Studio Colab is an award-winning RIBA Chartered Architects studio based in London. We specialise in residential architecture from house extensions and refurbishments to contemporary new-build homes. We cover London and home counties and can assist in both residential and commercial projects.

Most homeowners are terrified of two things: a design they can’t afford to build, and a builder who can’t understand the design. I founded Studio Colab to bridge that gap.

I don’t just draw lines on a screen, prior to becoming an Architect, I spent years on-site as a contractor and joiner. This means when I design your home, I’m mentally building it at the same time. I know where the costs hide, how the timber joins, and how to navigate the complexities of London planning without compromising on aesthetics.

With first-class honours and international experience in luxury residential design, I’ve seen architecture at its highest level. But my real value to you is my ‘hands-on’ DNA. I combine high-level design thinking with the practical reality of the construction site.

At Studio Colab, we don’t take on 50 projects a year. We take on a handful of clients who value direct access to the Principal and a process that prioritizes certainty over guesswork.

Whether it’s a sensitive extension in a North London Conservation Area or a contemporary new-build, our goal is the same, to maximise your property’s value while minimising your stress.

We use the RIBA Stages of Work from the initial ‘Reality Check’ to the final handover—to ensure you are never left in the dark.

FABIAN DANKER (Director)
BA(Hons) MArch ARB RIBA Architect

Experience and Expertise

Winner of British Homes Award 2020 for Home Transformation of the Year and regularly featured and shortlisted in Architectural awards including New London Architecture – Don’t Move Improve, AJ Retrofit Awards. In addition, Fabian’s work is frequently published in architectural journals, including Grand Design Magazine and Architectural Journal.

Prior to setting up Studio Colab, Fabian has worked in London as a contractor and joiner. Most importantly, this experience has given him a great understanding of how buildings are designed and constructed.

Academic Achievements

Fabian studied architecture at Northumbria University for both bachelor and masters attaining a first-class honours and the highest grade in the year.

Furthermore, his thesis project was recognised as a pioneering student-led design build project. Subsequently his academic papers have been published and he has presented them in international conferences eCAADe and AAE.

After that, he gained ARB accreditation at University of Greenwich attaining a first-class honours and ranked top in class.

London Community Involvement

He is involved in Royal Docklands Public Spaces Group in Newham as an architectural consultant and heavily involved in the development of the Docklands area.

He’s been involved as part of the judging panel for Pews and Perches and various grants to support local Artists and community ventures through Royal Docks and Culture Within.

See some of the latest projects he’s been working on at Studio Colab here.