With the start of a new year, thoughts about what’s on the horizon for 2025 are inevitably top-of-mind. For some readers, particularly the 30UNDER30’s, gaining international experience may be something you’re considering. Naa Effia Atswei Adjei, one of Australian Design Review’s (ADR) 30UNDER30 Architects and Innovators of the Built World cohort, took a leap and relocated to London in 2024. Here, Adjei shares her advice about relocating and making the most of all that London has to offer. 

Are you considering moving overseas to work as an architect? London is a fantastic choice. Known for its dynamic lifestyle and rich architectural history, London is a city that offers endless inspiration.

You might recall studying iconic British buildings, celebrated architects and London’s famous streets. Now, you have the chance to experience them firsthand.

The perfect moving season

When should you make your move? It’s best to avoid relocating during winter, if possible. Late spring is ideal as the weather begins to warm and the spirits of Londoners rise with it.

I arrived in early April, and although it was still chilly, watching the city come alive as spring blossomed into summer was magical. Summer in London is vibrant and joyful.

Walk the London streets

London is famously a walking city. Its beautiful streets are perfect for exploring in almost any season. There’s history around every corner — soak it all in as you visit renowned buildings, galleries and museums. Don’t forget to seek out lesser-known sites as well. These hidden gems offer unique insights into the city’s architectural and cultural tapestry.

London’s hidden gems

Sir John Soane’s Museum

This remarkable museum was once the home and library of 19th-century architect Sir John Soane. In 1837, Soane bequeathed the house to the nation, with the stipulation that it remain preserved exactly as he left it.

Originally purchased in 1792, Soane rebuilt the property and expanded it over the next 30 years, gradually turning it into a museum for his students and the public. His collection is extraordinary, exhibiting classical fragments, paintings, artefacts, architectural drawings and so much more.

Currently, the museum is hosting an exhibition by Lina Iris Viktor, an artist whose work draws from diverse sources such as Babylonian cosmologies, Ancient Egyptian culture, and Indigenous Australian traditions.

575 Wandsworth Road

This unassuming terraced house has a fascinating story. It was purchased in 1981 by Kenyan-born poet, novelist, mathematician and British civil servant Khadambi Asalache. What started as a response to persistent basement dampness evolved into an intricate artistic project.

Over 20 years, Asalache meticulously hand-carved fretwork patterns and motifs from reclaimed wood, covering almost every wall, ceiling and door. Drawing inspiration from traditional African houses, Moorish architecture in Andalusia and Ottoman designs, the house is a masterpiece of cultural fusion.

After his death in 2006, the home was preserved exactly as he left it and was acquired by the National Trust in 2010. It now stands as a testament to his creativity and vision.

Leave London

While London has an abundance of attractions, it’s equally important to explore beyond the city limits. The UK is rich in history and architecture, and London is an excellent hub for European travel.

In just a few hours, you can explore the cultural and architectural treasures of cities like Paris, Rome, or Barcelona. For architects, this is a unique opportunity to see influential buildings and design philosophies in their original contexts — something often difficult to grasp fully from afar.

Final thoughts

Although Australian architectural education has traditionally been rooted in European ideas, the geographical distance makes experiencing these settings firsthand even more meaningful.

London is an architect’s dream, offering an endless array of inspiration both within the city and beyond. Embrace the opportunity and enjoy your adventure in this extraordinary city.

Naa Effia Atswei Adjei is an Australian architect currently based in London, United Kingdom. Adjei works at an international studio specialising in sustainable design and workplace typologies. She has a keen interest in exploring relationships between different cultures and architecture.

Learn more about Adjei by reading her 30UNDER30 profile interview.