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Benjamin Machin directs an architecture studio in east London, working across the United Kingdom and occasionally abroad. The studio finds beauty everywhere and likes making non-original, generous buildings.The studio is an RIBA Chartered Practice and is small by design, with Benjamin leading the design and management of each project. The practice is a signatory of both Architects Declare and the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge. Alongside directing the studio, Benjamin is actively engaged as a visiting critic at various schools of architecture across the United Kingdom and has led a teaching studio at Loughborough University since 2021.Design starts by looking carefully at what is already there: the street, the ground, traces of use. These ordinary things carry meaning, and we take them seriously. We seek out what excites — buildings, objects or stories that can make this ordinariness feel newly alive.Benjamin has been selected for inclusion in New Architects 5, the Architecture Foundation’s definitive guide to Britain’s emerging architectural talent, due for publication in summer 2026.

Expertise

Loft conversions, Kitchens, Sustainable design, Joinery design, Extensions, Planning applications, Re-planning / Internal alterations, New builds, Accessible design

We have our eye on this young practice for its deceptively simple designs, driven by the wellbeing of the individuals who experience them.
The Modern House
Ben was a delight to work with. Very attentive and professional, whilst also be so considerate of our views. We thought we knew exactly what we wanted, but Ben brought some out the box ideas to the table which was great to incorporate. We had a number of issues with gaining planning, which Ben addressed really quickly by a really thorough report. Even our planning officer commented on the detail issued to them. We wouldn’t hesitate from recommending Ben and using him again on our next project.
Jo and Rob, House Extension in Leighton Buzzard
We can't recommend Ben enough!

We approached Ben with the hope of creating our dream, new-build, paragraph 80 home on some family land. From the off, his strong design instinct and "no-stone-unturned" approach to the process has blown us away resulting in an incredibly beautiful, honed design which has taken into consideration everything we could possibly want.

From our initial brief onwards, the journey has been a joy. His initial design offering took into consideration every thought and reference we had provided and then went considerably beyond. Subsequent meetings saw the design progress, each one developing the concept and incorporating our small but important-to-us details relevant to how we will live in the property, from bedrooms to living space, recording studio to stables, each aspect has received it's due attention in the design.

Most importantly, Ben has made a "we'll only do this once" process easy and pleasurable. From over-seeing every aspect of the design and application process including ecology reports, to the design review panel, local authority planning departments and planning advisor through to the ecological, landscaping and zero carbon processes involved in such an application, he has calmly and professionally handled everything, keeping us informed as he goes.

We are so grateful to Ben for his calm approach and for designing our dream home.

Diana and Richard, New-build Home in Wiltshire

Architect

Level of experience

5+ years experience

Registered architect

Yes

Location

Hackney, London

Distance preference

10 miles

Company type:

Practice

Preferred project Budget

£130,000 - £500,000+