John Darbourne (1935-1991) and Geoffrey Darke (1929-1011) founded their architecture and landscape planning practice in 1961 after winning a prestigious project to build the Lillington Gardens estate in Westminster. The impact of this large-scale social-housing estate is notable. Built in the same red brick as the nearby church of St James the Less, the staggered terraces and internal squares enable a large number of flats and maisonettes without the need for a high-rise construction. This achieves the intended continuity between public and private housing, and allows the aesthetically appealing church spire to be visible from the whole estate. The economical use of space was replicated by the firm elsewhere, and continues to be used by others. Whilst Darke concentrated on housing work, Darbourne expanded into designing a stand for Chelsea FC, laboratories, offices, and the landscaping of Heathrow airport. Throughout the 1970s, their housing in Stuttgart, Hanover, and Bolzano won them success in international competitions.