FDKC history

The practice was established in 1945 by E Maxwell Fry and Jane B Drew. Originally founded on the work for the Administration in West Africa, the practice built a reputation in the UK and overseas and completed many substantial commissions.

Of the present principals, Graeme Gibson joined the practice in 1965 and Derek Wood in 1974. The principals remain practising architects directly involved in projects at all stages.

The practice is based in Tunbridge Wells and work in the UK is principally in the Southern Home Counties.

Our work in West Africa is administered from the UK with a locally-based clerk of works.

The work load of the practice is deliberately broad-based including specialised housing, registered homes, educational and research buildings, hospitals, commercial developments, animal welfare buildings, private houses, conversion/refurbishment of existing buildings.

Principals

	Graeme Gibson Dip Arch. (Hons.) - Director Studied at Canterbury School of Architecture and joined FDKC in 1965. After working on buildings for Rolls Royce and The Open University spent some time in Mauritius as resident architect on a hospital. On his return he was responsible for the firm's work in West Africa including an airport terminal, college and a hospital. Recent work includes laboratories and housing in West Africa for MRC, private houses, school buildings and leisure centres.
	Derek Wood B.Sc., B.Arch. - Director Trained at Strathclyde University in Glasgow and, following a period at the Greater London Council, joined FDKC in 1974. During the 1970s and early 80s worked mainly on overseas projects including periods as resident architect in Mauritius and The Gambia. Work in recent years has included specialist and wheelchair housing, commercial buildings and many projects for the RSPCA.