About Forgeworks
Forgeworks is an award-winning RIBA Chartered practice specialising in new builds, extensions, and retrofits. We work with homeowners, businesses and developers to create buildings that are innovative and modern with a distinct sense of character.
Chris Hawkins ARB RIBA
Forgeworks - Practice office
The studio was established in 2021 and is led by studio director Chris Hawkins from our offices in London and the South West. Chris has over 20 years’ experience in the construction industry spanning residential, cultural, workplace and community projects, including the Stirling Prize nominated Olympic Velodrome.
We know that great design can unlock the potential of any building and have a huge impact on your enjoyment of your home. Inspired by both vernacular and contemporary architecture, Forgeworks’ projects combine expressive forms and spatial problem-solving with thoughtful use of materials and a unique crafted identity.
Forgeworks is experienced in sourcing and working with skilled tradespeople and consultants to deliver high quality design and value at any scale, and has a proven track record of success obtaining planning consent.
Naturally collaborative, we enjoy getting to know our clients and understanding what they want and need from their home. From initial conversations through to final delivery, we will involve and support you through the process - ensuring your design brief is translated into a beautiful building that works for you.
If you are considering a renovation, extension or new build project and would like to find out more about Forgeworks and our approach, please get in touch.
Awards
Testimonials
Every project has a story from concept to completion and our clients continue to enjoy our projects to this day. We are grateful to have, and continue to work with an amazing number of clients with a wide variety homes and sites, who have aspirations to create exciting designs. Below are a few examples of what our clients’ thought about our projects.
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“What we loved the most is how it makes us feel emotionally. We loved the textures, contrasts and details in the design choices - simultaneously calming and provocative - still wake up every morning and think “ I love this space - what will today bring”
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“Forgeworks listened to what we wanted from our home and embraced our stylistic preferences. They were proactive and collaborative, and were always quick to respond to questions or challenges”
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“The lattice ply roof structure is so unique and just incredibly beautiful. It’s the standout feature in our entire house”
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“An un-recognisable transformation into a spacious contemporary home” We love the simple details, such as the exposed brick wall. The fact it’s constructed from repurposed bricks from our old chimney is an added bonus! Forgeworks provided the empathy, experience and know how we were looking for, yet also challenged some of our pre-conceived ideas”
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“A family space that can flex from zen to high energy when you need it to - a feeling of reassurance and confidence. We reconnected with our garden green space, much needed in the pandemic and unwittingly gained a work from home space that transitioned us to new ways of working and changing family life”
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“The new design makes use of all of the available space but still retains a spacious open feeling. We now have a large corner bench area that looks out onto the garden, this area provided a bright usable area for everyone in the family to enjoy throughout the day”
Publishing + Press
Our projects have been publicised nationally in the UK press and we also feature in a number of online design directory’s for Architecture + Interiors.
All our projects are professionally photographed and subject to Copyright of the original photographer. If you would like to use our imagery please get in touch to discuss.
For all new press enquiries please contact us at press@forgeworks.co.uk
Energy-efficient, sustainable architecture
Whether you want to improve the energy performance of your period building as part of a wider renovation or are thinking of creating a new home that meets the highest Passivhaus Standard, our knowledge, expertise and research into the latest developments in sustainable design means we can advise you on the best options for your project and budget.
Sustainable architecture creates homes that are more economical to run and enjoyable to live in, with improved air quality and natural ventilation.
Sustainably designed buildings are equipped to withstand medium and longer term climate change – they require less maintenance, have a longer usable life, and are more likely to remain compliant with future regulations and legislation.
Forgeworks’ experience across a wide range of new and refurbished buildings gives us an expert perspective on the sustainable measures and interventions that can be incorporated into each project. These include:
Spatial problem solving that avoids the need for significant extension works
Carefully crafted installation of energy efficient and renewable technologies
Reducing energy demand through improved insulation, natural ventilation and orientation
Specifying longer-lasting and less carbon intensive materials
Creating adaptable spaces that can respond to the homeowner’s changing needs
Prioritising retrofit over new build where appropriate
As architects, our aim is to design energy efficient, healthy and long-lasting buildings which help to reduce the construction industry and built environment’s contribution to global carbon emissions.
As well as staying up to date with the latest changes to the UK Building Regulations, our approach to sustainability is informed by the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge, the Low Energy Transformation Initiative, The Passivhaus Trust and EnerPHit.
Recruitment
We’re always on the lookout for insightful, talented and imaginative people to join our studio. Whether you’re looking for full time, part time or even freelance work we’d be keen to hear from you. With offices based in central London and Wiltshire, we are able to offer a broad range of regional experience on high quality, design-led architecture.
Current recruitment opportunities: May 2026
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We're looking for an Architect to join our Wiltshire studio and become part of a growing team working on design-led residential projects across London and the South West.
This is a hands-on role covering all RIBA stages, where you'll take day-to-day responsibility for running projects and developing both architecture and interiors. You'll work closely with clients throughout the design process , from early concept through to delivery, and play a meaningful part in shaping the projects we're proud to put our name to.
We're expecting exciting growth in both projects and people over the coming years, so this is a great time to join.
What we're looking for:
An enthusiastic, design-driven architect with the confidence to develop creative ideas through the early RIBA stages
Prior experience in Stage 4 technical detailing on residential projects is a real advantage
Proficiency in SketchUp 3D modelling is essential — it's a critical part of how we work
Comfortable working on Mac OS, with AutoCAD and SketchUp preferred
Full UK Driving licence & access to a car for travel to and from sites.
Our studio is ideally situated in Salisbury — a brilliant base that balances city connectivity with countryside living, and with the coast just on our doorstep.
What we offer:
A varied and design-focused project portfolio
Full RIBA stage exposure across residential work
Salary commensurate with experience
Flexible working from home options
Good holiday allowance and pension
To apply, please send the following to careers@forgeworks.co.uk:
A brief cover letter outlining your interest in the role
Your CV as a PDF
A sample portfolio as a PDF
Please keep all file attachments to a combined total of 10mb or under.
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We're looking for a Part II Architectural Assistant to join our Wiltshire studio and become part of a growing team working on design-led residential projects across London and the South West.
This is a brilliant opportunity for a Part II looking to get genuine hands-on experience across all RIBA stages
You'll take real day-to-day involvement in running projects, developing both architecture and interiors, and working closely with clients throughout the design process from early concept through to delivery.
We're expecting exciting growth in both projects and people over the coming years, so this is a great moment to join a studio on the rise.
What we're looking for:
An enthusiastic, design-driven Part II with the confidence to develop and explore ideas through the early RIBA stages
Any prior experience in Stage 4 technical detailing on residential projects is a real advantage
Proficiency in SketchUp 3D modelling is essential — it's a critical part of how we work
Comfortable working on Mac OS, with AutoCAD and SketchUp preferred
Our studio is ideally situated in Salisbury, a brilliant base that balances city connectivity with countryside living, and with the coast just on our doorstep.
What we offer:
Hands-on exposure across all RIBA stages on a varied residential portfolio
A supportive environment to develop your skills toward Part III
Salary commensurate with experience
Flexible working from home options
Good holiday allowance and pension
To apply, please send the following to careers@forgeworks.co.uk:
A brief cover letter outlining your interest in the role
Your CV as a PDF
A sample portfolio as a PDF
If you can't see the role you're after right now, please get in touch at careers@forgeworks.co.uk to say hello, tell us about yourself and why you want to make Forgeworksyour next move.