ABOUT US
ABOUT US
The name s+c architects is rooted in the partnership between its two directors, Smiljkovic and Coles. Their complementary skills, shared values, and collaborative approach form the foundation of the practice: the name reflects both their personal investment and professional alignment. As founders, Smiljkovic and Coles bring distinct perspectives to the table, united by a commitment to purposeful, context-driven architecture.
At the same time, s+c is deliberately open-ended. While it begins with the names of the directors, it also represents the many elements that come together to make a project successful—site + client, sensitivity + collaboration, strategy + concept, sociability + community and more. The “+” is not just a symbol; it’s a statement of intent. It reflects the studio’s belief that great architecture emerges from the thoughtful joining of diverse forces.
The plus sign at the centre of the name is about connection—bringing together people, ideas, and conditions. It’s a reminder that architecture is rarely about a single vision; it’s about synergy, negotiation, and the creative integration of constraints and opportunities. At s+c architects, this collaborative ethos underpins every stage of the design process.
Natasha Smiljkovic
Director
Natasha is an architect with broad experience across a wide spectrum of project types and scales—from bespoke one-off homes to large-scale masterplans. She has worked closely with clients to secure planning consent for over 3,000 new dwellings.
Her work is grounded in a strong understanding of context, community needs, and commercial realities, with a focus on creating well-considered, deliverable design solutions.
Natasha studied architecture at the University of Bath and Cardiff University, developing a rigorous, design-led approach that combines creativity with clarity and purpose.
Simon Coles
Director
Simon brings over 20 years of experience in shaping successful developments across the UK. He has been instrumental in securing planning permission for more than 5,000 new homes and delivering over a million square feet of diverse floorspace across a wide range of sites.
Simon's work is grounded in a deep understanding of client objectives, development appraisals, project drivers, and planning policy. His designs balance commercial value with contextual appropriateness, always aiming to be both viable and purposeful.
He champions clear, compelling narratives for every project—designs that are realistic, deliverable, and sensitive to social, environmental, and economic considerations. Through open dialogue and creative leadership, Simon drives projects forward with confidence, applying strong commercial design skills to add real value at every stage.
Koldo Atxa
Architect
Koldo has collaborated with Natasha and Simon for over a decade, playing a key role in the delivery of a number of complex projects. Known for his precision and efficiency, he excels at producing clear, technically robust information that underpins successful outcomes. Koldo brings particular expertise in higher-density residential design, with a focus on sustainable, people-centred places that work at every scale.