021 by Myles Taylor, Kirby Architecture grew out of two decades of experience at global architectural firm, Squire & Partners. Myles progressed there from architectural assistant to director, leading a 25‑strong team and contributing to major national and international projects, from the Shell Centre Masterplan to the Landmark Towers and the Bvlgari Hotel. Squire & Partners evolved from 25 staff to 250 and 12 directors during his time there - an environment that shaped Myles’ extensive experience over a diverse range of client projects and his ongoing love for superb design.
“I reached a moment where I wanted to refocus on family,” says Myles. “My wife Alix also wanted to retrain as a priest, and we asked ourselves: did we want to look back and say we’d worked on great projects but missed the time that really matters, or be a bit more cash‑poor and time‑rich for a while? Kirby Architecture was our family’s answer to doing other great work, the right way for us.”
From Big Practice to Bespoke: A Different Start
When Kirby Architecture began, Myles’ long‑standing client relationships gave the studio a distinctive starting point. Several of his ‘big practice’ clients wanted to commission houses and extensions that were too small for a major firm - projects where a hands‑on, senior‑led approach matters most.
In those early months, Kirby often acted as a client adviser, providing an ‘architectural pair of eyes and ears’ to help clients manage the process. It was a model that benefitted everyone: clients felt supported, , and Kirby gained the financial stability to grow on its own terms.
Powered by Community
The practice has grown organically through word‑of‑mouth, friends of friends, the sports club network, Alix’s parish connections, and recommendations from trusted local builders. One agricultural barn commission led to work for a brother‑in‑law; an engineering firm owner asked for help; soon there were two more farmers seeking advice. The thread through it all: relationships built on trust and the understanding that for private clients, this is their savings and their future, not a corporate budget.
“It’s a privilege to help people shape the places they live their lives,” says Myles. “We never forget it’s their money, their dream, their home.”
Building a Team the Kirby Way
Kirby began as just Myles, who was designing, making tea, fixing the printer and everything in between. In 2022, the studio welcomed Andy Johnson and Nick Moss on summer placement, followed by Evie Hall for a year‑in‑practice. Kirby moved into its current Metfield studio in January 2023, and Lottie Gates joined for her placement year that summer. Andy returned full‑time in 2023 and has been a mainstay ever since; Cian joined in August 2024; Sam came aboard in May 2025; Lottie returned in August 2025; and Rebekah later joined part‑time alongside Alex.
Today, Kirby Architecture comprises four full‑time team members, with Alex and Rebekah part‑time. Small enough to be personal, experienced enough to deliver.
“The hardest part of going solo was missing that instant peer group I had in a big studio,” Myles reflects. “Whilst I always had Alix to discuss ideas and thoughts with at the start, she’s not an architect and I missed having peers to technically problem solve with. I’m grateful for the mentors and coaches who’ve supported me in that respect, and most of all for the brilliant people who’ve chosen to work here. People enjoy themselves here, do fantastic work and you can feel the pride when projects complete. We couldn’t ask for more.”
The Next Five Years
After a successful first five years of growth, the plan ahead is to continue with a slow and steady approach to development, growing the right way, not the fast way.
Myles explains, “We’re really people focused, so we want to support progression for the team and look to grow our headcount whilst making sure we keep our senior architects involved in every project.
“We’ll never lose touch with small, personal projects, but we’re looking forward to working on bigger briefs where we know we’re the right team for the job. We’ll also keep supporting community projects where we know we can make a difference.
“It’s not growth for growth’s sake. It’s craft, care and consistency.”
Kirby began as just Myles, who was designing, making tea, fixing the printer and everything in between. In 2022, the studio welcomed Andy Johnson and Nick Moss on summer placement, followed by Evie Hall for a year‑in‑practice. Kirby moved into its current Metfield studio in January 2023, and Lottie Gates joined for her placement year that summer. Andy returned full‑time in 2023 and has been a mainstay ever since; Cian joined in August 2024; Sam came aboard in May 2025; Lottie returned in August 2025; and Rebekah later joined part‑time alongside Alex.
Today, Kirby Architecture comprises four full‑time team members, with Alex and Rebekah part‑time. Small enough to be personal, experienced enough to deliver.
“The hardest part of going solo was missing that instant peer group I had in a big studio,” Myles reflects. “Whilst I always had Alix to discuss ideas and thoughts with at the start, she’s not an architect and I missed having peers to technically problem solve with. I’m grateful for the mentors and coaches who’ve supported me in that respect, and most of all for the brilliant people who’ve chosen to work here. People enjoy themselves here, do fantastic work and you can feel the pride when projects complete. We couldn’t ask for more.”
The Next Five Years
After a successful first five years of growth, the plan ahead is to continue with a slow and steady approach to development, growing the right way, not the fast way.
Myles explains, “We’re really people focused, so we want to support progression for the team and look to grow our headcount whilst making sure we keep our senior architects involved in every project.
“We’ll never lose touch with small, personal projects, but we’re looking forward to working on bigger briefs where we know we’re the right team for the job. We’ll also keep supporting community projects where we know we can make a difference.
“It’s not growth for growth’s sake. It’s craft, care and consistency.”
Thank You
To our clients, collaborators, friends, family, builders and mentors - thank you for every recommendation, every cup of tea on site, and every ounce of trust. Kirby Architecture had the chance to grow because of you.
Thinking about a project?
We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to talk about your home, community or development—large or small.
To our clients, collaborators, friends, family, builders and mentors - thank you for every recommendation, every cup of tea on site, and every ounce of trust. Kirby Architecture had the chance to grow because of you.
Thinking about a project?
We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to talk about your home, community or development—large or small.
OcTOBER '25 - Charlotte and Sam receive international recognition
We’re proud as punch to share that two of our team members have been recognised for the quality and innovation of their work.
Charlotte, our Part 1 architectural assistant, was nominated for the Architecture Journal Student Prize, in recognition of her final undergraduate project for her Bachelor’s of Architecture, which she completed at Loughborough University.
Sam Prabhakaran, who recently relocated to the UK to join us as an architect, bringing more than 15 years’ experience, was nominated and shortlisted in the Design Institute of New Zealand – Best Design Awards.
With a spotlight on innovation and sustainability, Charlotte’s nomination centred on her design for a Seaweed Innovation Centre in Lisbon. The project creates a living system, thriving off the powers of seaweed, and brings together laboratories, farms, and civic spaces where science, culture, and community meet. Inside, scientists and makers collaborate in open labs and workshops to explore seaweed’s potential in food, textiles, construction, and energy, and members of the public are invited into the process: to walk among the cultivation beds, learn from interactive exhibitions, taste seaweed in the restaurant, or stay overnight in bio-based micro dwellings.
Charlotte said: “It was a real honour to be put forward for the student prize. The calibre of entries is so high, coming in from more than 100 higher education institutions, so to be shortlisted was really incredible.
“The project was about using design to bring sustainable, innovative ideas to life that can transform buildings from static places into thriving, efficient and productive parts of communities. I hope my ideas brought that to life through the creation of the Seaweed Innovation Centre. I really enjoyed being part of the awards evening and hearing about the brilliant work of my peers.”
Sam Prabhakaran, who recently relocated to the UK to join us as an architect, bringing more than 15 years’ experience, was nominated and shortlisted in the Design Institute of New Zealand – Best Design Awards.
The shortlisting was for the project Sam worked on with his team at Designgroup Stapleton Elliott (DGSE) Architects in New Zealand. Sam’s work was celebrated in the ‘workplace environments’ category, recognising the innovation and creativity in their work to redesign the offices of Wellington-based tech-accounting company Hnry. The project brief involved designing a space to reflect and encourage the creative, fun and highly collaborative approach the team has, and saw Sam and his team design an innovative office space using contrasting colours to separate zones, greenery, playful lighting, and bold colours in furniture, acoustics, and flooring.
Sam was the project architect / lead, working closely with the client during the design and design development stage, also managing the project on site during construction.
Sam said: “It’s great to have been shortlisted for what are such hotly-contest awards, and which celebrate the pinnacle of design excellence.
“The Hnry project, carried out in my time at DGSE, was a pleasure to work on. The success came from the exceptional way in which we worked with everyone involved on the project, from suppliers to contractors, and of course the client – to create something truly bespoke and built around the exact needs of the business and their team. It was a real privilege to lead and I’m grateful for this industry recognition.”
Charlotte, our Part 1 architectural assistant, was nominated for the Architecture Journal Student Prize, in recognition of her final undergraduate project for her Bachelor’s of Architecture, which she completed at Loughborough University.
Sam Prabhakaran, who recently relocated to the UK to join us as an architect, bringing more than 15 years’ experience, was nominated and shortlisted in the Design Institute of New Zealand – Best Design Awards.
With a spotlight on innovation and sustainability, Charlotte’s nomination centred on her design for a Seaweed Innovation Centre in Lisbon. The project creates a living system, thriving off the powers of seaweed, and brings together laboratories, farms, and civic spaces where science, culture, and community meet. Inside, scientists and makers collaborate in open labs and workshops to explore seaweed’s potential in food, textiles, construction, and energy, and members of the public are invited into the process: to walk among the cultivation beds, learn from interactive exhibitions, taste seaweed in the restaurant, or stay overnight in bio-based micro dwellings.
Charlotte said: “It was a real honour to be put forward for the student prize. The calibre of entries is so high, coming in from more than 100 higher education institutions, so to be shortlisted was really incredible.
“The project was about using design to bring sustainable, innovative ideas to life that can transform buildings from static places into thriving, efficient and productive parts of communities. I hope my ideas brought that to life through the creation of the Seaweed Innovation Centre. I really enjoyed being part of the awards evening and hearing about the brilliant work of my peers.”
Sam Prabhakaran, who recently relocated to the UK to join us as an architect, bringing more than 15 years’ experience, was nominated and shortlisted in the Design Institute of New Zealand – Best Design Awards.
The shortlisting was for the project Sam worked on with his team at Designgroup Stapleton Elliott (DGSE) Architects in New Zealand. Sam’s work was celebrated in the ‘workplace environments’ category, recognising the innovation and creativity in their work to redesign the offices of Wellington-based tech-accounting company Hnry. The project brief involved designing a space to reflect and encourage the creative, fun and highly collaborative approach the team has, and saw Sam and his team design an innovative office space using contrasting colours to separate zones, greenery, playful lighting, and bold colours in furniture, acoustics, and flooring.
Sam was the project architect / lead, working closely with the client during the design and design development stage, also managing the project on site during construction.
Sam said: “It’s great to have been shortlisted for what are such hotly-contest awards, and which celebrate the pinnacle of design excellence.
“The Hnry project, carried out in my time at DGSE, was a pleasure to work on. The success came from the exceptional way in which we worked with everyone involved on the project, from suppliers to contractors, and of course the client – to create something truly bespoke and built around the exact needs of the business and their team. It was a real privilege to lead and I’m grateful for this industry recognition.”
june '24 - the red house cpd visit
Our summer CPD Trip took place last week which took us to the exquisite The Red House in Aldeburgh, Suffolk. The site was the home and base for Britten and Pears from the 1950s.
The 17th-century farmhouse, 20th-century outbuildings, and the more recent archive building by Stanton Williams are set within simple but beautifully curated gardens.
Materiality is consistent across the buildings but the use and variation of detail was great to see.
Following the well presented tours, the team retired for a beautifully prepared local fish lunch and some seaside air.
Thank you to the @pinneysoforford & @theredhousealdeburgh for having us.
The 17th-century farmhouse, 20th-century outbuildings, and the more recent archive building by Stanton Williams are set within simple but beautifully curated gardens.
Materiality is consistent across the buildings but the use and variation of detail was great to see.
Following the well presented tours, the team retired for a beautifully prepared local fish lunch and some seaside air.
Thank you to the @pinneysoforford & @theredhousealdeburgh for having us.
may '24 - Planning consent for new home
There has been a buzz in the studio following the receipt of planning consent for this new build home in the beautiful Suffolk countryside.
Capturing views of the surrounding landscapes and the big “Suffolk Sky” was critical to our Clients while also adhering to Dark Sky Planning Policy.
Drawing on the rich agricultural heritage & landscapes, we designed a home to be a contemporary approach to the historic Suffolk Barn.
We are looking forward to progressing with the tender information and seeing this one built.
Capturing views of the surrounding landscapes and the big “Suffolk Sky” was critical to our Clients while also adhering to Dark Sky Planning Policy.
Drawing on the rich agricultural heritage & landscapes, we designed a home to be a contemporary approach to the historic Suffolk Barn.
We are looking forward to progressing with the tender information and seeing this one built.
april '24 - project completion in southwold
This week saw the completion of one of our Small Works Projects in the beautiful seaside town of Southwold, Suffolk.
We developed multiple options with the Clients to improve internal flow, exploiting natural light and enhancing the property value.
The completed scheme flips the internal spaces to allow the living areas to connect with the courtyard and afternoon sun.
This project demonstrates that not all properties need extending but rethinking the layout can greatly improve both internal & external spaces.
We developed multiple options with the Clients to improve internal flow, exploiting natural light and enhancing the property value.
The completed scheme flips the internal spaces to allow the living areas to connect with the courtyard and afternoon sun.
This project demonstrates that not all properties need extending but rethinking the layout can greatly improve both internal & external spaces.
march '24 - barbican cpd visit
Our Spring CPD Trip took place last week which took us to the mighty Barbican Centre in EC2.
The default reaction to the Barbican is one of concrete, concrete & more concrete. This isn’t the case with green spaces, walkways, planting, and waterways throughout. We were taken by the variety of internal double and triple-height spaces, and variation in finishes and detailing.
@myleskirbytaylor was given the important role of opening up the service walls for the group to inspect. Right up his street!
We retired for burgers & beers. Thanks to Karen & @barbicancentre for the excellent tour.
The default reaction to the Barbican is one of concrete, concrete & more concrete. This isn’t the case with green spaces, walkways, planting, and waterways throughout. We were taken by the variety of internal double and triple-height spaces, and variation in finishes and detailing.
@myleskirbytaylor was given the important role of opening up the service walls for the group to inspect. Right up his street!
We retired for burgers & beers. Thanks to Karen & @barbicancentre for the excellent tour.
feb '24 - site progress in southwold
We often take regular site visits during a build to assess both progress and address any site queries.
With the recent installation of the glazing systems, we visited one our Southwold projects. The project is being stripped back to the original fabric. It was great to see the primary elements in place ready for the second phase of the works. Looking forward to seeing the finished project.
With the recent installation of the glazing systems, we visited one our Southwold projects. The project is being stripped back to the original fabric. It was great to see the primary elements in place ready for the second phase of the works. Looking forward to seeing the finished project.
jan '24 - PLANNING CONSENT IN SUffolk
We have had a busy start to 2024.
We received planning approval for the remodelling and conversion of two farmworker cottages into a family home near Bungay, Suffolk.
The proposals focus views to the surrounding fields and landmarks whilst also providing family spaces including a library & home office.
Drawings, schedules & specifications are almost complete ready for the build. Looking forward to building this one.
We received planning approval for the remodelling and conversion of two farmworker cottages into a family home near Bungay, Suffolk.
The proposals focus views to the surrounding fields and landmarks whilst also providing family spaces including a library & home office.
Drawings, schedules & specifications are almost complete ready for the build. Looking forward to building this one.
dec '23 - planning consent in surrey
We recently received planning permission for the ground floor remodelling and rear extension to a 1930s home in Surbiton, Surrey.
The replanned ground floor provides much improved kitchen, living, dining & home office spaces. The roof lights and glazed doors maximise light throughout the floorplate and also strengthen the connection to the garden.
The production of tender & detailed construction information is due to commence next month.
The replanned ground floor provides much improved kitchen, living, dining & home office spaces. The roof lights and glazed doors maximise light throughout the floorplate and also strengthen the connection to the garden.
The production of tender & detailed construction information is due to commence next month.
nov '23 - 18 greycoat place completion
We have recently completed the fit-out of five apartments in London, SW1. Three apartments are duplex units with the remainder being single-storey studio units.
The interior finishes include herringbone timber floors, feature ceiling coffers and bespoke moving timber screens that are all set with a carefully selected neutral but natural colour palette.
We had the opportunity to work alongside the excellent Gibberd Architects on the project delivery.
The apartments are set within a beautiful new mixed-use building as designed & crafted by Squire & Partners.
The interior finishes include herringbone timber floors, feature ceiling coffers and bespoke moving timber screens that are all set with a carefully selected neutral but natural colour palette.
We had the opportunity to work alongside the excellent Gibberd Architects on the project delivery.
The apartments are set within a beautiful new mixed-use building as designed & crafted by Squire & Partners.
ocT '23 - herzog & de meuron exhibition
Our Autumn CPD Trip took place this week. We visited the Herzog & de Meuron exhibition at the Royal Academy, London.
sept '23 - welcome lotty!
We are pleased to welcome Lotti Gates who joined Kirby Architecture this month.
Lotti joins us midway through her BArch (Hons) Architecture Course at Loughborough University.
We were impressed by her beautifully crafted images and attention to detail as demonstrated within her excellent portfolio.
Welcome, Lotty!
Lotti joins us midway through her BArch (Hons) Architecture Course at Loughborough University.
We were impressed by her beautifully crafted images and attention to detail as demonstrated within her excellent portfolio.
Welcome, Lotty!
aug '23 - PLANNING CONSENT IN southwold
We recently received planning consent for the remodelling, extension & landscaping of an existing 1930s property in Southwold, Suffolk.
The replanned ground floor provides much improved kitchen, living & dining spaces. Whilst the new garden incorporates a yoga studio, morning/evening terracing & sunken garden. The spaces are served by air source heat pump, solar panels, and the storage/reuse of grey water.
The replanned ground floor provides much improved kitchen, living & dining spaces. Whilst the new garden incorporates a yoga studio, morning/evening terracing & sunken garden. The spaces are served by air source heat pump, solar panels, and the storage/reuse of grey water.
JUly '23 - planning consent in maidenhead
We have been busy working away on the remodelling & extension of this large family home and annexe along the River Thames in Windsor & Maidenhead. Two out of three consents have been received with a third currently being assessed.
The focus of the design is to provide improved connections between internal & external spaces. The façade design draws inspiration from the subtle water movement of the adjacent Thames.
With tender & construction information production commencing in the Autumn, we cannot wait to build this one.
The focus of the design is to provide improved connections between internal & external spaces. The façade design draws inspiration from the subtle water movement of the adjacent Thames.
With tender & construction information production commencing in the Autumn, we cannot wait to build this one.
june '23 - congratulations andy!
The studio is popping the Prosecco for @andyjohnson1993 graduating from @norwichuniarts from his MArch Architecture course. We are immensely proud to have such a talented force in our team!
may '23 - richard walker painting
We had an exciting new arrival at our Suffolk studio this month in the form of this wonderful painting of Lloyd's Building in London.
The painting of then Richard Rogers Partnership’s building was created by artist Richard Walker in the late 1980s.
It has been loaned to the practice by our neighbour, friend & interior designer @gordonlindsay6375
We love it! Thank you, Gordon.
The painting of then Richard Rogers Partnership’s building was created by artist Richard Walker in the late 1980s.
It has been loaned to the practice by our neighbour, friend & interior designer @gordonlindsay6375
We love it! Thank you, Gordon.
april '23 - 8 the street site visit
We have recently carried out a monthly site visit and valuation meeting at one of our projects in South Norfolk. The project involves the remodel & extension of an original Georgian property.
With the brickwork complete and the roofing being installed, things are really taking shape. We are looking forward to seeing how the internal spaces now form & finish.
With the brickwork complete and the roofing being installed, things are really taking shape. We are looking forward to seeing how the internal spaces now form & finish.
March '23 - bespoke brick company
Following a site visit to one of our new projects in Rochester in Kent, we took the opportunity to visit the @thebespokebrickco
The showroom is set within “Magazine B” which was built in 1857. It was originally designed to store 24,000 100lb barrels of gunpowder but later housed torpedoes.
The existing brickwork has been beautifully restored with the historic crane running tracks also kept in place.
We loved the brick selection & have selected a brick mix for a residential project in the Chilterns. Fortunately, no torpedoes were discovered!
The showroom is set within “Magazine B” which was built in 1857. It was originally designed to store 24,000 100lb barrels of gunpowder but later housed torpedoes.
The existing brickwork has been beautifully restored with the historic crane running tracks also kept in place.
We loved the brick selection & have selected a brick mix for a residential project in the Chilterns. Fortunately, no torpedoes were discovered!
Feb '23 - Welcome Evie!
We are pleased to welcome Evie Hall who joined Kirby Architecture this month.
Evie joins us following the completion of the Part I Architecture BArch Course at Nottingham University.
We were super impressed by the beautiful hand drawn images and attention to technical detail as demonstrated within her excellent portfolio.
Welcome, Evie!
Evie joins us following the completion of the Part I Architecture BArch Course at Nottingham University.
We were super impressed by the beautiful hand drawn images and attention to technical detail as demonstrated within her excellent portfolio.
Welcome, Evie!
Jan '23 - OUR NEW OFFICE IS COMPLETE
Our new offices are complete. With the help of the team, we managed to relocate and set up in 24 hrs. Top work by the team.
Nov '22 - our new office is almost complete
We carried out a site visit to our new offices at the Old Mill in Metfield. The works are in the final stages. We can’t wait to move in in a couple of weeks next to our super neighbours.
OCT '22 - building works begin in brooke
We are pleased to announce that following consent in May, building works have commenced on site at 8 The Street in Brooke, Norfolk.
JUly '22 - Public exhibition
We have been chairing a series of public consultation events & exhibitions for The Old Stables in Fressingfield, Suffolk. We are now working on the Statement of Community Involvement to assist with project funding.
JUne '22 - the birdhouse
The Bird House in Blythburgh has received planning consent. Kirby Architecture has been appointed to deliver the project on-site. The tender packages are underway.
May '22 - Planning approval
8 The Street, Brooke, South Norfolk receives planning approval. Kirby Architecture has been appointed to deliver the project on-site.
April '22 - Istanbul
Kirby Architecture has been appointed to develop designs for two residential developments in the beautiful city of Istanbul, Turkey.
February '22 - PLANNING APPROVAL
Locks Cottage, Eye, Suffolk - receives planning approval. Kirby Architecture has been appointed to deliver the project on-site.
MAY '21 - FC&A mAGAZINE
Architect in Profile - Myles Taylor
April '21 - SHC Magazine
Feature Interview with Myles Taylor
