Square Feet Architects was founded in 2004 by Daniel Leon to create architecture that is both imaginative and grounded in practical realities.

Over the years the practice has become known for residential work of varied scale, alongside education and community projects, delivered through close collaboration with clients, consultants and makers.

Daniel’s early career took him from Liverpool to Seattle, then Manchester to Sydney and finally London, working with Levitt Bernstein and Buschow Henley. His portfolio includes regeneration and housing schemes in Dublin and Leeds, buildings for the 2000 Sydney Olympics as well as the transformation of St Luke’s Old Street: a beautiful Hawksmoor church renovated to become a music venue for the London Symphony Orchestra.

This article showcases Square Feet Architects’ approach to designing spaces that strengthen community. At the intersection of architecture and community impact, three recent projects stand out for their thoughtful transformation of educational and cultural institutions, demonstrating how their work enhances cultural, educational and spiritual life, proving thoughtful architecture can foster connection, support wellbeing and respond to the evolving needs of diverse communities.

These projects highlight how targeted architectural interventions can create more efficient, sustainable and engaging environments, whether in a house of worship or a higher education setting.

Revitalising a Community: Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue

Square Feet Architects recently completed a comprehensive refurbishment of the Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue. The project addressed both building and landscape, aiming to modernise the synagogue’s appearance while improving functionality and environmental performance. With a focus on sustainability and community wellbeing, working with contractors Borras Construction Ltd and quantity surveyors Trogal Griffin, the scheme incorporated eco-conscious measures, updated the façade and enhanced the surrounding grounds.

The landscape design introduced native planting, rationalised pathways and improved accessibility, creating outdoor areas suited to gatherings and informal use. This modern redesign respects the site’s spiritual heritage while providing a welcoming environment that supports contemporary needs.

The approach balanced contemporary architectural interventions with respect for the site’s heritage, resulting in a setting that meets the needs of the congregation and wider community.

Supporting Student Growth: ESCP Business School, Hampstead

Over the past decade, Square Feet Architects has actively supported ESCP, a French Business School, to reshape its Finchley Road campus to accommodate a growing student body. The ongoing programme has focussed on creating a modern, functional and welcoming environment that supports academic activity while fostering a strong sense of community.

The multi-phase collaboration began with feasibility studies and strategic masterplanning, assessing space needs and planning a phased approach that would allow for growth with minimal disruption to teaching. This led to a series of internal reconfigurations, including the redesign of classrooms, lecture halls and offices to provide flexible spaces that could adapt to different teaching formats and group sizes.

As the campus evolved, the need for informal spaces became a priority. New lounges, communal seating areas and breakout zones were introduced to encourage social interaction, collaboration and relaxation. Alongside this, wayfinding and signage were overhauled to improve navigation and campus flow.

Between 2018 and 2025, these initiatives delivered new teaching rooms and a landscaped courtyard terrace that now serves as a central hub for student gatherings and events. The result is a campus that balances academic functionality with an environment that supports connection, well-being and the broader student experience.

A Space for All: Faith in the City

Faith in the City is a multi-faith sanctuary welcoming people of all religions and none, offering space for reflection, dialogue and community engagement. Its architecture uses light, natural materials and water rather than religious symbols, creating an open and inclusive environment.



The concept was developed by Daniel Leon with architects Matthew Lloyd and Shahed Saleem through the 3 Faiths Forum. It proposed a single building shared by Christianity, Judaism and Islam, used as a mosque on Fridays, a synagogue on Saturdays and a church on Sundays, addressing land use and cost while exploring a tripartite space for worship.



The project has appeared in the RIBA Journal, BBC Radio 4’s Sunday programme, the 3FF Urban Dialogues Exhibition and Terry Biddington’s Multifaith Space. A steering group led by Prof Aaron Rosen of King’s College London continues to explore real-world applications.



The current phase, co-convened by Daniel Leon with Michael Wakelin and Sughra Ahmed, is a scoping study for the City of London to understand faith and belief needs and guide inclusive spaces and programmes.

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These projects highlight Square Feet Architects’ commitment to creating spaces that enrich community life, be it through education, culture or spiritual practice.

By blending practical functionality with thoughtful design, the practice demonstrates how architecture can support connection, wellbeing and inclusion.

To explore more of their work and projects, visit their website or follow them on social media for updates and insights.