Who we are
HAL’s two founders, Andrew Hanson and Daniel Leon (hence HAL being “Hanson and Leon”), have known each other and collaborated for over 15 years, and come together to deliver particularly complex education and commercial projects.
We have a very experienced team of designers and delivery architects, with specialism in heritage regeneration.
HAL is joint venture between Hanson Architects and Square Feet Architects.
What we do
HAL provides a holistic approach to design of the space where we learn, live, work or play. We look to understand the real needs of the users of a space and how to translate and manifest those needs into a useable, efficient but most importantly, beautiful and healthy environment.
HAL has close contacts with most of London’s Plannning Departments, and beyond, and has an excellent track record gaining permissions on tricky sites, and of delivering projects on time and on budget.
A different kind of space programme
Selected projects
Notting Hill Prep - Westway
This unique project is the first school building ever constructed under a motorway, the technical challenges were considerable.
Sacks Morasha Jewish Day School
Converting and extending a former church hall into a fully-compliant one-form entry primary ‘free school’.
Castlehaven Community Centre
A project to reinvigorate a Camden Town community mixed-use facility.
Notting Hill Prep - Jane Cameron Building
A new, naturally ventilated building for Notting Hill Prep School, located in a land-locked site behind Ladbroke Grove Tube Station comprises nine classrooms, a science lab and music department.
Cardinal Office
Complete fit out of the top floor of the St Mary Axe (commonly known as The Gherkin) in the city of London for a hedge fund
Nursery School
The remodelling and extension of a nursery school in Notting Hill
Creating great spaces
for now and the future
Andrew Hanson RIBA RIAS - Partner
Andrew was educated at the Architectural Association and the University of Edinburgh and is a former member of the RIBA Council, chair of the London Region of the RIBA, member of the RIBA Education Committee, chair of the RIBA London Planning Group , chair of the RIBA Awards Jury for London Region from 2007 to 2010.
He is currently a chair of both the Wandsworth and Richmond Council Design Review Panels and a registrant RIBA Conservation Architect.
Andrew is closely involved in all projects throughout the office at both a strategic and detailed level from concept to completion.
Daniel Leon RIBA - Partner
Daniel qualified over 25 years ago from Liverpool and Seattle universities, and has experience working internationally, and founded Square Feet Architects in 2003, after working for various AJ100 practices.
He was on RIBA Council 2014-17, and is still involved with the education and exhibition outreach programmes of the RIBA.
Other roles include as a committee member of Jewish Heritage UK (the English Heritage of Jewish community buildings); sits on the Design Review Panel providing advice to planning departments on the design of applications; and is a registrant RIBA Conservation Architect.
A glimpse into where the magic happens!