We are a research, strategy and design studio that defines new frontiers for places around the world.

OUR APPROACH

Combining expertise from urban research, strategic foresight, cultural placemaking and spatial storytelling we shape resilient places alive with meaning, character and community.

Our team works with innovative clients worldwide, adding a human, cultural dimension and long-term value to places they develop — enabling them to galvanise consensus, build local pride and generate civic impact.

WE BELIEVE IN

AUDACIOUS
IMAGINATION

Energetic and positive in disposition, but backed up by depth of experience and wisdom. We believe in the power of play, and our workshops are fun — drawing clarity out of creativity.

TRUE
COLLABORATION

Our team draws on a multitude of skills and experience. From public policy to branding, urban design to cultural production, we believe innovation happens at the intersection of disciplines.

A GLOBAL
OUTLOOK

While local authenticity is key, there’s a lot to learn from how people do ‘local’ all around the world. Our bureau chiefs draw on global experience, but always work with local correspondents on the ground.

A GREAT
STORY

Places and propositions come alive through great storytelling. A creative and compelling narrative has the power to make minds, bring people together and propel us into the future.

WE TAKE PRIDE IN OUR GLOBAL VIBE

150 PROJECTS & PLACES WORDLWIDE

WE TRUST THE PROCESS

1
INSIGHT

Looking out in the world and on the ground to uncover local identity and place opportunities.

◦ Destination Research
◦ Place Foresight
◦ Creative Engagement

2
IMAGINATION

Developing future-fit visions accompanied by strategic frameworks to inform decision-making.

◦ Place Futures Workshops
◦ Vision + Narrative Development
◦ Culture + Placemaking Strategies

3
IMPACT

Developing concrete action-plans and design assets to turn place visions into reality.

◦ Destination Branding
◦ Conceptual Design
◦ Masterclasses

WE COLLABORATE WITH

MASTERPLANNERS, ARCHITECTS & LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

‍

Adjaye Associates, London
Asif Khan, London
Allison Brooks Architects, London
BIG, Copenhagen


Buro Happold, London
DRMM, London
Gillespies, London


Henning Larsen, Copenhagen
For Everyday Life, London + NYC
JA Projects, London
JTP Masterplanners, London
Marc Kohler Architects, Amsterdam
Mariam Issoufou, Niger
Macgregor Coxall, Bristol & Sydney
Moreau Kusunoki Architects, Paris
Mecanoo, Rotterdam
Prior + Partners, London
RAA, London, Berlin + NYC
Schultz + Grassov, Copenhagen
Squint Opera, London
Turner Works, London
Wilkinson Eyre, London
West 8, Rotterdam
UN Studio, Amsterdam

CIVIC
& CULTURAL ORGANISATIONS

‍

Art Hub Asia, Shanghai
Arts University Bournemouth, UK
Battersea Power Station, UK


The Bartlett, UCL, UK
Bristol City Council, UK
Cambridge and Peterborough 
Combined Authority, UK


Central St Martins, UAL, UK


Comune di Parma, Italy

The Crown Estate, UK
Downtown Austin

Alliance, USA
Fondation USM, Switzerland


Isle of Wight Council, UK


Parma Io Ci Sto, Italy
Katla UNESCO Geopark, Iceland


London School of Architecture, UK
Marlow Film Studio, UK


National Museums Liverpool, UK
Southampton City Council, UK
Snaefellsnes Regional Park, Iceland


University of Southampton, UK

BRANDS
DEVELOPERS,
& INVESTORS

Starwood Capital, USA


Lendlease, UK + Italy


HB Reavis, UK
Kennedy Wilson, Ireland


H Bros, China


Peabody, UK
Old Oak & Park Royal

Development Corporation (OPDC)
Google, Silicon Valley, USA
Pernod Ricard, Ireland
Glenturret, Scotland

“The Place Bureau gaze into the future and across territory, to define narratives for places around the world. Working with intuitive methods and imaginative minds, they answer the “why here?” “why now?” “what next?” as eloquent concepts and ideas. They are also great fun to work with, integrating seamlessly into teams and communities, finding the material and ideas that others didn’t see or couldn’t articulate.”
JASON PRIOR, DIRECTOR,
PRIOR + PARTNERS
“The Place Bureau are Scriptwriters for Place.”
BEN TOWNSEND, DIRECTOR,
SQUINT OPERA
“It was a privilege to be part of a process that was as creative as it was collaborative.”
PAUL REID, FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL SLAVERY MUSEUM
NATIONAL MUSEUMS LIVERPOOL
“The Place Bureau uses their knowledge, creativity and experience to bring diverse stakeholders with divergent ideas together in a room or a zoom. As inspiring collaborators they bring new ideas, ignite each project and ensure it completes its purpose.”
SUZI WINSTANLEY, DIRECTOR,
TURNER WORKS