Ade Fowler

Ade Fowler — Islington Architects Ltd
The practice
Ade Fowler
Founder · Islington Architects Ltd
BA Hons Dip Arch ARB RIBA
Registrations & memberships
ARB 065549J RIBA 8907316 RIBA Chartered Member RIBA Principal Designer APS Member 018510 Guinness World Record Holder
Land’s End · 14 October 2023 · Guinness World Record
About
One of London’s most experienced planning and heritage architects
Ade Fowler is the founder of Islington Architects Ltd and one of London’s most experienced specialists in planning, heritage and listed buildings. Since 2004 he has personally submitted approaching 400 planning and listed building applications across London — becoming a recognised authority on complex existing buildings, conservation areas and historic properties.
Ade studied at The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, completing his Diploma in Unit 21 under Professors CJ Lim and Christine Hawley before graduating in 2000.

Unit 21 was widely regarded at the time as one of the most sought-after architectural design units in the world. Under the direction of Professors Lim and Hawley, it developed a reputation for producing exceptionally talented graduates — including RIBA Silver Medal winners — and for pushing the boundaries of architectural thinking and representation.

He began his career at Future Systems — the Stirling Prize-winning practice led by Jan Kaplický and Amanda Levete — contributing to internationally recognised projects before going on to work for Terence Conran at Conran & Partners.
He subsequently joined the studio of the late Will Alsop OBE — a mentor and father figure who entrusted Ade with privileged roles within the practice. At Alsop’s he worked on the Fourth Grace Liverpool, a competition-winning scheme selected ahead of proposals by Norman Foster, Richard Rogers and Frank Gehry, as well as Building Schools for the Future and Joined-Up Design for Schools — a programme in which Ade worked actively and directly with students and teachers at two schools in Bristol. He has also lectured at universities across the UK.
Between 2017 and 2019, Ade led a major listed building consent programme for one of London’s most prestigious private estates — submitting approximately 100 planning and listed building applications and overseeing significant construction works at Grade II* listed properties including a major project on Brook Street, Mayfair.
Career
From the Bartlett to listed buildings
2000
Future Systems
Stirling Prize-winning practice led by Jan Kaplický and Amanda Levete. Contributed to internationally recognised projects across the UK and internationally.
—
Conran & Partners
Working under Sir Terence Conran across hospitality, residential and commercial projects in London.
—
Will Alsop OBE
A mentor and father figure. Entrusted with privileged roles within the practice. Fourth Grace Liverpool — beating Foster, Rogers and Gehry. Building Schools for the Future and Joined-Up Design for Schools — working actively with students and teachers at two Bristol schools. Lectured at universities across the UK.
2004
Fowler Architects Limited established
Independent practice focused on planning, conservation and listed buildings across London. Submitting applications to Islington Council since establishment.
2015
Islington Architects Ltd
Rebranded with a sharply focused specialism in planning, conservation and listed buildings across London.
2017–19
Major listed building programme
Approximately 100 planning and listed building applications for one of London’s most prestigious private estates. Significant construction at Grade II* properties including a 1720’s property Brook Street, Mayfair.
Current projects
Active projects currently on site
Active · On site
Lonsdale Square · Islington
Grade II* · Tudor Gothic · Richard Cromwell Carpenter, 1840s
Active
Charlton Place · Islington
Grade II Listed
Active
Richmond Avenue · Islington
Grade II Listed
Active
Canonbury Square · Islington
Grade II Listed · Conservation Area
Active
Grange Grove · Islington
Conservation Area
Active
Willow Bridge Road · Islington
Conservation Area
Guinness World Record · 2023
Fastest Land’s End to John O’Groats crossing on foot — male
In October 2023, Ade set the Guinness World Record for the fastest male journey on foot from Land’s End to John O’Groats — completing the length of Britain in 19 days, 3 hours, 28 minutes and 50 seconds.
Carrying all his own equipment including a tent, camping alone every night, with no external support whatsoever — and battling hypothermia and mild trench foot along the way. Ade is also the first male to hold the FKT — Fastest Known Time — for running the length of the UK self-supported.
The challenge raised funds for Breast Cancer Now and Refuge — causes deeply personal to Ade following the loss of his mother Sue to breast cancer when he was 18.
View official Guinness World Record →
19 days 3 hours · 28 minutes · 50 seconds · Land’s End to John O’Groats
Self-supported No external support · Carried all equipment · Camped every night
2 records Guinness World Record (male) · First male FKT self-supported length of UK
14 Oct 2023 Date of record · Land’s End, UK · Verified by Guinness World Records
Personal
From modest beginnings to one of London’s leading listed building practices
Ade’s mother Sue was a hairdresser who ran her own business from a converted bedroom in the family home in Brockenhurst. She died from breast cancer when Ade was 18. Following her death the family home was sold and Ade navigated early adulthood with very limited resources. Despite leaving school with modest results he was offered an opportunity to study architecture by Bob Sutton at Birmingham UCE, supporting himself by working at Architects’ Sheppard Robson in Camden during holidays and staying at the Warren Street YMCA.
From those beginnings he went on to work with some of the world’s most respected architects before establishing one of London’s leading listed building practices.
Every Christmas Day Ade personally distributes sleeping bags, clothing and essential supplies to people experiencing homelessness in London.
At a glance
Education The Bartlett, UCL · Unit 21 · Diploma 2000
Birmingham UCE
Submitting applications since 2004 — Islington & London
Applications submitted Approaching 400 planning & listed building
Current projects Lonsdale Square (Grade II*) · Charlton Place · Richmond Avenue · Canonbury Square · Grange Grove · Willow Bridge Road
World record Guinness World Record — fastest male Land’s End to John O’Groats on foot · First male FKT self-supported length of UK
Charitable causes Breast Cancer Now · Refuge · Annual Christmas homelessness outreach
Work with Ade
Would you like Ade to assist with your project?
Whether you are considering a listed building, navigating a conservation area or facing a complex planning challenge — get in touch for a direct conversation. Ade responds personally, usually within one working day.
Send an email enquiry Message on WhatsApp · 07775 791718