The brief
Back in 2006, Calderpeel Architects wanted to mark a major milestone: 25 years of practice. To celebrate, Paul won a pitch to create a coffee table book that not only showcased their projects but also told the story of the people and ideas that brought them to life. The result was life:form, a publication that looked back at the firm’s first quarter-century while setting the tone for its future.
The concept
The thinking behind the book was simple but powerful: a building only truly comes alive through its people. In the same way, Calderpeel’s first 25 years weren’t just about structures—they were about the relationships, collaborations, and creativity that made those buildings possible. This premise gave us the perfect platform for the title life:form. A celebration of architecture as a living, human experience.
Design and structure
The design of the book was clean, modern and timeless, reflecting Calderpeel’s approach to architecture. Spreads paired large-format photography with carefully chosen typography, allowing the projects to breathe on the page. Sections of text sat alongside visuals to tell the story of different developments, from landmark housing schemes to commercial spaces, always tying back to the firm’s philosophy of design with purpose.
The introduction set the tone beautifully:
“At Calderpeel we believe passionately in the positive benefits that architecture can bring to our lives. The outstanding solutions we’ve created have come about because of the positive relationships between our staff, clients and consultants.”
A collector’s piece
To elevate the project further, the book was produced as a limited-edition coffee table piece, housed in bespoke packaging. The outer featured hand-drawn architectural sketches printed onto kraft board, adding a tactile, crafted quality that reflected Calderpeel’s roots in drawing and design.
Legacy
Though this project now sits in our archives, life:form remains a standout example of how design can capture the spirit of a company at a moment in time. For Calderpeel, it wasn’t just a showcase of past projects, it was a celebration of their values, their people, and their journey so far.
