We design places for learning, living, working and mixing that are deeply functional and forever generous. Created in collaboration with investors, developers, organisations and communities across the UK, these democratic spaces put people at the heart of the narrative.

Based in central London, we’ve been in practice for more than 40 years, continually evolving our studio to make it fit for purpose. In 2018 we became an Employee Owned Trust (EOT) and in 2024 a BCorp.

Our approach is shaped by Ultrapractical, a manual for design that has helped us to re-learn the rules of engagement and that will shape our outlook for years to come.

Working ultrapractically Ultrapractice is our way of navigating the challenges of what it means to be an architect today – and anticipating the new set of conditions we’ll meet tomorrow. Shaped around five design principles, Ultrapractice helps us find ways to join these dots, combining new technologies with traditional skills, and narrowing the gap between architecture, its place and people.

Practicing together If we’re to bring about a more democratic way of doing architecture, we need to cultivate our garden of collaborators, and for us that begins in-house. We’ve been practicing together since 1985 and continue to learn from each other every day. In 2018 we became an Employee Owned Trust (EOT), enabling a more diverse collective of voices to set our direction.

Acting responsibly Our five principles of ultrapractice set out a vision for architecture in this accelerated age, as we face the quickening pace of climate change and technology’s ability to compress space and time. But we’ve also looked outside the practice at ways of making our business fit for purpose. Our BCorp certification reflects this evolution, demonstrating Orms’ commitment to reducing our environmental impact - and ensure we continue to make architecture as a force for good.