# Polysmiths

> Polysmiths is a London-based architecture and interior design practice founded in 2017 by Charles Wu, specialising in high-end residential renovation, new-build homes, and hospitality and cultural projects (typically £300k–£1M+). The practice is known for storytelling-led, craft-focused design and for the award-winning, carbon-negative Cork House. Recognised by the RIBA London Awards and the American Institute of Architects (London), and published in Dezeen, the Sunday Times, Wallpaper*, Livingetc and Grand Designs.

Polysmiths was founded and is led by Charles Wu, previously Head of Project Enabling at Heatherwick Studio, a consultant at David Chipperfield Architects, and an IDEO alumnus. The practice works across residential, hospitality, cultural and public-realm architecture, with deep experience in listed buildings and conservation areas across Camden, Kensington & Chelsea, and Westminster. Its clients are internationally-minded homeowners, founders, creative professionals and design collectors — many based in or relocating to London from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Germany and the United States. Polysmiths has no house style; its approach is built on understanding each client's story, solving problems within real-world constraints, and testing ideas through self-build "laboratory" projects such as Cork House and Pine House.

## About the studio
- [Studio & approach](https://www.polysmiths.com/about-the-architect): The practice, its people, and the "building a sense of belonging" design philosophy.
- [Ethos](https://www.polysmiths.com/ethos): Core principles — storytelling, problem-solving, value creation, and self-builds as laboratories.
- [The architectural process in London](https://www.polysmiths.com/architect-process-london): How a project runs from first brief through planning to completion.

## Selected projects
- [Cork House](https://www.polysmiths.com/cork-house-architecture-interior): Award-winning carbon-negative self-build home in East London; RIBA London & AIA recognised.
- [Walden](https://www.polysmiths.com/walden-extension-renovation): Basement rear-extension and renovation with a light-filled garden connection, Kentish Town.
- [Arch House](https://www.polysmiths.com/arch-house-extension-interior-renovation): Rear extension and full renovation using structural arches, Wanstead.
- [Pine House](https://www.polysmiths.com/news-journal/2026/2/12/polysmiths-complete-pine-house): A Victorian terrace rethought as a sustainable timber self-build, Peckham Rye (completed 2026).
- [Kensington Apartment Renovation](https://www.polysmiths.com/kensington-apartment-renovation): High-end refurbishment of a Grade II listed London apartment.
- [Chelsea Mews House](https://www.polysmiths.com/chelsea-mews-house-refurbishment): Conservation-area mews house refurbishment.
- [Hackney New Build Homes](https://www.polysmiths.com/hackney-new-build-homes): Contemporary new-build housing in East London.
- [South Kensington Art Gallery](https://www.polysmiths.com/south-kensington-art-gallery-interior): Gallery interior within a Grade II listed building.
- [Helsinki Museum of the Future](https://www.polysmiths.com/helsinki-museum-competition): Flexible cultural space designed for an international competition.

## Recognition & press
- [Press & awards](https://www.polysmiths.com/press-awards): RIBA London, AIA London (Emerging Practice 2023), Surface Design Awards, New London Awards; features in Dezeen, Sunday Times, Wallpaper*, Livingetc, Grand Designs.
- [News & journal](https://www.polysmiths.com/news-journal): Project stories, studio updates, and published features.

## Work with Polysmiths
- [Start a project](https://www.polysmiths.com/work-with-polysmiths): Who we work with and how to enquire. Contact: hello@polysmiths.com.
- [All work](https://www.polysmiths.com/works): The full project portfolio.

## Optional
- [Urban Collective Berlin](https://www.polysmiths.com/berlin-boutique-hotel-interior-renovation): Office building converted into a boutique aparthotel, Berlin (in progress).
- [Camden bar & restaurant interior](https://www.polysmiths.com/camden-bar-restaurant-interior): Hospitality interior design in Camden.
- [Westminster Apartment](https://www.polysmiths.com/westminster-apartment): Apartment renovation in central London.