A Tribute To Kelvin Campbell

We are very saddened to learn of the passing of Kelvin Campbell, the founder and inspiring force behind Urban Initiatives. Kelvin established the practice with Chris Whyfe in 1989 and it was with his passion, drive and guidance that it grew into one of the most formidable urban design and planning practices in the UK.

Kelvin shaped Urban Initiatives through his vision and an ethos of genuine care for places and people. He believed in urbanism delivered through many small interventions – initiated, guided and structured by urbanists like him, bringing together a “top-down meets bottom-up” approach that helps shape successful places. This thinking was brought to life through his research and writing on Massive Small.

Kelvin was a great thinker and urbanist and also a generous collaborator. He always had time to mentor, guide and listen to more junior members of the team and had an incredible ability to simplify complex design challenges with a few simple moves of the pen. He was a wise man who could captivate an audience through his charismatic smile and story-telling but he could also be combative and was never shy to challenge the status quo.

His mantra in the office was to always see the bigger picture, think outside the box, and never stand still: to question, innovate, and keep learning. This will remain a grounding ethos of our work, and we feel humbled to carry forward his legacy.

His good friends Kobuz Mentz and Rob Cowan have written a wonderful tribute which is attached here

Kelvin has been a significant presence and inspiration in our professional and personal lives, and it is a profound shock to know he will not be with us any longer.

Our deepest condolences go to Kelvin’s wife Louise, his son Andrew and to his wider family.

Hugo Nowell & Matthias Wunderlich