Formed 1949 by two Architectural Association students (and marital partners) Innette and Michael Austin-Smith, the practice was based in London and initial work included schools, factories, warehouses, offices and residential schemes The pair were nominated Architects of the Year by the Architect's Journal in 1953 and steadily grew the practice, adding partners and developing a reputation for consistency and quality design. Today the practice is Austin-Smith : Lord and can boast of having completed over 2500 projects and received over 150 awards.