Do+Co is an architecture studio based in Dulwich, South London. We're open-minded, open-hearted and devoted to doing work that leads to happy lives and a future we can all look forward to. 

The Team

Darren Oldfield
Director
RIBA Chartered Architect & ARB 076537F

  • Darren is the practice Director, which he established in 2013. His vision for architecture is to create high quality sustainable, design-led buildings which substantially improve quality of life through enhanced access to natural light, air and space. Darren believes that good architecture is collaborative, shaped by positive relationships between clients, consultants and contractors – and of course, the staff of the practice. This makes DO+CO a practice that puts people before profit, and ethical business principles first and foremost.

    Prior to qualifying as an architect in 2009, Darren received his Diploma (Distinction) in Architecture and Masters in Professional Practice from the University of Nottingham. Darren has worked in a number of award-winning practices across the country, including marsh:grochowski in Nottingham, and bere:architects in London, working on the UK’s first non-residential certified Passivhaus retrofit project. Immediately prior to setting up the practice, he was a project architect for Cowper Griffith Architects in Cambridge, working on a number of education, cultural and social projects for private and third sector clients.

    When not in the office, Darren is likely to be tending the allotment with his partner Jenny, baking or listening to TMS with a pint alongside Alf the dog and Kalli the cat.

Rita Farrell
Associate Director
ARB 090135K

  • Rita is Associate Director at DO+CO, contributing to the strategic vision of the practice as well as its day to day management. She joined the practice in 2015, and has overseen several of the practice’s high end residential projects, such as Ruskin, Oglander and Peckham House. Her vision for architecture is to provide sustainable, energy efficient and good quality homes for all, which are true to their materials and fit for purpose.

    Rita studied at Queen’s University Belfast for her BSc Architecture (RIBA Part 1) & MArch (RIBA Part II) before completing her Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice (RIBA Part III) at the University of Westminster and qualifying as an Architect in 2017.

    Outside the practice, Rita is one of the world’s leading Uilleann pipe musicians (that’s Irish Bagpipes to the uninitiated). She has performed all over the world and continues to play regularly across London. In 2019 Rita recorded with Robbie Williams, and appeared on The Graham Norton Show. In 2021 she was elected to the board of the Society of Irish Pipers, and is featured on a compilation CD of women in Uilleann piping, released in 2022.

Lydia Stott
Architect & Passivhaus Designer
ARB 095643K

  • Lydia is a Passivhaus accredited Architect at DO+CO working on all stages of projects. Lydia joined the practice in October 2020, having previously worked at London practices Knox Bhavan and Ash Sakula. Since joining DO+CO, Lydia has overseen several of the practice’s high end residential projects, including Elmwood Road. She is currently in the finishing stages of another project in Herne Hill and another in Highgate.

    Before joining DO+CO, Lydia achieved a first class degree from the University of Nottingham for her RIBA Part I. She then pursued the sustainability teaching programme at the Aarhus Arkitekskolen, Denmark for her RIBA Part II Masters. In Aarhus she specialised in intergenerational housing, and has continued to explore the topic since graduating. She completed her RIBA Part III qualification at Westminster University and graduated with a distinction in Autumn 2022. In December 2023, Lydia undertook Passivhaus training to develop her knowledge of creating environmentally sound and sustainable buildings, which she passed with flying colours!

    Outside of her working time, Lydia is a keen sea swimmer, volunteer set designer, cyclist and silversmith.

Jenny Chamarette
Head of Culture & Operations

  • Jenny is the Practice’s Head of Culture and Operations, dealing with business strategy and development, marketing, HR and communications. She’s been involved in DO+CO since it first started – though in a more informal capacity, as she is also Darren’s partner in life as well as in business!

    Outside the practice, Jenny is a writer, mentor and coach, and an academic researcher on film and visual culture. In her spare time, she swims and practices yoga, as well as tending the allotment and garden.

Jake Obichere
Part II Assistant

  • Jake joined the practice in February 2024. Having previously worked at London practices BVDS architects, John McAslan + Partners and van Heyningen & Haward architects.

    Jake studied at the University of Kent for his BA Architecture (RIBA Part 1) and The London School of Architecture (RIBA Part II) for his MArch Architecture.

    Jake is an East Londoner, with West African heritage, who enjoys South London! He regularly volunteers in his local Church as a Youth & Young Adults Worker, where he is able to invest in meaningful relationships with people and the community.

    An avid sketcher, illustrator and poet. A professed Gooner who loves sports, sight-seeing and trying new things.

    (He has an identical twin brother who could be the one in the photo…)

Dominic Saliendra
Part I Assistant

  • Dominic joined us in October 2021 after graduating from his BA Architecture at Newcastle University. He spent 2 years with us before returning to Newcastle for his Part II. He now runs the Newcastle office, fitting in work around his studies.

    He has played basketball since he was 15, and recently returned to painting as part of his creative practice. He's also a talented barman and cocktail maker extraordinaire.

Kalli
Office Mascot (working from home)

Connor Tweedie
Part I Assistant

  • Connor joined the practice in September 2023, after graduating with a BA in architecture (RIBA part I) from the Mackintosh school of architecture in Glasgow. His favourite university project, titled “A Dance Hall for Equality” envisioned a new community space which fostered a more equal, fair and diverse culture than the original Glaswegian dance hall typology. Alongside his studies, Connor was also a member of the Glasgow school of arts queer society, where the group would raise, and discuss concerns over discrimination and disadvantage within the industry.

    Outside of architecture, Connor has a passion for aviation and when given the opportunity, has even been known to fly planes himself. New to London, Connor is enjoying exploring the city and all it has to offer.

Alf
Chief Pupper

  • Alf the whippet joined the practice in November 2023 with a pedigree in puppery. He is mostly found snoozing in a warm spot, with occasional opportunities for cuddles and zooming. Everybody is Alf’s friend and he is glad to offer distractions at will.

Matt Brundell
Part II Assistant

  • Matt joined the practice in March 2024 having previously worked at local practices including Feix and Merlin. He moved to London in 2021, having achieved a first class degree at the University of Liverpool, studying there for both his Part I and Part II.

    In Matt’s free time he is an avid runner, hoping to complete his third marathon in Prague this year. Matt also holds a lifelong passion for animal welfare continuing to spend time volunteering at an animal santuary for rescued livestock. Alongside this his long standing joy for music and DJing has grown from a hobby to a supplementary income source - hosting music events and playing throughout South East London - and hosting a month radio show on a community based radio station in Liverpool for the past 6 years. Through this community he has conducted multiple projects ranging from installations and stages for festivals to designing radio stations.

  • Kalli took over as office mascot in September 2020 after we lost our wonderful Juno. You will mainly find her disrupting any attempt for Darren to work efficiently from home!

About Us

Established in 2013 as Darren Oldfield Architects, we work with homeowners, developers and small businesses, creating carefully crafted sustainable buildings.

Our work celebrates and enhances the small moments that make up our days and add up to our lives. From the warmth of a palm against a solid wooden handrail to the unexpected view into nature, every detail and juncture matters.

We love what we do and are good (and fun) to work with, but great architecture takes more than just us. It comes down to a positive, collaborative approach and trusted relationships between clients, consultants and contractors. This belief and way of working has led to 80% of our business coming from client referrals and recommendations.

If you've got a project in mind, we'd love to hear about it.

Do+Co-creation
Do+Collaboration
Do+Communication
Do+Community
Do+Co

Co-creation

We’re co-creators of beautiful and interesting buildings and spaces. We work with clients to design places full of personality that tell a story, induce joy and lift spirits. Regardless of scale, our starting point is always light, volume and space – a trinity of principles that leads to original responses that centre wellbeing and quality of life.

Collaboration

With us, there’s no ego. We’re unpretentious, natural collaborators who understand the best ideas are the ones that make life better for everyone. That’s why we work in collaboration with each other, with clients, consultants and communities, coming up with the right solutions while building long-lasting relationships (and friendships). 

Communication

Undertaking a project is a significant life experience for you, and we take our responsibilities seriously. You can trust us to be open, upfront and honest. We’ll listen carefully to understand your needs and desires and respect your investment, working hard to make the most of your money. Our process is tried and tested, delivering robust solutions every time. How it works

Community

Our designs connect people with place, appreciating over time, adding value not just for our clients but the community that surrounds them. Sustainability is never an add-on with us – it informs every move we make, from how we run our studio to the thoughtfully designed, energy-efficient spaces we help to create.