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 TEAM  |  CULTURE  |  STUDIO  |  WORK WITH US  |  FUTURES

TEAM

Our team are passionate individuals with a shared commitment to excellence in luxury high-end architecture. With backgrounds in various design disciplines, our architects and designers draw inspiration from a wide array of influences, enabling them to craft bespoke homes that resonate with our clients’ lifestyles and aspirations. This commitment to understanding our clients’ needs, paired with our knowledge of contemporary trends and timeless design principles, positions us as leaders in the industry, particularly in sought-after areas like Chelsea and Fulham.

What truly makes our team unique is our unwavering belief in collaboration and continuous learning. We regularly engage in knowledge-sharing sessions, encouraging everyone to contribute their insights and explore innovative design approaches. This open exchange of ideas not only cultivates a vibrant creative atmosphere but also elevates the quality of our work. Together, we strive to create homes that reflect the individuality of our clients while upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship and sustainability. At Studio Jo Cowen, our diverse team is our greatest asset, driving us to redefine residential architecture and deliver truly exceptional living spaces.

Director

Jo Cowen

As CEO, Jo is the strategic and commercial lead for Cowen + Partners, best known for her unique combination of design and commercial skills. Jo comes with a unique background as being both a qualified architect, yet trained in real estate investment management. This provides a broad understanding of the complexities involved in bringing schemes to fruition enabling the practice to work in partnership with clients and stakeholders. She is a leader in analysing and creatively assessing a site’s potential, as well as advising on value curation, the development brief and planning risk.

Jo is responsible for the strategic growth of the practice’s Living sector led regeneration schemes as well as overseeing the master planning projects. Currently working with several respected industry bodies, Jo is a thought leader recognised for her ongoing contribution to improving the quality of delivery within the sector.

Jo believes that sustainable design should deliver for the place, local community, investor, developer, operator and fundamentally, the end user. Jo is a founding shareholder for Action Funder, which provides valuable resource to community groups in need. Jo is also Vice President of Story of Christmas and fund raiser for Restore the Music.

Director

Chris Wilkinson

As Managing Director, Chris is responsible for the overall design and delivery of all of Cowen + Partner’s most innovative work. He leads concept and technical development of all major practice projects, from master-planning to multi-unit for sale and build-to-rent schemes, as well as being at the forefront of best in class residential led regeneration. Chris is able to rationalise sites at the earliest stages, unlocking potential in a sympathetic yet ambitious way. He goes beyond being an architect, with a deep understanding of operational strategies and interlocking multiple scales and phases of development in tandem.

Working at the forefront of conceptual progression of modern housing design, Chris has a reputation for unlocking complex sites with planning authorities, bringing new and alternative perspectives to urban townscape, marrying high quality design that performs for all stakeholders. Chris works hard to push forward the practices ‘clean and climate’ tech innovation and has led on multiple award winning projects.

Central to Chris’s approach is a co-aligned relationships with clients, statutory authorities and consultants throughout the design process. He carefully considers the appearance, performance and viability of buildings, adopting cutting-edge sustainable design strategies and the latest low carbon technologies. Chris strives to ensure Cowen + Partners remains at the forefront of the profession, investing in best in class capabilities and delivery excellence.

Director

Carlota Tarragona

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.

Director

Judith Topley

As Practice Director Judith works with the senior leadership team on the strategy, organisational and operational management of the practice. This encompasses people, culture, finance, operations and aspects of QA, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

Judith is a qualified architect and gained a distinction in her Part 3. She has worked in practice both in London and New York and it was during her time there that she broadened her experience within the construction team taking on roles with a main contractor and project manager. On returning to the UK, Judith returned to the profession in a role that would make the most of her strengths and interests, that of practice management.

Judith has a particular interest in people and culture and has completed CIPD Associate (Level 5) in People Management. She is passionate about broadening diversity within the profession and wider built environment sector, actively pursuing opportunities to enable this across all stages of a career from outreach to schools to career progression within practice, continually striving to create and maintain an inclusive workplace.

Senior Associate

Laira Piccinato

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.

Associate

Harriet Garbutt

Harriet has comprehensive experience across the domestic sector, predominantly working with period properties within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea which she executes at a very high level of design sophistication and detail. She has a structured and methodical working style which ensures a strong degree of management and collaboration with contractors and consultants.

Understanding and interpreting a client’s brief is paramount to a successful project; Harriet believes a nurtured approach responding to the sensibilities of each home and their owner establishes a synergy that is fundamental to achieving a distinguished architectural result. The home is a place of comfort, security and warmth, and through Harriet’s careful, detail-oriented approach and thorough understanding of the building fabric of period properties within central London, she can ensure this simple principle is maintained throughout every project.

Associate

Nada Tayeb

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.

Associate

Michael Jardine

Michael has extensive experience in all aspects of the design and construction of finely tuned and immaculately executed domestic spaces. He especially enjoys developing conversations and a client brief into well organised plans that celebrate clarity of axis, hierarchy and narrative, and optimal use of natural light.

These designs will always contain within them the desire to take shape on the building-site and to bear witness to his love of material and technique: he takes the greatest delight in their delivery in close collaboration with specialist sub-contractors to ensure a high quality of fit and finish.

His projects have increasingly involved a knowledge of traditional forms of building and their details, both to restore and recreate these and to introduce contemporary elements into historic buildings to gain Planning and Listed Building Consents in central London boroughs.

Senior Architect

Katie Dechow

Katie joined Studio Jo Cowen in 2020 and has gained many years of experience in the private residential sector. Her approach is inspired by the belief that thoughtful design can transform everyday living, creating spaces that are both luxurious and functional.

She takes pride in collaborating closely with contractors and consultants to bring a client’s vision to life, ensuring that each project is nurtured and delivered to its full potential.

Whether designing new extensions or renovating existing properties, Katie places a strong emphasis on sustainability, creating spaces that are energy-efficient, comfortable, and built to last. She is particularly dedicated to preserving the character and history of period properties, integrating modern solutions while maintaining their unique charm and architectural integrity. Katie believes architecture is about more than just building—it’s about crafting environments that reflect the needs and aspirations of those who live in them, creating homes that truly feel like home.

Architect

Beth Bird

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.

Architectural Assistant

Jamie Heap

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.

Architectural Assistant

Philippe De Laroche

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.
Architectural Assistant

Pippa Farmer

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.

Studio Manager

Florence Chong

Our Studio Manager Florence ensures the smooth running of the practice here in Chelsea.
She handles the day-to-day requirements of the team in a busy architectural firm, supports the senior Directors and is also our communications liaison.

Florence studied marketing in her native France before going on to work for major luxury and fashion brands in Paris and here in the UK.

After living in places as far flung as Tahiti, New Zealand and the Arctic Circle, Florence has now returned to London to look after all of us here.

CULTURE

Our culture is anchored in a vibrant, collective team environment that nurtures creativity and innovation. We foster a collaborative atmosphere where every team member—architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and sustainability specialists—can contribute their unique perspectives and experience. This energised culture not only fuels our ambition to push the boundaries of luxury high-end architecture but also empowers us to create exceptional, bespoke homes that resonate deeply with our clients and their individual needs.

We prioritise professional growth and development, equipping our talented team with the tools and opportunities to expand their expertise and remain at the forefront of industry trends. This commitment not only enhances our ability to deliver high-quality homes tailored to our clients’ needs but also reinforces our status as an award-winning practice. Each project benefits from a collaborative approach, resulting in innovative designs that embody both timeless elegance and effortless functionality.

At Studio Jo Cowen, we take pride in our dynamic culture, empowering our team to excel, establishing us as the leading high-end Chelsea residential architecture.

STUDIO

Our studio is thoughtfully designed to inspire and equip our talented team with the latest tools and resources, enhancing our ability to explore bold concepts and push creative boundaries. We foster a culture where creativity can be unleashed. Our studio of architects, interior designers, and sustainability specialists collaborate seamlessly, creating an atmosphere where innovative ideas can flourish. This dynamic culture not only drives the creation of award-winning luxury high-end architecture but also ensures that every project reflects our commitment to curated bespoke homes.

This collaborative spirit nurtures continuous learning and growth, empowering us to deliver high-quality homes that meet the unique needs of our clients. At Studio Jo Cowen, we celebrate teamwork, ensuring that each project embodies the expertise and artistry of our passionate team while showcasing the beauty of residential architecture in prime locations like Chelsea, Fulham, and Islington.

WORK WITH US

Joining our team means becoming part of an award-winning practice committed to excellence and innovation. We foster a supportive and dynamic environment where your skills can flourish, and your ideas can shape exceptional living spaces. Check our careers page for the latest job opportunities and take the first step towards a rewarding career with Studio Jo Cowen.

At Studio Jo Cowen, we are always looking to expand our team with talented individuals who share our passion for high-end residential architecture. If you’re ready to unleash your creativity and contribute to crafting bespoke homes, We invite you to share your CV and portfolio by emailing: careers@studiojocowen.com

FUTURES

At Studio Jo Cowen, we are committed to shaping a better future through our various initiatives, including mentoring programs and social sustainability efforts. Our mentoring schemes aim to nurture the next generation of architects and designers by providing guidance, resources, and real-world experience to emerging talent. We believe in fostering creativity and skill development, helping aspiring professionals thrive in the competitive architectural landscape.