Our Story

Archiphilic is a London-based, RIBA chartered practice, with a satellite studio in Lisbon, Portugal, inspired by nature and committed to wellbeing. We believe that good architecture is integral to improving the quality of human life and are focused in creating well designed, residential spaces and interiors that reflect our clients’ distinct lifestyles, whilst elevating their wellbeing.

Our appreciation of architecture and quality design is demonstrated through every stage of a project’s journey and reflected in the name of our studio. The word ‘philic’ is derived from the Greek ‘philos’ meaning ‘to love’ and ‘archi’ refers to architecture and the built environment.

Our Story began when Archiphilic was founded by principal architect Faisal Ali ARB RIBA, a chartered member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, following a long and successful career in the super-prime residential sector, leading a number of multidisciplinary design teams for notable practices including Alain Bouvier Associates.

Bringing together his passion for working with communities through his voluntary involvement with The King’s Trust and the Aga Khan Development Network, as well as a genuine desire to contribute positively towards the built environment, Archiphilic was founded to promote social consciousness through architecture without compromising on quality.

Our studio brings together experience of navigating highly complex residential schemes with a passion for curating spaces that reflect good craftsmanship, biophilic design principles and the use of natural, durable materials in a sustainable way.

We pay particular attention to how natural light is drawn into and occupies the volumes of spaces we create.

Light, air and water quality are of paramount importance in our designs.

Each brief is meticulously developed according to our clients’ needs and with unlimited possibilities unlocked through an enjoyable and collaborative design process.

Our Brand Identity

Meet the Team

  • James Cotton

    James Cotton

    PROJECT ARCHITECT (ARB)

    James is a qualified architect, having studied at the University of Kent. He has a strong background in high-end commercial and residential design, focussing on conservation and listed buildings. Passionate about sustainable practice, James is committed to the adoption of strategies that support Net-Zero construction and is a strong advocate for the implementation of BIM across all project stages. Outside the studio, he pursues a keen interest in street photography, with a particular eye for abstract urban framing and slow shutter speeds.

  • Karol Król

    Karol Król

    ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST

    Karol brings with him a wealth of technical expertise in the prime and super-prime residential sectors, having worked for notable practices. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Technology, with First Class Honours, from the London South Bank University. He was also a recipient of the CIAT Gold Medal for an Outstanding Final Year Project. Karol has a particular passion for innovative and sustainable detailing, and leads our new-build division.

  • Lorenzo Cocchiola

    ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER

    Lorenzo is an experienced designer, having studied in Italy and subsequently leading a multitude of complex multi-million-pound schemes, involving structural and M&E coordination, fit-out detailing, and multidisciplinary liaison from planning through construction. Driven by practical problem-solving, Lorenzo excels in translating design intent into refined digital forms using advanced 3D modelling and visualisation platforms. Outside work, he continues to explore form and detail through digital photography, hand sketching, and 3D printing.

  • Graham Rix

    Graham Rix

    ARCHITECTURAL, PLANNING AND PARTY WALL CONSULTANT

    Graham is a founding member of the Traditional Architects’ Group having acquired over 40 years’ experience in classical and traditional architecture. A recipient of London Borough of Croydon Design Award in 1995, underscoring his longstanding commitment, professionalism and imaginative approach to residential architecture, Graham joins Archiphilic on a consultancy basis informing specifically on planning and party wall matters.