Canary Wharf is an iconic and unmistakeable element of the London skyline. The buildings which form the area are viewed as a bold, stark and inspiring statement about what can be achieved in commercial architecture throughout the city. In many respects the tall, imposing skyscrapers symbolise the global impression of London, and they certainly reflect the city’s status as one of the financial capitals of the world.

However, Canary Wharf was not always so widely celebrated. We have been reminded of the troubled path to its current status by the recent release of 1986 documents by the National Archives. These documents reveal that the government at the time was highly enthusiastic about the development on the disused docks of the Isle of Dogs, and from a modern viewpoint it seems that this enthusiasm was justified.

The current success of Canary Wharf did not happen overnight. In the early 1990s, most people were not convinced of the likely success of the area, and many suspected that the developers would not even be able to give it away, let alone sell or lease it. However, over the years a series of developers and investors have helped to make the site into one of the most desirable and expensive pieces of real estate in the world.

As architects in London, what we draw from the story of Canary Wharf is the courage of commitment to a vision of what a building can evolve into over the years. In any project, the architectural plans and designs are the first step towards achieving a goal, and for this to be successful the architect must have absolute confidence and belief in what they have been commissioned to create. This is true of any work we do, from conversion or renovation work to major commercial developments. We always have an eye on the future and strive to create properties which offer long term success and functionality.