A Whippet in Sheep’s Clothing — our sculptural kennel design created for Barkitecture 2025, part of the annual Goodwoof festival at the Goodwood Estate.
Held in the Barkitecture tent and judged by leading figures in the world of design and architecture, the competition celebrates the most innovative, beautiful, and functional dog kennels in the UK. We're honoured to be shortlisted for this competition for the third year running.
Designed for Archi, the studio's beloved whippet, the kennel reflects his serene nature and his deep bond with the rural landscape that surrounds our studio near the South Downs National Park.
Crafted from curved plywood and lined with locally sourced Harting sheepskins, the piece combines modern design elegance with a pastoral calm — think Eames meets English countryside.
The idea was to create something that Archi would feel truly at peace in — something that reflects his love of nature, but we also wanted to have fun with it.
The kennel takes the form of a grazing sheep, allowing Archi to subtly "blend in" with the flock as he rests or observes. Its name is a playful nod to the idiom “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” — turned on its head for a whippet: gentle, unobtrusive, and quietly alert.
A Whippet in Sheep's Clothing
Design Philosophy
While playful in concept, the kennel is grounded in serious craft and intent. Influences include:
Alvar Aalto’s 1930s Tea Trolley – for its bent wood, soft curves and human-centred design
Charles and Ray Eames’ iconic moulded plywood furniture – where sculptural form meets ergonomic function
The result is a kennel that embodies Barkitecture 2025’s theme: From Nature; For Nature — combining design, narrative, and a deep respect for the landscape we live and work in.
Archi lives a quiet, curious life. He loves to run wild through the fields, but when he rests, it’s in places that echo the landscape — soft, calm, organic. This kennel brings those values to life, and reminds us how closely design and environment can coexist.
It is the third consecutive year our kennel has been shortlisted and sits alongside Archi's Travel Trunk and The Agility Desk. Each year the kennels are auctioned to raise money for the Goodwoof charity of the year.
We design beautiful homes for our clients across the South East — and many are dog lovers,”We’re delighted that our previous entries are being used and enjoyed, whilst raising money for charity.
Project status:
| Project type | Competition |
| Joiner | Moke Wall |
| Photography | © James Wills |
| Architects | George and James |
| Services | Everything Else |
