Haptic, London: Dedicated, Fun, Haptical

Taking its cues from its Scandinavian roots, Haptic has a strong egalitarian structure. It takes the culture of the Scandi lifestyle and tries to bring it to the architectural practice. “The work culture in Scandinavia is more egalitarian and has a better work-life balance,” says practice Co-Founder Tomas Stokke. “There will be a lot of hard work at times, but this must be balanced with more quiet and relaxed periods.” 

He adds: “Bringing a bit of Scandi culture to London we think is healthy – a lot of practices drive their staff much too hard.” 

The practice’s 15 staff work in an office in Angel. The studio offers panoramic views over London, is filled with furniture designed by the practice itself and has a slightly rough and ready air about it. 

It may be pretty small but Haptic works on large scale projects from airports to government buildings. A number of recent wins means it will have to grow soon and there are plans afoot to double in size taking another floor of the building they are currently based in. It will provide the practice with more meeting room space and a better model workshop. “We are therefore thinking hard about how we can preserve the practice culture as we grow,” comments Stokke. 

Some of the practice’s culture comes from its regular social events. They can often be found in the local pub celebrating their wins, having meetings or even drowning their sorrows when they lose competitions. They head to the Imax cinema to indulge the office’s obsession with sci-fi films, regularly take place in charity cycle rides, and carry out a number of self-initiated projects in their local neighbourhood. One of these included turning the roof of their office block into an edible garden growing tomatoes, figs, herbs, and berries. 

“Engaging hands-on with materials is a great way of learning, bonding and having fun,” Stokke concludes.