Charles is a Professor of Architecture at the University of Brighton and the principal of Charles Holland Architects, a design and research practice based in Deal. Charles' is a respected industry professional whose work has included housing, educational, civic and exhibtion projects. He has exhibited at the Royal Academy, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Venice Biennalle where he co-curated the British Pavilion in 2014.

His practice’s current work includes a number of residential, civic and public art projects. He is a former Director of FAT where he was the partner in charge of a number of key projects including A House For Essex, the practice’s collaboration with Grayson Perry.

Charles work at the University of Brighton covers three main areas:

Teaching. Charles teaches an MArch Studio. The studio's current focus is on Design as Research, developing a pedagogic approach based on the development of architectural language as the primary focus of activity. Previous studios have focused on housing, particularly in suburban and ‘ruburban’ locations.

Writing. Charles has contibuted papers to academic and industrym journals, conferences and book chapters. This writing has predominantly focused on the issue of housing and experiemental settlements. He also contributes a monthly column on the subject of utopias to the RIBA Journal.

Lectures and Talks. Charles is highly involved in the public programme of the School. He co-curated a series of public talks called Twins and is currently develop the school's external lecture programme.