PRP HISTORY
Phippen Randall & Parkes was founded by Peter Phippen, Peter Randall, David Parkes in 1963. Housing was high on the political agenda at the time as Britain accelerated its housebuilding programme. What set the practice apart was its philosophy of designing for, and with, the individuals and communities who would occupy the homes, a theme that continues to this day.
PRP’s first major commission was the Ryde in Hatfield. This unique project of courtyard houses for a group of enthusiastic co-owners received widespread recognition. Its historical significance was recognised with a Grade II listing in 2006 and it remains an iconic housing project of its day.
A string of commissions in the growing ‘New Towns’ such as Bracknell, Basildon and Crawley followed. New projects explored different approaches to low-rise high-density housing with particular emphasis on good day and sun lighting and privacy.
During the 1990s, the practice diversified into urban regeneration, specialist housing, low-energy design, healthcare and education and rebranded as PRP Architects Ltd. In 1994, we opened our London studio to service a major estate regeneration project in east London.
The Surrey studio continued to expand its expertise in the fields of new communities and housing for older people. We developed ideas which were precursors to Government policy including increasing densities, reducing the dominance of cars and designing houses for different lifestyles and needs. In the 2000s we opened our first studio in Manchester.
Low-energy design had been a central part of our service since the mid-1980s, and we subsequently expanded our services in environmental sustainability. We were founder members of the UK Green Building Council.
We have since diversified our skill base to include urban designers, landscape designers and environmentalists as part of our development consultancy team, and most recently into the workplace with commercial and industrial buildings, through our specialism in film production facilities.
Read more
Read less