Design

How London Square’s Adam Lawrence is redefining heritage-led living in prime London

Founder and Chief Executive Adam Lawrence established London Square in 2010 with a clear conviction: London’s residential market still held untapped potential. What began as a measured response to the post-recession landscape has since evolved into a focused, design-led practice. Today, the West London-headquartered firm operates across the capital, shaping neighbourhoods that feel both intentional and deeply connected to their surroundings.

Rather than casting a wide net, London Square has remained deliberately—and true to its name—London-centric. The company seeks out sites defined by character, complexity and, often, a strong sense of history. Past developments such as Bermondsey and Nine Elms exemplify this approach, each rooted in regeneration-led districts with a clear local identity.

With a deep understanding of how people live in the city, the emphasis is less on spectacle and more on substance: generous proportions, intuitive layouts, access to green space and a seamless connection to the rhythms of the neighbourhood beyond the front door.

This approach is clearly expressed at County Hall Kingston, a rare Grade II-listed redevelopment that reimagines a former civic landmark. Set along the River Thames and within easy reach of central London, the development pairs original architectural character with contemporary interiors and lifestyle-led amenities. The scheme comprises a collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes, where retained period features, including high ceilings and sash windows, are thoughtfully balanced with modern layouts. Direct rail connections to London Waterloo Station and proximity to Kingston’s established retail and dining scene, further reinforce its appeal as a heritage-led address with strong urban connectivity.

In this conversation with Boulevard, Lawrence reflects on the enduring appeal of heritage assets, the importance of collaboration in design, and why thoughtfully crafted communities remain central to London’s next chapter.

Adam Lawrence, founder and chief executive of London Square. Top: Artist’s impression of County Hall Kingston.

Boulevard: What would you say is distinctive about London Square as a developer? What distinguishes your projects or approach to real estate?

Adam Lawrence: We’re committed to shaping exceptional places in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. We create thoughtfully designed neighbourhoods that reflect London’s diversity, heritage and energy. Our expertise lies in unlocking complex and often significant sites, transforming them into places defined by architectural quality, sustainability and wellbeing.

By focusing exclusively on London, we have a nuanced understanding of the city’s neighbourhood, its people and their needs. Our holistic approach considers not only design and interiors, but also how a development integrates with its surroundings, creating homes that resonate with customers seeking a distinctive London living experience.

Blvd: What inspired the County Hall Kingston project and what attracted you to the former site of the Surrey County Hall?

Lawrence: County Hall Kingston offered us a rare chance to reimagine a landmark building with strong historical character.

The former Surrey County Hall’s distinctive architecture, generous proportions and impressive ceiling heights created the foundation for unique residences, rarely seen in modern developments. Its location, close to Kingston town centre, the River Thames, green spaces and fast rail links to Central London, further enhanced its appeal.

Our vision is to preserve the building’s heritage while introducing contemporary homes and lifestyle-focused amenities, including a residents’ lounge, workspace, wellness studios and concierge services, designed to attract a diverse range of residents from professionals and families to international students at nearby Kingston University.

County Hall Kingston is a rare Grade II-listed redevelopment that reimagines a former civic landmark, set near the River Thames and within easy reach of central London.

Blvd: Does the Grade II classification add value, both as a developer and for secondary sales?

Lawrence: Absolutely—it’s a privilege to help reimagine this significant building and contribute to its next chapter.

London’s heritage is one of its major selling points; it provides a talking point and challenges us to think not only about the listed elements but the new ones we place around it.

The early demand we have seen from local and international buyers underlines the value placed on a sensitively and creatively reimagined heritage environment.

“By focusing exclusively on London, we have a nuanced understanding of the city’s neighbourhood, its people and their needs.”

Blvd: How has the collaboration with Rolfe Judd, Muchmore Design and Darling Associates shaped the vision and delivery of the development?

Lawrence: The project is very much a collaborative effort. Together, these partners helped shape a cohesive identity that balances heritage, design excellence and modern living.

Rolfe Judd’s architectural expertise was essential in ensuring the buildings were sensitively redesigned for modern living.

Meanwhile, Muchmore Design and Darling Associates helped shape interiors that feel contemporary while making the most of the incredible heritage features and ceiling heights residents will enjoy.

“Our vision is to preserve the Surrey County Hall’s heritage while introducing contemporary homes and lifestyle-focused amenities designed to attract a diverse range of residents.”

Blvd: In what ways do the brand and architectural partners influence the residences, from design and layout through to the lifestyle experience?

Lawrence: Their influence is evident throughout, from spatial planning and material selection to the integration of outdoor areas and communal amenities. The goal was to create homes that feel intuitive, elegant and connected to their environment, while encouraging social interaction and a sense of belonging. This collaborative process ensures residents experience not just well-designed homes, but feel their lifestyle and needs have been carefully considered.

Blvd: Who would you expect to be your buyers—and residents? What’s the profile?

Lawrence: County Hall Kingston appeals to a broad audience and we have already had fantastic demand, meaning we have released some buildings for sale earlier than expected.

Buyers typically include professionals and families seeking a blend of heritage character and contemporary comfort, alongside strong connectivity to Central London. We’re also seeing interest from investors and purchasers drawn to Kingston’s well-established education offering and riverside setting.

Blvd: What kind of community and living experience are you aiming to create at County Hall Kingston?

Lawrence: Our ambition is to create a vibrant, welcoming community rooted in wellbeing and connection. Thoughtfully designed communal spaces, landscaped areas and lifestyle amenities encourage interaction and a sense of belonging, while the wider Kingston setting—with its culture, retail, dining and green spaces—enhances everyday living.

The aim is to create an environment where residents feel proud of where they live and connected to both their neighbours and the broader local community.

“The early demand we have seen from local and international buyers underlines the value placed on a sensitively and creatively reimagined heritage environment.”

Blvd: Is there a location or type of development you would be particularly excited to explore in future projects beyond your current portfolio?

Lawrence: We build for London; for us, it’s about crafting places that anticipate the future needs of the city and its people.

Today, our portfolio spans intimate developments of 40 homes to larger schemes delivering transformation and opportunity at scale. However, we do have a strong track record in projects that allow us to reimagine exceptional urban sites with heritage or cultural significance.

For me, there’s something compelling about creating places that feel both timeless and contemporary and supporting a new chapter for a cherished place or building. London is constantly evolving and renewing, and our responsibility is to nurture it for the next generation.

Blvd: What are you still learning about in the industry of luxury real estate and as a developer?

Lawrence: Learning and constantly challenging ourselves is a key part of our vision to shape the future of London living. As themes like the evolution of smart technology, sustainability and wellness-focused design mature, our job is to understand how these create a better home, experience and value for our customers. So we spend a lot of time working to understand our customers and their expectations so we can build and deliver the best possible product for them.

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