Essential Urban Design is a practical guide covering strategic design and masterplanning through to character assessment and collaboration. Written by Rob Cowan, the book includes two recent projects by Proctor and Matthews Architects: The Ebbsfleet Study and Inholm, Northstowe. Our work at Ebbsfleet forms a case study for the 'Context, Character and Quality' chapter illustrating how a study of local context can help to develop design narratives and strategies for future development. Inholm is also featured, highlighting how the archaeological discoveries at Northstowe have shaped the narrative behind the layout and detailing of the scheme.