Richard Marfiak — Architect & Urban Designer

“It’s important to know where you came from in order to know where you’re going.”
—Terry Pratchett

About North56

North56 is an architecture and urban design studio founded by Richard Marfiak in London in 2019. The studio works across residential architecture, urbanism, landscape and placemaking, combining architectural thinking with a strong interest in nature, cities, art and public space.

North56 is about the path we choose, the air we breathe, the space surrounding us, the nature we share and the life we’ve decided to live. Just remember where North is and you won't get lost. This is Richard Marfiak and that is the path he has chosen.

Richard Marfiak

Richard Marfiak is an architect and urban designer based in London. He studied architecture and urbanism at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava before moving to London, where he worked across urbanism, landscape, residential design and placemaking. He is a fully qualified architect and Chartered Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Architecture Through Drawing

From a young age I always enjoyed handwriting, and to this day I still do. I believe handwriting can tell you a lot about a person's personality and story, without having to say a word.
I love communicating through hand sketches and drawings. Thoughts captured on paper via the lines you draw and the colours you choose embody a strong narrative. They convey something about the first ideas that come from deep within. The strong connection between your hand and mind simply can't be replicated through technology. It's honest and unadulterated – revealing something from ‘behind the scenes’ of each individual's unique story.

My journey began in the summer of 1997, when I did my first graffiti sketch. This life-changing experience led me to explore my creativity, thoughts, and, most importantly, myself. This previously unknown graffiti realm drew me into a world of creative adventures and opportunities. I began to explore the beauty of art, typography and design – including architecture and urbanism. It led me on a journey of exploration; through which I met new people, explored new ideas, travelled the world and discovered new possibilities.

Travelling ignited my creative curiosity. I decided to study architecture and urbanism to learn more about modern cities and their urban connection with humanity and nature, so I enrolled in university as a contemporary student of one of the oldest disciplines of human artisanship.

After completing a Master of Architecture at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, I moved to London, UK where I worked with various leading companies in the fields of urbanism, landscaping, residential design and placemaking. Fast forward 12 years – I’m now a fully qualified architect as well as a chartered member of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

North56

In 2019 I decided to write my own story. This led to the establishment of North56.

"Why North56?" I love maps and have always enjoyed wandering through cities; exploring hidden places, streets, tunnels and rooftops. At the beginning of each outing I always like to know where I'm heading. Identifying where North is always helps me reset my bearings and find my way, both physically and mentally; while the number 56 has a close relationship with my graffiti journey, serving as a reminder of my past and where I came from.

Collaborations, Awards and Recognition

My collaboration with leading art, architecture and landscape design studios is the inspiration that has pushed my limits to a whole different level and compelled me to 'write another interesting story’. North56 collaborates closely with Studio Fink and other creative studios worldwide.

In collaboration with LABAK from Slovakia, our Summer 2019 competition entry 360 Flower Garden for Moscow Flower Jam, Russia received a number of prestigious awards, including a Gold Award in the Large Gardens category and an Honorary Award from the President of the Association of Landscape Architects of Russia (ALAROS) for introducing humanism and harmony to otherwise aggressive architectural surroundings. We were humbled by this experience, and are most proud of the People’s Park Award – presented to the 'best in the show' by public vote.

I believe the world is a vibrant place full of colour and beauty, which I aim to reflect in my daily work. If you think we might be a good match, please get in touch. I’d love to hear your story.