Thomas Francis Ford (1891-1971) showed early talent, being the recipient of the RIBA Ashpitel prize of 1919. He set up in Practice in 1926, initially with William Harkess as Ford and Harkess, but later as Thomas F Ford. His sons John and Alan, and son in law Harold Cooper became Partners in 1964 since when the practice has continued as Thomas Ford and Partners.

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Early work included houses and commercial buildings, including cinemas, as well as the repair of historic buildings. As time passed educational and ecclesiastical work began to play an important part in the work of the practice. The practice carried out much post war reconstruction in the Diocese of Southwark including the rebuilding of St John’s Waterloo for the Festival of Britain.

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Thomas Ford’s architectural style developed into the pared down Soaneian Classism that characterises many of his churches of the mid twentieth century, frequently working in collaboration with the mural artist Hans Feibusch. These have a close affinity with C20th Scandinavian classicism and were featured in the 2014 (Vol 2) journal of the C20th Society.

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During the late twentieth century the practice continued in the field of ecclesiastical and educational buildings, also developing a track record in museum, cultural and public buildings under partners Paul Sharrock, Daniel Golberg and Clive England. This has continued through the first two decades of the twenty-first century with many award winning projects and increasing involvement in regeneration and master planning within the historic environment.

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In 2020 we established a relationship with Studio Artec, a firm of architects and engineers based in Brescia Italy in order to work together on selected projects in Italy and the UK.

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The practice maintains a small drawings and photographic archive which is available for research by appointment.

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