Practice

Introduction

Purpose

We are Mæ • Architects • Urban designers • Researchers • Policy makers.

Our purpose is to design buildings and places that uplift the human spirit. Founded by Alex Ely, Mæ is a Stirling Prize winning practice at the forefront of sustainable, resilient and socially conscious architecture and urbanism; creating work that exists in harmony with the planet and enriches culture and society.

Our work is guided by three principles:

- Social - we create inclusive, welcoming places together with the people who use our buildings,

- Sustainable - we respond positively to the climate emergency, designing resilient, low-carbon architecture,

- Spatial - we go beyond conventional thinking to make imaginative, affordable spaces that exceed people’s expectations.

150716 Mae Studio 055-Studio

These principles influence the following three business goals:

221212_MaeGoals_Image.png#asset:2403

Mæ Zero: Our ambition is to create exemplary, pioneering circular and environmental buildings.

Mæ+: We will continue to be the industry leader for low-cost / high-quality housing; developing the DNA genetic sequence for good housing, using research, POE data and automation

Mæ B: We are a Certified B Corporation®, a global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact; we build social value & capital for our clients and the communities we serve.

Specialists at the forefront of urban design, housing, health & care and social infrastructure we design at all scales. From the city to the living room, we apply integrated thinking to deliver resilient architecture for the long-term.

We include residents in the design process, pioneering new engagement techniques and undertaking post-occupancy evaluation; working inclusively and adding social value.

Our work –influencing civil society and government policy– has shaped our built environment for the better, and we are recognised for leading the national debate on design quality. Our design philosophy is set out in 'Towards a Resilient Architecture', which can be purchased here.

230512 Mae Studio Architecture
240301 Purpose Page Bcorp Image Web

Mæ is a RIBA Chartered Architecture Practice. We are a Certified B Corporation® and adhere to our Impact Report and Code of Ethics.

We are accredited with ISO 9001 and 14001, the Living Wage Foundation and the Mayor of London's Good Work Standard.

We support the following organisations: Architecture Foundation, London Practice Forum, Paradigm Network, Open City Accelerate.

Team

Senior Team

Associates & Architects

Awards

Practice Awards

  • 2022 Public & Social Housing Architect of the Year - Winner
  • 2021 Social Impact Architect of the Year - Finalist
  • 2019 Housing Architect of the Year - Finalist
  • 2018 Housing Architect of the Year - Finalist
  • 2017 Archiboo Web Awards Best use of Social Media - Winner
  • 2017 Archiboo Web Awards Best use of Video - Finalist
  • 2016 Housing Architect of the Year - Finalist
  • 2016 Archiboo Web Awards Best Written Content - Finalist
  • 2014 Housing Architect of the Year - Finalist
  • 2013 Housing Architect of the Year - Finalist
  • 2012 Home Group Innovation in the Workplace Award
  • 2008 Next Generation Architects Award
  • 2007 Constructing Excellence New Generation Award
  • 2007 Next Generation Architects Award

Project Awards

Agar Grove Estate – Agar Place
  • Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Project of the Year Award 2025
  • RIBA National Award –2023
  • RIBA London Award –2023
  • Housing Design Award –2022
  • RICS Regional Award –2022
  • Camden Design Award –2022
  • Inside Housing Development Award –2022
  • New London Architecture Award –2021
  • Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Building Performance Award –2020
  • NLA Awards Sustainability and Overall Winner Award (Phase 1a) –2019
  • The Mayor’s Award for Good Growth –London Planning Award 2019
  • The Mayor’s Award for Sustainable and Environmental Planning –London Planning Award 2019
  • Housing Design Award –2015
  • The Sunday Times British Homes Award –Commendation 2015
Agar Grove Estate – Hazelbury Way & Agar Grove
  • Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Project of the Year Award 2025
  • RIBA National Award –2023
  • RIBA London Award –2023
  • Housing Design Award –2022
  • RICS Award –2022
  • Camden Design Award –2022
  • Inside Housing Development Award –2022
  • New London Architecture Award –2021
  • Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Building Performance Award –2020
  • NLA Award Sustainability and Overall Winner Award (Phase 1a) –2019
  • The Mayor’s Award for Good Growth – London Planning Award 2019
  • The Mayor’s Award for Sustainable and Environmental Planning – London Planning Award 2019
  • Housing Design Award –2015
  • The Sunday Times British Homes Award –Commendation 2015
Brentford Lock West
  • RIBA National Award –2019
  • RIBA London Regional Award –2019
  • RIBA London Regional Award –2018
  • New London Architecture Award –Shortlist 2019
  • Inside Housing Development Award –2018
  • The Sunday Times British Homes Award 2018 –Apartment Development of the Year
  • The Sunday Times British Homes Award 2018 –Development of the Year
  • The Sunday Times British Homes Award 2018 –Homebuilder of the Year
  • In-house Customer Satisfaction Gold Award –2018
  • RIBA Neave Brown Award –Shortlist 2019
  • AJ Architecture Awards –Shortlist 2019
  • Brick Award –Finalist 2018
  • Housing Design Award –Finalist 2015

Bibliography

Features

You are using an old browser or have javascript switched off. This means that some or all features of this site are not available.