Design
that
connects
Knight Architects is a market-leading architectural practice specialising in the design of bridges and civil infrastructure.
We see beyond the structure to deliver lasting commercial, climate and social value for every single stakeholder.

Every project is unique, yet the same challenges and problems occur time after time.
Whether they are competing client requirements, public opposition or limits upon budget and schedule, we have expert solutions to add value and de-risk projects at every stage.
Knostrop Footbridge
Leeds UK Middle:
Kienlesbergbrücke
Ulm DE Bottom:
Mersey Gateway
UK
Infrastructure that over-delivers (without costing more).
Infrastructure that over-delivers (without costing more).
See Possibility
There is extraordinary potential in everyday structures yet this needs to be revealed. Our creative vision goes beyond the functional to see each project as an opportunity to enrich lives. We imagine what could be and make it a reality.
Regent's Canal Bridge, UK
- The brief called for a modest road bridge to carry critical utilities (including power, data, gas, water and district heating) across the canal to link both sides of the major King's Cross masterplan.
- Respectful of the historic industrial setting, the understated bridge is expressed as a precast concrete 'picture frame' featuring a high-quality steel parapet and a beautiful, ribbed soffit for towpath and river users to enjoy as part of a canalside destination.
- The popularity of the award-winning development led to the bridge subsequently becoming completely pedestrianised, illustrating how contextual design - with the user at the heart - can exceed original expectations.

East Leeds Orbital Route, UK
- This project to create a major housing extension to Leeds was based on the idea of a highway within a linear community park
- We led stakeholders on an equity journey, resulting in a fairer allocation of resources across all scheme structures, so every user wins!
- Recognising that infrastructure can create barriers, the ELOR bridges link communities with countryside, improving access and amenity value

Network Rail FLOW Bridge, UK
- Originating as a R&D project, we embraced the role of creative lead to galvanise a team whose value is much more than the sum of its parts
- The innovative, modular system was conceived to improve safety and enhance connectivity in rural areas where site access is difficult
- We constantly seek to reduce carbon through specification, whether it’s the novel material for the prototype or bio resins and recyclable fibres for future iterations

Ely Southern Bypass, UK
- The city of Ely needed a bypass to protect its historic centre, improve safety and air quality and prevent congestion caused by a railway crossing
- Early plans were opposed by many who feared the River Ouse Bridge would conflict with views of the medieval cathedral in the landscape, risking the Development Consent Order process
- Our solution combined the highway bridge with a new accessible crossing for walkers to enjoy the countryside and its beautiful views

Design With Empathy
We shape structures that enrich communities. Our technical expertise is blended with accessible communication and human-centred design to create vital connections.
Knostrop Footbridge, UK
- This 70m-long bridge at Knostrop Weir is part of the major Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme and forms part of the popular Trans Pennine Trail.
- By incorporating the weir walls into the design (as the base for the support piers), there are no structural elements in the waterway itself, minimising environmental impact and maximising its slender appearance.
- Subtle and simple deck curvature creates three viewing areas along the bridge, encouraging people to linger and rest.

Lower Hatea Crossing, NZ
- The unique design successfully reconciled competing aims of the twin clients, for a cultural project without a cultural budget
- Inspired by iconography associated with fishing, and informed by stakeholder engagement, the bridge celebrates the art and culture of local iwi, who gifted its Maori name Te Matau ā Pohe.
- At its heart, this is an efficient opening bridge, which brought multiple benefits to the people of Whangarei, including a new destination, a recreational path, improved air quality and reduced congestion

Kienlesbergbrücke, DE
- In a city with numerous historic monuments, we created a new viewpoint from which they can be enjoyed, rather than introducing a competitor
- The bridge superstructure separates active mobility from tram uses, giving slow users a safe, enjoyable domain: a destination as well as a connection
- Our design approach helped users foster a deep emotional connection to the bridge and its place in their city

New Pooley Bridge, UK
- As a replacement for an ancient bridge lost overnight in record floods, we recognised this was an emotional as much as a technical project
- By blending contextual design with technical expertise, we created a bridge that met both community and climate demands
- Through meaningful multi-layered engagement, the design of the replacement bridge returned pride and identity to the Pooley community.

Clarity in Complexity
The technical complexities of bridge and infrastructure design often present a maze of challenges. But where others get tangled, we masterfully navigate a route to the optimal solution.
Campbell Wharf Bridge, UK
- The new mixed-use Campbell Wharf development, which includes a new 110-berth marina, required new pedestrian and cycle connections across the Grand Union Canal and the entrance to the marina.
- The distinctive Y-shaped structure responds to the complex brief with a simple design solution by combining the function of two bridges into one and realising cost savings and a new landmark.
- The open nature of the bridge, including the playful weathering steel parapet, provides an attractive focal point for the development and marina, celebrating the place of the canal at the heart of the development.

Kruunusillat, FI
- This bridge will be the new centrepiece of Helsinki’s sustainable transport network, linking a new city suburb through public transport and active modes
- We protected the iconic value of the bridge design to maximise a shift to sustainable transport modes that bring downtown in reach of new communities
- We secured design quality from concept to detail, through planning and construction, to deliver a year-round accessible and user-focused solution

Colne Valley Viaduct (High Speed 2 Phase 1), UK
- HS2 is the UK’s most expensive and complex railway project and Parliament recognised the Colne Valley Viaduct as the “most significant visible engineering feature of HS2 Phase 1”
- The clarity of our design communication offered common ground to diverse technical and non-technical stakeholders, whose agreement was needed to proceed
- The elegance of our design allowed this agreement, with a deliverable solution that reconciled highly complex client and stakeholder interests

Mersey Gateway, UK
- Large infrastructure projects take time to deliver and the economic and political climate can change during their delivery, requiring flexibility as well as technical skills
- Working with the Technical Adviser team we developed a distinctive solution which gained complex planning and environmental consents
- Our innovative approach to protecting design quality while allowing tenderer innovations facilitated an alternative procurement route to see the project through to completion

Partners in Progress
Our collaborative journey with co-designers, clients and communities is the route to make great things happen. In this way, each project reflects specific needs, shared visions and contributes to collective wellbeing.
A465 Heads of the Valley Road, UK
- The A465 is a major highway corridor scheme passing through the heavily designated environment of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales.
- The beautiful and challenging landscape, including the distinctive Clydach Gorge, demanded a sensitive design response for the gateway highway bridge, footbridges and retaining walls.
- Our design communication leadership was crucial in developing a successful community engagement strategy and - importantly - securing stakeholder support for a contextual approach to the design of the many bridges and visual structures.

Interstate Bridge Replacement, USA
- We consistently promote the carbon agenda with stakeholders, ensuring maximum value-capture
- We are securing wider and faster buy-in from stakeholder groups by illustrating technical challenges in an accessible way
- By developing new and innovative ways to maximise active travel / multi-modal choices for end users we are making the project story bigger

Alexandra Bridge Replacement Project, CA
- Our creative design leadership provides the common language to navigate this large-scale, stakeholder-rich, multi-committee and politically complex scheme
- Working seamlessly within a broad Technical Adviser coalition we are ensuring the very prominent replacement bridge connects on both functional and emotional levels
- Together we are leveraging the Envision framework to ensure a sustainable, resilient, and equitable piece of civil infrastructure

Lower Thames Crossing, UK
- Our expertise spans the options analysis and pre-design stages through to the detailed design of technical elements with the Contractor delivery team
- Successfully distilling complex technical challenges into communicable messaging has required a range of techniques
- Our role lies at the nexus of client, contractor and technical teams, working collaboratively to realise the project vision

NCE Bridges Conference
17/7/2025
London, UK