Tonkin Liu is a UK‑based multidisciplinary design studio founded in 2002 by Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu. Rooted in a storytelling methodology and driven by technical innovation, the practice addresses each client’s unique aspirations through empathetic, research‑led exploration. Over the past two decades, Tonkin Liu has delivered award‑winning work across architecture, sculpture, and landscape—earning 23 RIBA Awards—and gained renown for projects as diverse as London’s Grosvenor Square masterplan, a 40‑metre‑tall 6 mm–thick structural flue tower, and a fully patented airway stent developed in collaboration with medical experts.
At the heart of Tonkin Liu’s process lies a blend of meticulous research, narrative rigor, and a deep connection to nature. From RIBA‑funded Shell Lace Structures to Red Mud recycling and ACORN automated concrete projects, the studio integrates artisan craftsmanship with advanced digital fabrication, pioneering sustainable techniques that balance cost, environmental impact, and social value. Longstanding collaborations with academic institutions, artists, engineers, and contractors further enrich their capacity to transform bold concepts into tangible, context‑responsive, and enduring designs.
LOCATION: London, UK
LEARN MORE: Tonkin Liu
Water Tower Retreat by Tonkin Liu is a remarkable example of adaptive reuse, transforming a disused steel water tower in Castle Acre into a unique and modern home. Once a beloved village landmark, the tower was originally…
The Sun Rain Room is a two-storey extension and restoration of a Grade-II Listed Georgian townhouse. The extension reframes the rear of the building by amplifying the characteristics found within its fabric. Designed and constructed by Tonkin…
