Studio Can 23 – Reimagining the past for modern living

Reimagining the past for modern living

Architecture & Interiors

About

Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings and Sustainable New Builds

Studio Can23 is a London-based design studio working holistically across architecture and interior design. Specialising in the adaptive reuse of historic buildings and sustainable new builds – many within sensitive locations – our approach is gentle, imaginative, and inherently pragmatic. Focused on the fundamental question of what it means to inhabit a space today, we devise flexible systems and well-crafted details to make, refurbish, and furnish spaces that feel good and function beautifully.

Ioana Bereza - Principle

Inspiration, Influence and Shaping Architectural Understanding

Ioana studied architecture at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, completing both her undergraduate and master’s degrees before gaining her RIBA Part III qualification at the University of Westminster. She has worked at several award-winning practices, including Cottrell & Vermeulen Architecture, Proctor & Matthews Architects, and Squire & Partners, contributing to projects across education, high-end residential, and large-scale masterplanning.

She founded Studio Can23 in 2019. Named in tribute to her grandparents’ self-built home in rural Transylvania, where she spent her early childhood, the practice reflects a commitment to architecture that is thoughtful, personal, and enduring.

Outside of her practice, Ioana co-runs the SaLADS Collective, which organises architectural tours around the UK to promote public access to and engagement with design. She lives and works in South London with her partner and their three daughters.

BSc (Hons), DipArch, MArch, ARB, RIBA Registered Architect and RIBA Chartered Member

Services

Comprehensive Architectural Design for Residential and Commercial

Specialising in heritage buildings and sustainable practices, we provide the full range of architectural services for residential and commercial projects. Our cohesive designs incorporate interior design and landscape architecture, offering holistic solutions for complex sites.

Can23 services include but are not limited to:

Sustainable extensions, refurbishments and new builds
- Thoughtful reconfiguration of existing spaces to reflect how our clients live now, rigorously researched.
- Carefully crafted restoration and repair to bring depth, character and continuity.
- Planning permission, full project management and contract administration as required.
Conservation and listed buildings
- Navigation of planning sensitivities while allowing buildings to evolve gracefully.
- Conservation and listed building applications.
- Historical research reports.
- Sustainable construction strategies.
Interior design and remote concept design
- Early-stage consultancy and concept design.
- Site analysis and feasibility studies.
- Space planning and layout direction.
- Furniture commissioning and purchase.
- Material studies.
- Collaborations with artists and craftspersons.

Process

Forward-looking Vision, Unique Opportunities

Every project is unique: a thoughtful reflection of the site’s history, geography, and materiality. We collaborate with our clients to pinpoint their priorities, paying close attention to what’s already in existence and envisioning all that the space might become. This includes not only a rational construction process, but also a process of curating a home that supports the daily life, identity, and values of its current occupants.

Uniquely made fireplace built and reimagined from sourcing different components.

First, we uncover any hidden potential in the existing structure. We then establish the essential ingredients of spatial quality – such as circulation, capacity, daylight and lighting – to guide our design approach. Finally, we identify thoughtful additions to create a more dynamic backdrop for modern living.

Our project partners are specialists in their fields. As a team, we bring a considered and confident approach to every stage of the process. Driven by a desire to maintain and nurture the integrity of the buildings we occupy, we always strive for longevity. Every decision – from material choices to sustainable practices – is designed to support a natural evolution of the space over time.

For a more detailed outline of our process please email hello@can23.com

Work

Rooted in Memory, Nostalgia, and Craftsmanship

Looking outward at the cityscape while focusing inward on the individual who uses the space, our projects are rooted in memory, nostalgia, and craftsmanship.

Testimonials

Designing Places That Reflect the People Who Inhabit Them

“My experience of working with Ioana was excellent. Throughout the process, she was easily contactable and always struck the perfect balance between friendly and professional. No question I asked felt too big or too small; she was knowledgeable but able to put that knowledge across to me in a way that I could understand and have confidence in. I would have no hesitation in recommending her.”

Emma Markwell, Private Client

Testimonials