About Andy Matthews Studio
What is Andy Matthews Studio?
Andy Matthews Studio is a London-based architecture practice working with homeowners, developers, and community, cultural and commercial organisations on what it describes as "meaningful places." From its about page: "We solve problems with inventive design that makes the most of your money. Doing more with less. Focusing on quality and longevity."
The studio's portfolio spans housing schemes, home extensions, refurbishments and retrofits, workplaces, community spaces, bespoke retail fit-outs, pop-up stores, cricket pavilions, art galleries and museums, and community bike shops. Recent work includes the London store fit-out for international running brand Tracksmith and the cricket pavilion for Streatham and Marlborough Cricket Club in Dulwich. Clients include Eckersley O'Callaghan, LloydsDirect, The Velo Barn, Trinity Winchester, St Phillip's School, and Knight Dragon.
Where will I work?
The studio is based in London — contact is on the 020 London dialling code. Studio team and client work are predominantly UK-focused, with a hybrid model alongside the London studio. Office collaborators and consulting engineers are also London-clustered, including Eckersley O'Callaghan, Heyne Tillett Steel, and Conisbee.
What is the Andy Matthews Studio team like?
A small, director-led team. Director Andy Matthews leads on housing schemes, education buildings, retail fit-outs, art galleries, museums, and workspace and heritage projects. He is joined by Stephen Jolly (Associate) and Christopher Gough (Part II architectural assistant). The studio is built around six explicitly named values: "Go Together — Nothing great is made alone"; "Seek Joy — We are human. After all."; "Do Good — Always better than before."; "Get Creative — Like Steve said, 'Think Different'"; "Push On — Do more, be more."; and "Own It — Get sh*t done." Andy is described as combining "pragmatism and technical ability with relentless curiosity and ingenuity" and as a champion of cross-studio knowledge sharing.
Work-Life Balance
The studio operates a permanent four-day working week. Verbatim from the /values page: "We have operated a permanent four-day working week since 2022. Our team work 32 hours a week, with no reduction in pay - accredited to Gold Standard by the 4 Day Week Foundation. This is one of the many ways our values show up in practice and in our everyday work." The studio publicly contributes to the wider movement through an Open Letter to UK Government on four-day-week adoption for architects and has published pilot results from its own implementation.
Perks and Benefits
- Permanent four-day, 32-hour week with no pay reduction, Gold Standard accredited by the 4 Day Week Foundation
- Studio designed around focused work, not unnecessary meetings
- Knowledge-sharing culture — the Director champions sharing experience beyond the studio to benefit the profession
- Studio equipment provided