Value proposition

A multidisciplinary practice with work ranging from award-winning buildings to master-planning and regeneration projects

ZCD Architects is a multidisciplinary practice, run by Dinah Bornat and Cordula Weisser, our work ranges from award-winning buildings to masterplanning and regeneration.

Creative, rigorous, innovative and playful we deliver projects across the public and private sectors – always motivated by our commitment to high quality design with a social purpose.

Our people-centred approach puts our clients and their needs at the heart of everything we do, whether we are creating a beautiful new home, or advocating for the involvement of young people in the design of our cities.

The practice offers architectural design, urban design and research services. We can deliver a full package from community engagement, masterplanning and urban design advice, through to design development and delivery.

Our experience in designing and delivering high quality, award winning buildings means we are able to provide full architectural services on new projects on a range of sizes. We have a particular expertise in gaining planning permission and funding for new proposals in sensitive locations and tight sites.

Our fresh approach to urban design in residential schemes means we can help shape new projects with a view to meeting policy objectives. We are dedicated to working with our clients to create high quality developments that will meet the needs of their communities now and into the future.

Our extensive research into Child Friendly Cities means we are leading UK experts, influencing policy nationally and in London. We have worked with the Homes and Communities Agency, UK Green Building Council on their report 'Health and Wellbeing in Homes', NHBC Foundation and others.

ZCD Architects was formed in 2013, by Zoe Smith, Cordula Weisser and Dinah Bornat. In 2017 ZCD very sadly lost Zoe Smith. The practice remembers her careful, sensitive and dedicated approach to design. At ZCD Zoe was most widely recognised for the Hussein Chalayan clothing shop in Bourdon Street.

Child Friendly Cities, Architectural Design, Urban Design, Research Services, Community Development, Design Development, Project Delivery, Planning Advice, and Funding Advice