Birmingham-based Intervention Architecture, renowned for its design excellence and innovative and socially conscious approach to architecture, is proud to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Marking a decade of transformative work, the anniversary coincides with a number of awards and accolades for the practice as it cements its status as a leading design studio in the Midlands.
Founded by Anna Parker, Intervention Architecture has established itself as a leader in designing thoughtful, sustainable, and community-driven spaces that focus on meaningfully connecting with the people who use them. Working across over 250 projects across the last ten years, the practice has earned widespread recognition for engaging and addressing the needs of diverse communities alongside its ability to design thoughtful, beautiful and functional spaces and places.
Over the past decade, the studio has completed a wide array of schemes, from private and multi-residential, ground floor activation within bespoke leisure developments and retail to public spaces, community projects, public engagement and pocket parks. Each project reflects a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the unique character of the places and people they serve through their unique design process.
Anna Parker, Founder and Director of Intervention Architecture, said: “Reaching our 10th anniversary is a remarkable milestone for our team. From just myself as a start-up in my home city, we are now a growing team of talented architects and designers, driven by a need to design architecture that truly makes a difference. ‘Social Value’ is a well recognised term nowadays but it is something we have been championing from Day One, the need to truly engage with the communities who will be living and working in these spaces. The milestone reflects a decade of dedication, creativity, and collaboration with incredible clients and communities and we’re so very grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way.
“We’re excited to expand what we do into new areas and sectors, working across the Midlands and beyond and with national clients such as Lendlease at Smithfield and with local authorities looking to upgrade and expand their civic amenities.”
In line with the growth in projects and reputation, the practice has also expanded its team and placed a strong emphasis on mentorship. Five employees have successfully achieved their final stage of professional qualification (known as Part 3) while working at the practice. This requires practical project delivery and extensive professional experience before they can register as architects in the UK.
Alongside its 10th birthday, the practice is also celebrating a series of awards that closed out their 2024 and have opened 2025.
In January it was shortlisted in the Community Engagement category as part of the ‘Pineapples Awards for Place’ for ‘The Firs and Bromford Pocket Park’, which the practice co-designed and co-built with the East Birmingham community and the National Trust. The design celebrates local history and incorporates colourful, edible and low-maintenance plants that encourage biodiversity and provide a welcoming space for those who live in the area. The winner will be announced at the end of February.
The same project was celebrated for transforming underused spaces into vibrant green areas as part of 2024’s highly regarded national RIBA MacEwan Awards – which celebrates architecture that goes beyond aesthetics to enrich society, as ‘architecture for the common good’. It is the third year running that the practice has been in the running for the award.
In previous years the practice was shortlisted for its ‘Loop the Loop’ pavilion designed at Birmingham’s Balsall Heath Library, to explore how the library can support storytelling and narrative for a broad range of audiences; and also for its ‘Common Wealth Table’ for Birmingham 22 – a temporary covered space for wellbeing in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral.
In November 2024 the practice won the ‘Architectural Practice of the Year’ at the West Midlands Insider Property Awards, beating major international firms to the title and showcasing its commercial clout despite its small size and underscoring its growing reputation in the region. The accolade has since sparked significant interest, leading to numerous approaches from prospective clients.
Associate Director Marina Strotz was named one of RIBA’s Rising Stars 2024, the Institute’s platform to recognise and praise exceptional talent in the early stages of their careers. Marina was one of 12 young architects from across the country who won the accolade and was praised for her ability to ensure projects are developed with the community, fostering a sense of ownership.
The RIBA judges said: “In a city dominated by commercial practices, she brings a genuine community-led approach.”
Anna summarised: “Our 10th anniversary and all these awards and accolades are not only a celebration of what we’ve achieved together so far but indicative of our future. There is a real desire for architecture to be focused in a hyper-local way and we have a portfolio of projects routed in transforming communities which people love. We’ve grown steadily in size and experience and are ready for continued exploration to build on our expertise and grow into new sectors and opportunities.”
