Designed By Architects, Approved by Engineers, Built by You
U-Build was first developed in 2016 by award-winning architects Studio Bark, with structural engineering from Structure Workshop and testing from Cut and Construct. Today, our modular self-build system offers a reliable and adaptable solution to meet a broad variety of construction demands across residential, commercial and community spaces.
Our mission is to revolutionise the construction industry and transform the way people think about building by simplifying the process and empowering anyone to participate, learn and enjoy the process of making. From hand-built furniture and community pop-ups to your very own garden studio or home, we provide the building blocks to create something resonant that you can look back on and say, “I made that.”
We are conscious that building practices can often produce unattractive scars on the landscape. Guided by a circular economy approach to design, U-Build products are easy to demount, flat pack, reappropriate, relocate and reuse over and over again. We apply a ‘leave no trace’ principle to our projects where possible and use sustainably-sourced, reliable and recyclable materials.
U-Build now has a third-party verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), providing transparent data on its embodied carbon and environmental impact.
Meet the Team
Nick Newman – Founding Director
As well as overseeing the day to day running of U-Build, Nick can often be found on site with a drill in hand, helping build boxes and create exciting spaces. Being the founder of U-Build, he also challenges the perception of construction practices, as an author and public speaker.
Oli Berry – Director
With many years experience generating 3D models and developing the U-Build system to make the experience smoother for the end user, Oli works to find new solutions to problems that clients face. He also can be found on site making projects come to life.
Morgan Trowland – CNC & Workshop Manager
Running the workshop where all our boxes are made and coming up with more efficient solutions on how to cut and ship out the system is Morgan’s specialty. He can sometimes be found on site helping projects come to life.
Livvy Bushell – Studio Manager
Livvy is U-Build & Studio Bark’s Studio Manager, a pivotal role connecting both teams. With a background in office management, education and archiving, she is enthusiastic about supporting projects and contributing to a positive working environment.
Contact Us
Do you have a project in mind that you’d like to discuss? Get in touch by emailing info@u-build.org, or if you’d like to speak to one of our team, call us on +44 (0) 207 9934 332. We’re always happy to offer support and guidance, from the initial design process through to the end result and beyond.
To stay in the loop, follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.
Or, you can find us in the real world at 25 Vyner Street, London, E2 9DG.
Our Working Structure
Following in the footsteps of our sister Studio Bark, we are pleased to announce as of 2026 we now operate a 9-day fortnight working pattern. Every other Friday, we will close for an added day of rest, rejuvenation and restoration. We understand architecture and construction industries can demand a lot. Improving our team’s work-life balance, without compromising holiday entitlement or salary, is an important part of what we do.
That being said, if you have an urgent matter that you need to discuss, your U-Build project lead will always be around for support via email or phone.