The Louis de Soissons Partnership

PRACTICE HISTORY
WELWYN GARDEN CITY ARCHITECTS

The Practice was founded by Louis E J G De Savoi-Carignan, Viscount d’Ostel Baron Longroy 1890 - 1962, younger son of Charles, 37th Count of Soissons.

The Practice’s first major commission was the design for Welwyn Garden City. Louis de Soissons was appointed Architect for the town in 1920 and the practice was heavily involved in its development for the next 60 years. Other important projects during this time included the Home Office and various Duchy of Cornwall Estates in London.

After the War, the Practice expanded and additional offices were opened in Plymouth and Exeter, carrying out a wide variety of architectural work including 46 War Cemeteries in Italy and Greece. In the 1960s and 1970s amongst the practice’s commissions were a number of prestigious headquarters buildings including The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in Regents Park, The Leathersellers Company, the Wellcome Foundation and the International Wool Secretariat in Carlton Terrace.

The Practice also carried out major reconstruction projects in Regent’s Park for Crown Estates including Nash’s Cumberland and Chester Terraces. Other commissions included The Tavern and two stands for the MCC at Lords Cricket Ground and work at Cambridge and Exeter Universities and Eton College.

In the 1970’s the practice designed the Brighton Marina, which was then one of the largest single building contracts in Europe.

At the beginning of the 1980’s, the Practice designed Headquarters Buildings for Rowntree Macintosh, The Pharmaceutical Society, Danish Bacon and the Wellcome Trust in Regents Park.

During the 1990s and subsequently, the Practice became more commercial and developed considerable expertise in the retail sector. The practice has particular expertise in Town Centre Conservation Area developments and has developed a good working relationship with English Heritage.

The practice utilises the latest fully networked CAD facilities and employ a keen and energetic team with the expertise to respond quickly and effectively to all forms of architectural work. The Practice has offices in London and Hertfordshire.