Collaborating with a wide range of clients and peers on a variety of scales and project types, we have delivered a complex, diverse body of architectural work. Our work embodies a high quality, sustainable and sensitive design approach. We design spaces which offer an unsurpassed attention to detail born from meticulous research, a clear understanding of material and structure and careful consideration of context. We are passionate about designing beautiful, personal and natural spaces to be lived in and enjoyed for generations.
We believe architecture should be clear in concept, simple to construct and easy to maintain. Our work is client-centred. We listen, support, advise and guide you through all stages of the process, in order to produce spaces carefully thought through to meet your functional needs or lifestyle, while being both cost-effective and exceptional. We have a collective competence, expertise and experience in all phases of the building process, from concept to finished buildings. A collaborative process, working with a dedicated and professional team, we oversee all stages of the process from feasibility through to completion.
In 2023, we were awarded the Royal Academy of Arts Residency in collaboration with the British Council and the FRAC Centre Archive and co-founded the International Architecture Collaboration in 2020, a platform that supports emerging design practices. NVBL has been widely exhibited and published, including at the Royal Academy of Arts, LFA, Clerkenwell Design Week, Venice Biennale, and Guangzhou Triennial.
We welcome opportunities to discuss potential projects, collaborations and exchanges.
Nichola Barrington-Leach, Director
BA, Bsc, AADipl, ARB Architect
Nichola studied at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL (RIBA Part I), the Architectural Association (RIBA Part II) and the University of Westminster (RIBA Part III). Prior, she read a Joint Honours BA in Fine Art and History of Art. With local and international experience she brings a wide range of design knowledge and practical experience. Focused on a research based architectural practice, Nichola regularly contributes to the academic discourse as critic and lecturer for academic institutions across the UK. Currently she teaches architecture at the Architectural Association, Kingston School of Arts and mentors at the Royal College of Art.
Collaborators: Lara Vuković Bryan, Rachel Cronin, Gabriela Mészáros, Amy Stephens, Shou-Jian Eng, Matina Dimaraki, Minju Kim, Stephanie Misseri, Katerina Albertucci, Christopher Bisset, Urban Projects Bureau, Liča Anić, Sacha Trouiller and Philip Dalle Nogare.
Publications:
Divisare
AJ
Wallpaper
Dezeen
Stirworld
The Radical Project
BauMeister
Archivoolt