Existence Architecture, initiated by it’s principal Barnaby Johnston in 2022, brings over 25 years of experience in a diverse range of projects, over different scales, and at all stages from feasibility to post-completion review.

Existence Architecture has signed the Architects Declare declaration on climate action and is a member of the Architects Climate Action Network. Barnaby is also a member of Architects for Health and the London Community Land Trust.

Existence Architecture draws on the existing to create a better existence for everyone:

Existing Context - Considering how existing place, landscape, fabric and inhabitants have changed over time, what social and cultural forces have brought about the existing situation and with what resulting inequalities. Examining the complexities and conflicts in the existing context and analysing what is valued and what would elevate the current existence and bring benefits to the wider context.

Existing Landscape – Investigating how the existing has been layered, formed or carved by interventions, climate and use. Discovering what existing flora and fauna exists and how it can be nurtured, while enhancing the existing ecology with complimentary and appropriate planting and landscape forms.

Existing Community – Understanding and listening to the needs and values of an existing community, whether small or large, living together or dispersed. Collaborating to form mechanisms that allow a better existence for the community, working together on how this might be achieved over time and how, drawing on the strengths of the existing community, their aspirations can be realised through interventions.

Existing Needs - Recognising that everyone has different needs and that often architecture has ignored the existence of different needs, whether they be the physical needs of a wheelchair user, the sensory needs of a blind person, the communication needs of Deaf people, or the mental health needs of many people at some point in their lives. Appreciating existing needs and making them intrinsic to the design, not added on as an afterthought.

Existing Buildings – Valuing both the existing construction of building fabric and also the function and significance of what is existing, conserving and cherishing what has historic or cultural value. Knowing how an existing structure can be adapted to improve it and enrich the existence of those living, meeting, or working there.

Existing Resources – Comprehending what value the existing has in terms of used resources and embodied energy and what other existing or recycled resources can be drawn on to lessen a building’s impact. Looking to existing technologies and methods for simple ways of improving and better performing. Carefully selecting materials and methods that will limit the change to the existing to only what is needed, without waste or redundancy.