Architecture Awards 2026 Best Planning-Led Architecture & Urban Design Practice 2026 – South East England & Best Retirement Community Project 2026 (South East England): Michaelmas Court Based in South East England, WWA (West Waddy Archadia) is a collaborative, multi-disciplinary practice comprising architects, town planners, and urban designers. Alongside its strategic partners, the team offers a complete package to create outstanding, people-centric places that consider heritage, practicality, and sustainability. Mark Slater, the managing director of WWA, caught up with us to discuss the practice following its recognition in this year’s Architecture Awards. A leader in the built environment WWA has offices in both Oxford and London, across which it has amassed a team of proud and talented architects, chartered town planners, urban designers, and accredited Passivhaus designers. Every member of both this team and those of its external consultants is committed to delivering WWA’s signature multidisciplinary package for design and build projects across the region. The high-quality projects WWA specialises in cover many sectors, from residential and specialist housing to healthcare and education. Projects delivered by this multidisciplinary architecture and planning practice also vary greatly in scale, from small-scale developments to large mixed-use masterplans. As Mark explained: “WWA applies a planningled approach to deliver design innovation with expertise in heritage conservation, specialist and supported housing design, sustainable design, and masterplans for the education sector. Throughout the years, we have collaborated with clients including commercial and private developers, charities and local authorities, medical practices, schools, universities and councils.” WWA’s projects are also underpinned by a strong commitment to sustainability, which Mark views as a cornerstone of the practice’s work. Sustainable practice finds its way into almost every element of WWA’s proactive and interdisciplinary approach, whereby crosssector expertise and a wealth of experience combine to deliver personal, professional, and consistently outstanding projects both on time and within budget. “We have developed a Sustainability Charter that helps guide decisionmaking across all aspects of the business, from project delivery and design solutions through to our dayto-day operations.” Discussing one of WWA’s most rewarding projects in detail, Mark told us about Bulmer House, a 56-apartment extra care housing scheme in Petersfield. Located within the South Downs National Park, and adjacent to a listed building, the project presented several significant challenges from the outset. Adding to this was the fact that the site was limited on space, and that space was defined by steeply sloping topography. WWA overcame these issues by leveraging its planning-led architectural design for complex development sites, leading to a unique, landscape-led design solution. The building itself is organised around a series of themed courtyard gardens, creating a strong connection between residents and nature and offering welcoming outdoor spaces. Varying building heights then respond carefully to the topography of the site and help minimise visual impact, preserving the important long-distance views within this beautiful National Park. Michaelmas Court, another project completed by WWA last year, has also been recognised with an award as part of this feature. A 54-unit integrated retirement community, the project has been designed to meet the evolving needs of older people, especially those living with dementia, without sacrificing on independence, community integration, and long-term wellness. Find out more about Michaelmas Court, named Best Retirement Community Project 2026 (South East England), on the WWA website. Projects like these exemplify WWA’s ability to unlock complex development opportunities, reflected in its impressive 93% planning approval rate. For a practice specialising in complex and constrained sites rather than straightforward applications, this is a particularly strong achievement. With these distinctions in tow, WWA is looking ahead to a busy and exciting rest of the year, with a diverse range of projects and industry events on the horizon. One particular highlight will be the relocation of its London office to Kingston, which will create new collaboration opportunities and strengthen the practice’s presence across the region. By combining planning expertise, architectural creativity and collaborative working, WWA is able to unlock complex development opportunities and create sustainable, deliverable solutions that add value for its clients and the communities in which it works. Find out more about this multi-disciplinary architecture and planning practice in London and Oxford at wwa-studios.com Contact: Mark Slater Company: WWA (West Waddy Archadia) Web Address https://wwa-studios.com/ West Wady Archadia (WWA) WWA Main Logo
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