About
Marko&Placemakers is a city design and research consultancy based on transformational principles of placemaking and green urbanism established in 2013 by Igor Marko and Petra Marko, following their long-term collaboration on successful urban regeneration projects.
We bring together a team of urban designers, researchers and architects with a unique combination of skills in design, masterplanning, urban strategies and communication, in order to address social, environmental and economic issues that cities face today. Our portfolio of people-oriented projects such as Northala Fields Park builds on over a decade of experience at FoRM Associates, a practice previously co-founded by Igor Marko.
Consultancy
Drawing on long-term experience of bridging professional boundaries between urban design, architecture, art and engineering, we create unique partnerships to address different scenarios and contexts, helping cities, private clients and design professionals (architecture, engineering and other creative practices). From concept stages to complex strategies, our advice is based on design thinking and creativity as main drivers to create better places to live in, work in and enjoy.
Research
We are constantly exploring new methods for city development and regeneration, from experimental and theoretical models, to practical application. Combining experience from practice with observations and ideas developed in theory, we are building up a comprehensive knowledge of scenario-based methods. Through mapping and visual ethnography we make data accessible to reveal the real psychogeography of the place.
Mentoring and teaching
Knowledge transfer from academia into practice is fundamental in order to bring creativity back into the forefront of city making. Since 2015 we have been part of The London School of Architecture practice network, where we translate our practical experience of working in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment into engaging and inspiring teaching methods, focusing on the transformational value of placemaking.
Igor Marko is the co-founder and creative director of Marko&Placemakers. As architect, urbanist and urban designer, Igor has been advising on and delivering successful projects beyond traditional realms of architecture over 25 years. His experimental approach to urbanism resulted in winning commissions for visionary ideas such as Car Free London, preparing the ground for transformation of London’s pedestrian and cycling environment.
Focusing on the transformational value of placemaking, Igor has been advising both private and public sector clients on the integration of public realm in new developments and major regeneration schemes. He has supervised a number of workshops and initiatives internationally for organisations including The Architectural Association, The London School of Architecture, Stadslab European Urban Design Laboratory, Aspen Institute Prague and various architecture schools.
Igor is a regular speaker at conferences and debates concerning sustainable urban development, having presented at forums such as the Changwon Eco-City conference in South Korea and the European Economic Congress. His work has been widely published in North America, Europe and Asia.
Petra Marko is an architect, communicator and enabler of projects within the urban realm. She is Co-founder of Marko&Placemakers, where she leads placemaking strategies advocating for car-free walkable neighbourhoods and inclusive public spaces. She is a regular speaker at forums concerned with livable cities.
Petra is part of the all-female VeloCity team developing a strategic vision that solves some of the most critical issues facing rural areas today, which has received many awards nationally and internationally including the William Sutton Prize for Excellence in Social Housing Design and Placemaking. She co-authored Meanwhile City, a guide on temporary interventions, and the Value of Design in Infrastructure Delivery report supporting the first National Infrastructure Assessment. Petra was part of the inaugural National Infrastructure Commission Young Professionals panel set up in 2018 to provide fresh thinking to the NIC’s work in long term infrastructure planning and currently is is a member of the Westminster Council's Design Review Panel providing independent advice on major development, planning and regeneration schemes that will shape the future of central London.
Petra taught as design tutor and think tank leader at The London School of Architecture and regularly contributes to various architecture journals. Her professional experience includes work on the London Olympic Energy Centres for McAslan&Partners, and development and design management at Solidspace, where she was involved in several innovative housing schemes in central London and led a research publication and campaign for unlocking small sites engaging local authorities, policy makers and small developers.
Petra grew up in Bratislava, Slovakia and gained diploma in architecture at Vienna University of Technology and a masters in Creative Entrepreneurship at Goldsmiths, University of London. Her master thesis exploring future role of the architect was published as a book (Together Alone: Architecture and Collaboration, Artistbooks, 2011).
