K2 Architects is a progressive, award-winning design practice.

We are committed to creating positive social and environmental change in everything that we do.

As a Certified B Corporation™, we stand at the forefront of a global movement advocating for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. What sets B Corp™ certification apart from others is its comprehensive approach to evaluating social and environmental impact.

Working with public and private sector partnerships, we offer a unique approach to placemaking, transforming overlooked spaces into vibrant and sustainable places that improve lives and enhance the fabric of communities to deliver long-lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits.

Our dedicated and skilled team has developed an original design approach, combining innovative, ethical working practices with strategic partnerships, creating design solutions that foster powerful, emotionally positive connections between people, spaces, and cultures in urban areas.

Above all, we genuinely care about our clients and the communities they serve. It’s not just about business for us; it’s a shared journey towards a better future that sets us apart and drives us to be the best we can be.

We believe in a democratic style of architecture that is real, authentic and humane.

Kevin Horton
Co-Founder & Director

Our guiding principles are Empathy for others, Integrity in our work, and Innovation in design.

Empathy is listening to and understanding others, valuing each other more and helping us to be authentic in everything we do.

Integrity lies at the heart of our professional relationships. We dedicate ourselves to delivering work of the highest ethical standards.

Innovation is the driving force behind our designs. We challenge conventions by infusing new methods and ideas to create architecture with a visionary perspective.

Team

Kevin Horton

Co-Founder & Director

Mark Davies

Co-Founder & Director

Sian Opie

Architect

Steve Golding

Associate Architect

Chris Aitken-Smith

Associate Architect

Beena Nouri

Architectural Assistant Part II

Craig Davies

Associate Architect

Jack Manners

Architect

Andrew Stout

Architect

Rrezelinda Haziri

Architectural Assistant Part II

Lauren Meah

Architectural Assistant Part II

Awards

2024/
RIBA Northwest Awards

2023/
Insider / Future Ambition Award

2022/
AJ Architecture / School of the Year
Education Estates / Refurbishment of the Year
FX Design / Best Public Sector Project

2018/
LCR Tourism / Entertainment Venue of the Year

2016/
Constructing Excellence / Best Collaboration
RIBA International / Competition Winner
Bee Breeders / Honourable Mention

2014/
The Londonist / Best New Food Shop

2011/
Sell2Wales / National Competition Winner

Shortlists

2024/
Constructing Excellence / Best Collaboration

2023/
RIBA Northwest Awards

2021/
Insider Awards / Future Ambition Award
Insider Awards / Fit-out of the year
Planning Awards / Heritage in Placemaking

2019/
RICS North West / Community Benefit

2017/
Constructing Excellence / Best Collaboration
Prolific North / Inspired Spaces
Retail Week Interiors / Supermarket Design
Retail Week Interiors / Best Convenience Store

2014/
RICS Wales / Regeneration
RICS Wales / Tourism & Leisure
National Urban Design Group / Public Sector

2013/
APSE / Housing & Regeneration

2010/
RIBA International Competition

2009/
RIBA International Competition

Accreditations

ISO 9001 / Quality
ISO 14001 / Environmental
ISO 45001 / Health & Safety
B Corporation / Social & Environmental
CHAS / Contractors Health & Safety
IOSH / Occupational Safety & Health
PAS 2038 / Energy Efficiency
RIBA / Chartered Practice

Frameworks

Clear Futures
Constellia
Pagabo
Procure Partnerships
Rise Construction

Clients

Arcadis
ARUP
Archdiocese of Liverpool
Avison Young
Baltic Creative CIC
Bangor University
Bmor
Bolton Borough Council
Bruntwood
Clear Futures
DWP
Durham County Council
Eureka! The National Children’s Museum
Everyman Cinema
Faithful & Gould
Galliford Try
Gleeds
Graham
Grosvenor
H2O Urban

Halton Borough Council
Hammerson
Kier
Knowsley Borough Council
Laurel’s Wood CIC
Livv Housing Group
Liverpool (Metquarter) Investments
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
Liverpool City Council
Liverpool College
Liverpool John Moores University
Liverpool Science Park
Liverpool Media Academy
Manchester City Council
Momentum
Morgan Sindall
Morris & Spottiswood
Mott MacDonald
MTC
NuGeneration

NGM Investments
Queensberry Real Estate
Robertson Construction
Rochdale Borough Council
Rochdale Development Agency
Sciontec
Seddon Construction
Sefton Council
Skyline Construction
St. Helens Borough Council
The Auckland Project
The Beatles Story
The Education Improvement Partnership
Tilbury Douglas
Unity Theatre
University of Liverpool
Watergrove Trust
Westmoreland and Furness Council
Workman
WSP