We listen closely, design intelligently, and navigate challenges with confidence—from complex planning sensitivities to listed building constraints.
For us, architecture is as much about trust and communication as it is about aesthetics and compliance.
Founded by an architect who spent years working on some of London’s most complex and character-rich properties, StudioHA was born out of a desire to offer something more personal, more precise, and more enduring. We don’t do cookie-cutter. We don’t cut corners. And we don’t just deliver a brief—we interrogate it, refine it, and elevate it into something unexpected but exactly right.
Our clients are often time-poor professionals with high expectations, ambitious ideas, and a deep respect for the character of their properties. Many of the buildings we work with are listed, locally significant, or sit within sensitive heritage settings. These aren’t simple projects—but that’s where we thrive.
We bring calm to complexity. With a considered, collaborative approach, we guide our clients through every stage—from early feasibility to planning, detailed design, and tender—with clarity and confidence. We work with a trusted network of craftspeople and consultants, ensuring that our designs are not only beautiful on paper, but robust in reality.
“studioHA brought clarity and calm to what could have been a hugely overwhelming project. Rachel’s approach was intelligent, efficient, and deeply attuned to both my needs and the building’s character. In safe hands from start to finish.”
— CEO, Charitable Organisation
Founder Story: About Rachel Hurley
Founder & Director, studioHA
Rachel Hurley is the founder of studioHA, a design-led architecture studio specialising in the transformation of complex properties into high-performance, high-value spaces. With over 16 years of experience in architecture, strategic design, and heritage redevelopment, Rachel combines creative rigour with commercial acumen—delivering projects that are as intelligent as they are beautiful.
She trained at the University of Cambridge before earning her RIBA chartership, and began her career at some of London’s most exacting architecture practices, including Wright & Wright and AHMM. Her early portfolio spans landmark cultural, institutional, and residential projects—including work for The Crown Estate and Norges Bank, as well as nationally significant buildings like the Architectural Association in Bedford Square and the new library for Grade II* listed Magdalene College, Cambridge.
Rachel founded studioHA to focus on boutique residential and heritage-led projects for private clients and discreet developers. Her work ranges from listed renovations and prime London townhouses to complex mixed-use refurbishments—each approached with clarity, discretion, and a deep understanding of both design and value.
Unlike most architects, Rachel has also worked as a developer—personally delivering residential schemes that sharpened her insight into planning risk, investment yield, and long-term asset value. This dual perspective allows her to advise clients on everything from acquisition to resale, balancing ambition with precision at every stage.
Her clients—often time-poor professionals, family offices, or international buyers—value her ability to de-risk complex sites, unlock latent potential, and deliver exceptional design with minimal friction. Known for her calm authority and strong client relationships, Rachel is trusted to make high-stakes decisions feel effortless.
Whether navigating heritage constraints, maximising GDV, or crafting refined, resilient homes, Rachel leads with strategy and delivers with care—creating enduring value through design.