We believe thoughtful design can make everyday life more sustainable, connected and delightful.
Working across the disciplines of architecture, art, landscape and research, Situated Studio takes an imaginative and ambitious approach to creating sustainable buildings, outdoor spaces and installations which benefit communities, support nature and capture a sense of place, bringing added joy to everyday life.
Our approach
Founded by architect Amanda Spence in 2022 and based in south Wales, the studio was created to offer a thoughtful, values-led approach to design.
We believe good architecture should be environmentally and economically sustainable, rooted in its context, and make everyday life better.
As an independent studio, we can engage in projects which don’t fit neatly within the boundaries of regular architecture practice and overlap with art, landscape, research and placemaking.
Who we work with
We work with community groups, local authorities, developers, charities, arts organisations, CICs and private clients to create places that are practical, sustainable and inspired by culture and place. Whether you're adapting an existing building, designing something new or testing ideas through temporary installations, we'll guide you through every stage of the process, from feasibility studies and community engagement to planning, technical design and construction.
Meaningful engagement with the people who will use a place is central to our work. We develop creative ways to involve communities throughout the design process, helping projects respond to local needs while creating lasting social and environmental value.
As a small, agile studio, we offer a personal service and adapt our approach to suit each project. We also enjoy collaborating with other architects, landscape architects, artists, engineers and specialist consultants, bringing together the right team for larger or more complex commissions.
Inherent sustainability
Sustainability is embedded in every project from the outset. We design buildings and places that make the best use of natural light, daylight, ventilation and local climate, reducing reliance on technology while creating healthy, comfortable spaces. Wherever possible, we prioritise local, natural and recycled materials and design with biodiversity and long-term resilience in mind.
Amanda Spence
Amanda is a fully qualified architect registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and has over twenty years' experience across practice, research, design review and education. Alongside running Situated Studio, she teaches architectural design at the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University, ensuring the studio's work is informed by current research and emerging ideas. Situated Studio is a signatory to the Placemaking Wales Charter, and Amanda is on the Design Review Panel at the Design Commission for Wales.
Get in touch
With studios in Cardiff Bay and St Brides Major in the Vale of Glamorgan, Situated Studio works across south Wales and beyond. If you have an idea for a building, landscape or public space, or you're looking for a creative collaborator, we'd love to hear from you for an informal conversation.