The spaces we design tell the stories we craft; sometimes
provocative,
sometimes
peaceful
, always
realising a dream
. We are dedicated to pulling every personal and contextual thread, weaving them together to reveal delightfully unexpected details.
Overview
Led by the talent and imagination of Jonny Plant, David Crosthwait and Richard Shaw, Rare specialises in transforming the places we live in and enjoy. We pair the warmth and energy of a nimble studio with the advanced resources and technologies of a well established AJ100 practice of 250+.

This conscious balance gifts our exclusive team the luxury of time to think, chat, question, learn and design inventive, grounded architecture.
Who we are
The talent of Rare's team is matched only by our enthusiasm. We are proud to be part of the Corstorphine & Wright family, dedicated to designing unique, transformative spaces for exceptional people.
Rare Architects Jonathan Plant 2
Jonny Plant
Director
With a career spanning over 25 years and with expertise across a number of architectural sectors, much of Jonny’s skill and passion has been spent developing one off, crafted houses. What underpins Jonny’s work is a rigorous approach to design, storytelling, craftsmanship, placemaking and sustainability.
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Rare Architects David Crosthwait 2
David Crosthwait
Director
David has a wealth of residential experience in the prime London market. He enjoys crafting and delivering individual, narrative driven, design responses to his clients’ aspirations. Consistently delivering above and beyond expectations. Navigating a course though our complex planning and regulatory systems and managing construction with multiple specialist trades.
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Rare Architects Rebecca Platt
Rebecca Platt
Associate Architect
Rebecca has been Project Lead Architect for a variety of residential projects across London, with a particular interest in the redevelopment of complex, heritage sensitive sites and the creative re-use of existing buildings for unique homes. Her approach is driven by dialogue and collaboration to evolve bespoke design responses that are site-specific, intelligently resolved, enduring, and valuable.
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Rare Architects Richard Shaw 2
Richard Shaw
Associate Architect
Richard has over 20 years experience, with a focus on the private residential sector, working closely with clients on projects on some of London’s best addresses. Richard takes inspiration from travel, art and design, recently spending a year living and collaborating on projects in Japan. Alongside design he has an in depth knowledge of the planning process and particular experience of working with the context of Listed and Heritage properties.
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Rare Architects Rebecca Godden
Rebecca Godden
Interior Designer
With a degree in Interior Architecture & Design, Rebecca has worked on a wide portfolio of residential schemes and has a passion for creating bespoke and distinctive homes, unique to each client. Working closely with the wider team, Rebecca ensures the spaces she curates work in harmony with the Architecture.
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Rare Architects Studio London 3
What we do
We bring joy, transform lives and create legacies.
87 Richmond Ave Mg 9746
Architecture
Through our storytelling process, we work with our clients to deliver all stages of design development, often acting as the lead consultant. From initial feasibility design through to planning and listed building applications, detailed design and tender, and onto construction.
Birch Jouse 41
Interior design
We craft unique interior design schemes that complement our architectural designs and transform the interior spaces of our buildings.
Willscott Lipplant 33Ytw41
Conservation
Rare understand heritage architecture. We provide skilled, expert advice on statutory listed buildings, properties of special architectural or historic interest, and buildings in conservation areas.
Mg 1547
Project management
We draw upon our extensive network of consultants and professionals to create the right team, unique to each project. We lead the project team through all stages, from initial briefing, through to construction and handover.
How we do it
We are Rare:
→ Always original
Every design is exclusive to each client and their story. Inventiveness is an essential design tool in our practice. Our architects have established a reputation for delivering bold, yet subtle architecture; never ordinary, but always grounded.
→ Diligent by design
We are architects, analysts and authors; our designs tell the stories we write. We rigorously quiz our clients’ hopes, dreams and ambitions. We are meticulous in our research of site, history, context and landscape.
→ Excellence as standard
From the talent of our team to the quality of materials; we bring together a respected network of skilled experts, craftspeople, and artisans. We work with highly respected clients and we are privileged to bring new life to buildings designed by noteworthy architects.
→ Resourceful curiosity
We are enthusiastically thorough. We ask questions and listen well. We are always learning and approach every opportunity with an open mind, from the smallest design detail to the big challenges we face as a society.
→ Mutual trust
We are known for our honesty, integrity and diplomacy. Our clients entrust their vision to us, secure in the knowledge that we will deliver, without compromising their privacy. Our team, clients and network benefit from the certainty, stability and resource of a large practice.
→ Brave instincts
We delight in unexpected details. We love to surprise our clients, and sometimes ourselves. We leave our egos behind, taking inspiration from our clients’ lives, their dreams, their site and landscapes. Sometimes playful, sometimes bold, always intuitive, never boring.
It has been a pleasure to have Rare undertake the design. I couldn't recommend the team more highly.
Client