Studio Jo Cowen

01/10/2026

WIP AND UP CLOSE, 
With our Holland Park Villa

Restoring the architectural language of Italianate classicism, drawing on Italian Renaissance architectural motifs and reinterpreting them within a distinctly Victorian London terrace.

A storied address, former residents included notable scientists, politicians and artists.

Fun Facts: the site was once a racecourse (1837), it is on this street that the first house in England as lit by electricity.

“Desirable first-class mansions of notable elevations” The Times, February 1860

24/09/2026

DETAILS OF CADOGAN HOME

A closer look at the architectural and interior details that bring together the history of this Grade II Listed Chelsea townhouse with considered contemporary interventions to create a deeply personal interior.
 
Architecture: Studio Jo Cowen
Interior Design: Viterbo Interior Design
Photography: Simon Upton The Interior Archive

20/08/2026

THE ARCHITECTURE OF DETAIL

Joinery is integral to our architectural approach and considered as part of the fabric and visual harmony of each home.

Thoughtfully tailored to each client, bespoke joinery integrates, conceals and reveals spaces, crafted with an understated refinement and exceptional, enduring quality.

11/08/2026

BLOSSOM HOUSE: OUTSIDE IN

A STUDY IN CRAFTSMANSHIP, MATERIALITY & CONTEMPORARY LIVING

A complete renovation that celebrates the character of an elegant Chelsea home whilst introducing a more open, connected way of living. The project centered on lowering the basement to create a generous kitchen and family space, allowing the ground floor to become a destination for effortless entertaining.

Throughout the house, a restrained palette is punctuated with moments of warmth, texture and colour. Bespoke architectural features bring depth and identity throughout - the staircase is of particular note.

The transformation extends outside with landscaped gardens and roof terraces framing far-reaching views across Chelsea’s historic skyline.

Architecture: Studio Jo Cowen
Contractor: Aximor
MEP Service Engineer: @‌werninck_building_service
Structural Engineer: @‌symmetrysengineers
Landscape Designer: @‌kategouldgardens
Photography: @‌dnbutlr

05/08/2026

HONOURING HISTORY, REFINING MODERN LIVING

A Grade II listed Chelsea residence, carefully conserved, restored and thoughtfully adapted for contemporary family life.

Studio Jo Cowen’s approach was rooted in preserving the building’s architectural character and historic narrative, while introducing a refined framework for modern living.

A considered series of interventions creates a layered home defined by calm, continuity and a seamless connection between old and new. These include a new glazed extension, sensitive alterations to the rear elevation, and a bespoke iron staircase referencing traditional craftsmanship.

Architecture: Studio Jo Cowen
Contractor: LDB Construction UK
Interior Designer: Gordon-Duff & Linton
Landscape Designer: Stefano Marinaz | UK - NL
Photography: David Butler

16/07/2026

Whether it’s a downstairs loo, WC or the “smallest room”, we always strive to include one on the ground floor - ideally close to the front door, even if it means some careful spatial problem-solving.

Although compact, it offers a real opportunity for strong design expression. Rich materials such as highly figured natural stone, patterned wallpaper, panelled joinery or deep paint colours can have maximum impact in a small footprint. Used selectively, these finishes create character and richness without overwhelming the space, allowing even a single vanity top or feature wall to make a lasting impression.

Lighting, mirrors and colour all help shape the atmosphere - either expanding the sense of space or creating something more intimate and cocooning. Thoughtful placement can enhance light and highlight texture, making even the smallest room feel considered and complete.

Even the approach matters: doors can be subtly integrated into joinery or given quieter detailing within a hallway, so the WC feels naturally part of the overall language of the home. Perhaps good design means not having to ask which door is the loo!

10/07/2026

Looking back to last week’s Creative Economy Breakfast, No.1. in the series: a conversation about the current state of premium residential and how we can affect change through collective thinking, led by Jo Cowen.

OUR 10 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Value creation has shifted from financial engineering to creative problem solving / planning is the greatest constraint to development / regulation is outpacing construction inflation / viability must be considered earlier / technology and AI can improve process, not policy / buyer expectations have changed / design quality drives premium value / align heritage with sustainability / industry-wide collaboration is non-negotiable / confidence and certainty will unlock the market.

08/07/2026

The rear of the house with rendered details, glazing and box shutters will be lovingly repaired and overhauled before expert re-decoration brings all those details to life.

This beautiful building is being refurbished and restored with extraordinary care. It was a grand house when new in the 1850s, was split unsympathetically into bedsits for much of the twentieth century and is now again highly desirable.

Fixtures and fittings, plumbing and electrical services are being brought up to date with attention to how they fit elegantly into and alongside not only the style but the materials and technique of the original.

Architect:
Contractor:
Garden:
QS:
Structural Engineer:
MEP:
AV Consultant: QQBTS

Looking forward to finalising this house over the coming months and sharing the finishing touches as we come to the end of the project.

04/07/2026

03/07/2026

The Creative Economy Breakfast – our first in the series, focused on collective problem solving as the new commercial necessity when creating value in a stagnant premium residential market. Creativity, intelligence in design, planning, procurement, technology and collaboration represent one of the few genuine levers capable of unlocking value. Thank you for joining us and helping to foster the conversation.