About

Jo is an architect whose integrated and pre-emptive thinking shapes projects from commercial viability through to the detailed nuances that define an elevated lived experience.

Her background in architecture and real estate management places her in a unique position to shape long-term vision from both a design and investment perspective – marrying an authentic creative vision with an astute commercial sense at every scale.

The cornerstone of Studio Jo Cowen is born from Jo’s fluency in the many languages of a project – those of the client, developer, designer, funder, planner and architect. It is this ability to connect perspectives, anticipate opportunities and bring them together that defines her approach.

Her intuitive, hands-on and joined-up vision is to create homes with a deep emotional resonance; homes that embody exceptional quality and that intelligently endure with relevance today and tomorrow.

Jo has earned a rightful place as a trusted voice within the industry through exceptional relationships, a robust team and a network of leading advisors, specialists, artisans and craftsmen.

The studio was built around a personal approach to meaningful privacy – and a sophisticated and layered understanding of what that means for a life well lived.

As Director of Studio Jo Cowen, Chris leads the design and delivery of the studio’s high end residential work. He has led and delivered a number of exceptional family homes in London, and he directs each project from the first site appraisal through concept, technical development and completion on site.

Chris is known for rigorous technical delivery. He sets clear cost, time and programme parameters at the outset and manages each project closely against them through design development, procurement and construction. His detailed technical knowledge means design decisions are tested early for buildability and value, which protects both the quality of the finished home and the client’s budget. Chris has led on multiple award winning projects and champions the studio’s commitment to sustainable, low carbon design within a luxury setting.

Central to Chris’s approach is a close, collaborative relationship with clients, consultants, contractors and craftsmen throughout the design process. He gives careful attention to the appearance, performance and longevity of each home, combining refined materials and bespoke craftsmanship with the latest sustainable technologies. Chris keeps Studio Jo Cowen at the forefront of high end residential design and maintains the standard of excellence its clients expect.

For more than ten years, Carlota has been a key figure at Studio Jo Cowen, collaborating closely with founder Jo Cowen and helping to grow the studio into the established and respected name in architecture that it has become. A strong foundation in residential architecture allows Carlota to merge innovative design with commercial viability, leading to projects that are both inspiring and practical.

A passionate advocate for sustainable design, Carlota is particularly adept and experienced in working on listed buildings, bringing a thoughtful, eco-conscious approach to preserving their heritage while introducing modern, environmentally friendly solutions. She combines a natural design flare with a strong technical knowledge of how buildings are constructed and detailed in order to efficiently resolve complex spatial and construction issues across all stages of the design process. Her approach is holistic, ensuring that each project maintains a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic alongside functional excellence.

Carlota prides herself on fostering strong relationships with clients and consultants, understanding that it takes collaboration to continue to deliver beautifully executed projects that meet the needs of both clients and the environment.

Laira has a wealth of experience in delivering high-end residential projects, from the restoration of traditional properties and listed buildings to the design of bespoke new homes. As a qualified Passivhaus Designer, she has successfully completed several net-zero projects, demonstrating her commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

Detail-oriented and client-focused, Laira excels at crafting inspirational homes that not only reflect her clients’ unique vision but also uphold the highest standards of design, craftsmanship, and innovation.

As Finance and Practice Manager, Caroline works directly with the senior team to assist in the general management of the practice. Her role encompasses finance, HR, operations, and aspects of ISO 9001.

Caroline studied PPE at Oxford University, and her background is in finance. She has over 15 years of experience in businesses across the creative sector, bringing strategic and analytical skills to her role at Studio Jo Cowen.

Outside of work, Caroline is passionate about all things literary and has had a number of novels published, as well as writing for the BBC.

Nada has been with Jo Cowen Studio since 2017 and has extensive experience in delivering several prestigious high-end residential projects. She has strong management capabilities, keen attention to detail and a collaborative mind-set that achieves high quality architectural outcomes.

With a robust understanding of working with existing period properties in London, Nada specialises in transforming spaces to meet the needs of contemporary living and ensuring that design integrity is maintained throughout all stages of a project’s development through to its execution on site.

Her approach is dynamic, practical, and attentive, with a commitment to working closely with Clients, consultants, and contractors, to ensure the vision and brief remains at the heart of every project.

Michael is an experienced architect of over 15 years of work on the refurbishment and extension of existing buildings, often for private end-user clients and usually working in his favoured environment of the building-site.

With a focus on creating highly personalised functional spaces and often incorporating contemporary technologies into historic built fabric, his expertise in detail and technique also inform strategic approaches to Planning Consent and achieving Building Control approval.

Leire has almost a decade of experience working within the residential sector across London, delivering projects across both listed and non‑listed properties. She brings a considered, design‑led approach to her work, underpinned by a strong sensitivity to context, heritage, and the individual character of each home.

With particular expertise in working with period and listed buildings, Leire is highly attentive to detail and focuses on thoughtfully balancing contemporary living requirements with the preservation of architectural integrity. She works closely with clients and consultant teams throughout all stages of the design process, ensuring each project is carefully resolved, responsive, and reflective of the client’s vision.

Jo is an Associate at Studio Jo Cowen with a passion for both small and larger scale projects across residential and commercial sectors. She enjoys working collaboratively with clients and consultants and forming positive and valuable relationships with them. Jo has worked with and led teams primarily on early design stages through to planning, gaining valuable experience in UK planning and building regulations.

Outside work, Jo enjoys running and cycling. She also regularly attends GoodGym sessions, a non-profit organisation whereby participants combine exercise with helping the community and local charities.

Beth is a fully qualified Architect, having completed the Professional Practice in Architecture Postgraduate Diploma at the University of Westminster in 2021, an M.Arch Architecture at the Bartlett, UCL in 2018, and a BA (Hons) Architecture at the University of Brighton in 2014, where she received a First Class Degree with Honours.

Throughout her academic studies and career, it is the expression of materiality, craft of construction, and consideration for colour and tone which have sat at the heart of Beth’s design ethos and practice. She believes the culmination of these principles are what make both successful places and spaces.

This outlook has enabled Beth to work across a range of scales in the residential sector, from the complexity of a detailed tender package for a client’s home, to developing strategies to deliver a new town centre for future communities.

Pippa holds an MArch degree in Architecture from the University of Bath and began her career at Studio Jo Cowen as the first Level 7 Architecture Apprentice, balancing her professional work with academic studies. Prior to joining the team, Pippa studied at Loughborough University where she obtained a BArch (Hons) degree in Architecture with a Diploma in Professional Studies.

Passionate about sustainable architecture and resilient design, Pippa places sustainability at the forefront of her work, evident by her nomination for the AJ Sustainability Student Prize in her second year and her dissertation which explored embodied carbon in flood resilient design. Pippa has also been actively involved in community focused sustainability efforts, including volunteering at the London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) where she led the social media graphics team.

In 2023, Pippa achieved her Passive House Designer certification, building a more mathematical understanding of building physics and energy performance. Whilst working on the domestic team, Pippa has curated the domestic sustainability brochure and developed her knowledge and expertise in the retrofit of listed buildings, from working on planning and extensive listed building matters to the drawing of tender and construction information.

Philippe completed his Masters of Architecture, with distinction, at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. His thesis interrogated the complex urban fabric of a culturally and historically rich inner-city block in Johannesburg. The themes picked up in his thesis provide an insight into his architectural interests that have emerged in professional practice. He has a particular interest in restoration, historic preservation and research, placemaking, urbanism, as well as a passion for sustainability and environmental preservation.

After obtaining his architectural professional registration in South Africa, he elected to further his professional development in the UK. Philippe has been a core team member on a diverse range of commercial and residential projects, developing a varied skillset for designing spaces at a variety of scales. Most notably, Philippe offers a high proficiency in various computer modelling and visualisation software as well as varied coordination and teamwork experience.

As an architectural assistant, Abigail completed an M.Arch Architecture at the Bartlett, UCL in 2022, where she received a Distinction. Throughout her academic studies she has had a keen interest in vernacular ingenuity. In particular, the use of sustainable materials in vernacular technologies.

Abigail has an appreciation of traditional and classical design, exploring building technologies and materials. This has enabled her to successfully work on domestic projects in the residential sector.

Jamie joined Studio Jo Cowen in 2023 having just graduated from the University of Bath. Throughout his time here he has worked across a multitude of projects at various stages, whether that be in early-stage concept and feasibility design, preparing planning applications or assisting in the detailed design stage.

Jamie’s interests lie in sustainability and across his research at university, he focused on designing low energy performing buildings using natural materials and how different methods of construction could be used as an alternative to traditional building.

Aside from this Jamie is interested in how 3D modelling to test different design options and materiality can be used throughout the design process to give a better understanding of space and scale.

Recently, Jamie has begun studying for his master’s degree in architecture at the London School of Architecture, where he balances part time studying whilst continuing his career at Studio Jo Cowen.

Jodi is a seasoned communications strategist with over 25 years of experience advising leading architecture, interiors and design practices, alongside luxury, hospitality, fashion and lifestyle brands. She specialises in defining strategic narratives that strengthen reputation, create cultural relevance and support business growth. 

Her work spans public relations, content, curated partnerships and alliances, business development and integrated communications, taking a connected approach to how brands communicate across every touchpoint. Drawn to businesses where creativity, craftsmanship and innovation shape experience, she enjoys developing compelling storytelling through collaboration that resonate with global audiences. 

Having built her career with globally recognised design studios, Jodi combines a deep appreciation for legacy with a forward-looking perspective on design, placemaking and the evolving role of creative businesses. 

Her particular interest lies in the intersection of design, culture, retail and hospitality, exploring how thoughtful communications shape meaningful experiences and define contemporary luxury.

As Finance Consultant, Ed supports the day-to-day financial management of the practice across a broad range of accounting and administrative functions.

Ed studied Ancient History and Archaeology at Newcastle University before spending 12 years working in accountancy and finance across a number of businesses. He later pursued a long-standing interest in historic buildings and traditional construction, and now also runs his own heritage masonry business, specialising in traditional limework and the conservation of historic brick and flint buildings.

Elisa is a graphic designer with over three years of experience across branding, editorial design, storytelling and social media in architecture and design. She holds a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design from Ravensbourne University London and enjoys combining strategic thinking with creative expression.

At Studio Jo Cowen, Elisa helps shape the studio’s visual identity and communications through marketing, social media and brand development.

Alongside graphic design, Elisa has a passion for illustration and photography, which inform her visual approach. She believes in a concept-driven approach, creating engaging visual narratives across a range of print and digital media.

Louis completed his master’s degree at Sheffield School of Architecture. Prior to this he practiced as an Architectural Assistant in New Zealand.

Louis has a passion for ceramic craft, founding the design studio Atelier North. Louis’s go to karaoke song is Supersonic by Oasis.

Alicia recently graduated from Newcastle University with a BA in Architecture. Throughout her degree, she developed a particular interest in materials, atmosphere and the way architecture can create a sense of place. She enjoys working through ideas by drawing, making models and experimenting with materials, and is happiest when she can get hands-on with a project.

Outside of architecture, Alicia has a strong passion for metalwork and welding, which has become an important part of how she likes to make and explore ideas. She has worked on a range of practical projects, including helping to build an off-grid eco-house in Denmark, where she gained experience with everything from timber and roofing to insulation and interiors. She also enjoys making her own pieces, often working with recycled steel and exploring how small-scale making can inform her approach to architecture.

Alicia is naturally curious and loves travelling, discovering new places and seeing how different materials, buildings and cultures shape the way people experience a space. She is drawn to creativity, experimentation and learning by doing, and is always keen to try new ways of making and thinking about architecture.

Sean supports Studio Jo Cowen’s operational function with a collaborative, people-first approach. He studied Architectural & Interdisciplinary Studies at The Bartlett, UCL where his final-year public engagement research examined how disparities in wealth, race, political views and cultural backgrounds influence interactions with the built environment.

Sean contributes to the studio’s internal and external profiles through event coordination, marketing, recruitment and PA support.