HTA Design was founded in 2013, continuing a legacy of over 50 years of innovation in housing and placemaking. The practice began in 1969 as Hunt Thompson Associates, established by Bernard Hunt and John Thompson in Camden Town. Ben Derbyshire joined in 1973 and led the transition to HTA Design LLP.

Hunt Thompson was known for pioneering Community Architecture, placing community engagement as a central part of housing design. What was once considered unconventional is now standard practice. We continue to lead this field, using innovative design engagement to improve both experience and outcomes for residents.

Other key innovations include USER Research (a dedicated social research arm), early estate regeneration strategies, and collaborative community planning events. The practice helped shape the Housing Quality Indicators and launched Design for Homes, which operated from our London studio for several years.

HTA has evolved from a partnership to a limited company, and now to a limited liability partnership. A new generation of partners continues to lead the practice’s growth and transformation.