CAN is an architecture & ideas studio.

We design architecture and objects that subvert the ordinary and enhance everyday life. Our spaces and objects amplify cultural contexts by challenging their physical and social limits. CAN’s work diverts from the obvious to explore the deeper cultural and historic influences of each project, which combine to make striking and memorable spaces.

CAN believes that architecture can and should make the city a more joyful, inclusive and exciting place to live and work.

Mat Barnes RIBA ARB - Director
Prior to founding CAN, Mat was an Associate at Studio 54 Architecture where he was responsible for the award-winning Peabody infill housing projects delivered through the Small Projects Panel. He also delivered the complex Arlington Road housing scheme in Camden. He is a former member of STORE, a teaching and arts collective and has delivered lectures on CAN's work across Europe. He currently teaches at The London School of Architecture. He consolidated his various creative practices to form CAN in 2016.

Jobs
CAN is not currently hiring but we are always interested in hearing from prospective collaborators. Please send your CV and a selection of work to info@can-site.co.uk.

Awards
2023 - Wallpaper* Design Awards - Winner
2022 - RIBA House of the Year - Longlisted
2022 - RIBA London Award - Winner
2021 - Architectural Review - House Award - Shortlisted
2021 - RIBA Rising Star - Winner
2021 - Don’t Move, Improve! Awards - Winner
2021 - British Homes Award - Finalist
2021 - ArchDaily Building of the Year - Finalist
2020 - Architects’ Journal Small Projects Award - Finalist
2020 - Don’t Move, Improve! Awards - Longlisted
2019 - RIBA London Award - Winner
2019 - NLA Awards - Shortlisted
2019 - Don’t Move, Improve! Awards - Shortlisted
2019 - Architects’ Journal Small Projects Award - Finalist
2018 - Blueprint Awards - Shortlisted
2018 - Dezeen Awards - Longlisted

Selected Press
2022 - HYPEBEAST - Liquid Geology
2022 - Dezeen - Liquid Geology
2021 - The Modern House - Mountain View
2020 - Observer Critics’ Review - Best Architecture of 2020
2020 - The Sunday Times - Mountain View
2020 - Wallpaper* - Mountain View
2020 - Wallpaper* - All That Could Have Been
2019 - Dezeen - A Brockley Side
2019 - KooZA/rch
2019 - DesignBoom - Lomax Studio
2019 - RIBA - Lomax Studio
2019 - Grand Designs Magazine - Mies X King George
2018 - Domus - Lomax Studio
2018 - Architecture Today - Lomax Studio
2018 - Divisare - Lomax Studio
2018 - Archaic Mag - Lomax Studio

CAN is a RIBA Chartered Practice
No. 20030812

CAN is the trading name of
Critical Architecture Network Ltd. Company Reg. 10144553