What This Project Is All About
Kennedy Woods is all about designing kind, clever places that help people learn and grow. Their focus? Schools and educational spaces that aren’t just buildings, but environments crafted to inspire and support communities. From preparing school estates for the post-VAT landscape to creating visionary 10-year masterplans, they bring a thoughtful, strategic approach to education design. Whether it’s scaling up sustainably as a multi-site education group or helping start-ups establish their design identity, this project is rooted in thoughtful architecture and planning that truly makes a difference.
Main Benefits of the Project
Here’s what stands out about Kennedy Woods’ work:
- B Corp certified with an impressive score of 92.4, showing a strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
- Specializes in masterplanning for schools like St Christopher’s School and St David’s School, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability.
- Supports multi-site education groups, such as the Kinderzimmer Group, helping them scale thoughtfully and effectively.
- Delivers innovative design solutions, like the timber outbuilding for Chelmsford Nursery, blending creativity with functionality.
- Focuses on interior identity and fit-outs, exemplified by the Westminster Under School – Chapter House project, modernizing education spaces.
Ongoing Projects That Showcase Expertise
Several projects are currently underway, each reflecting a unique challenge and opportunity. For example, the engagement-led masterplan for St Christopher’s School in Hampstead is tailored specifically for a girls’ school, emphasizing community input and long-term vision. Meanwhile, the Kinderzimmer Group project brings one of Germany’s leading education providers to London, helping them grow into a multi-site group with a clear, sustainable strategy. And then there’s the N Family Club, a start-up that’s rapidly expanding from one site to thirty, with Kennedy Woods guiding their design identity and strategy to become a top-quality group operator.
Commitment to Inclusive and Accessible Design
Design here isn’t just about aesthetics or function—it’s about inclusivity, accessibility, and engagement. Kennedy Woods has set up initiatives and partnerships aimed at making the architecture industry more equitable. This commitment is woven into every project, ensuring that spaces are welcoming and usable by all. It’s a reminder that good design serves everyone, breaking down barriers and fostering community connection.
Unique Identity and Strategic Growth
One of the standout aspects of this project is how it helps educational institutions develop a unique identity while planning for strategic growth. Take the N Family Club, for instance: starting as a single site, it’s now on track to become a 30-site group, all while maintaining a strong design identity that reflects quality and care. Similarly, the interior fit-out at Westminster Under School’s Chapter House is more than just a facelift—it’s part of a wider transformation into a modern, co-educational environment that meets the needs of today’s learners.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Quality Education (SDG 4): Creating spaces that enhance learning and growth.
- Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10): Promoting inclusive and accessible design.
- Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): Supporting sustainable scaling of education groups.
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): Delivering innovative architectural solutions.
- Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): Emphasizing sustainable materials and practices.
- Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): Building collaborations to make the industry more equitable.
Contact and Location Details
For those interested in learning more or connecting, Kennedy Woods can be reached at hello@kennedywoods.co.uk or by phone at 020 7993 8205. Their studio is located at Unit B3.2, Yellow Stairs, Bussey Building, Peckham, London SE15 3SN. This central London location is a hub for creative and socially conscious architectural work, reflecting the ethos behind every project they take on.
