More than architects
It's common to think that architects "just draw buildings". In reality, delivering complex projects requires much more - leadership, coordination, technical expertise and the ability to align multiple stakeholders. That is where we bring the most value. We have the right combination of skills and services to make projects happen.
As your architect, design is at the heart of what we do. We design new buildings, extensions, renovations, alterations, intricate details and more. We balance creative ambition with safety, sustainability, and compliance; we translate your needs into spaces that are beautiful, practical, high-performing, and buildable. This design-led approach runs through every phase: from initial concept, through planning, to detailed design and construction.
We build the frameworks of people's lives, shaping spaces where people live, work, and thrive. Drawing on extensive cross-disciplinary education and practical experience, we create simplicity out of complexity, solving problems through design before and during construction. Every brief is refined through careful optimisation. We craft completely bespoke designs so clients get exactly what they need. We deliver a clear commercial edge, reducing costs through precise planning, unlocking financial value, and generating lasting social value through thoughtful, sustainable, and regulation-compliant design. As Paul Morrell OBE noted, "Value is generated on drawing boards, not on site."
We deliver our services through the RIBA Plan of Work stage 0 - 6, providing a clear, end-to-end process. Each stage delivers clarity, compliance, and bespoke design value.
As your Lead Designer, we get everyone working together as optimally as possible across every stage of your project - we represent the design team and keep your project moving forward. We help you build detailed understanding and consensus around your Project Brief, Budget, and Programme, producing official documentation that sets clear requirements for the whole team.
From there, we coordinate the entire design and consultant team - ecologists, structural engineers, MEP consultants, lighting designers, and other specialists - to manage the flow of design information throughout. We ensure optimum teamwork across all disciplines so the design is developed as one coherent, integrated, and compliant proposal.
As the design progresses into technical detail, we continue to coordinate consultant and supplier input and manage design changes, always ensuring every decision adds value without compromising the integrity of the design.
The Lead Designer role is crucial for mitigating risk and protecting your investment. By managing design information flow we prevent costly conflicts, delays, and design clashes before they reach site and we can safeguard compliance from the beginning.
We deliver Lead Designer services systematically across the RIBA Plan of Work:
In simple terms, as your Project Lead, we look after your project from start to finish. It is similar to and replaces the role of a Project Manager, but "Project Lead" is the term used by the RIBA. As Project Lead we are your single point of contact, making communication simpler and keeping everything connected. We work with trusted consultants and tailor our recommendations to you, so you have the right team for your project.
As your Project Lead we are always looking at the bigger picture. We make sure all parts of the project work well together, help things run smoothly, and spot opportunities along the way. Our strategic advice on procurement routes, programmes, and design reviews ensures every decision is informed, efficient, and aligned with your goals - delivering a smoother project with better outcomes. Because we understand your goals from the outset, we can also help make sure the project delivers the kind of social impact that matters to you.
We manage the building contract between the client and the contractor, from the moment work starts on site until final completion. Acting as Contract Administrator is one of the most valuable roles we can play, it's a structured, impartial, and highly effective way to manage the building contract and ensure a smooth construction process.
While the focus of a project often starts with design, some of the most critical stages occur during construction and this is where contract administration becomes vital. Having us administer the contract ensures the terms are followed fairly and accurately, providing protection for both client and contractor. We safeguard quality, keep the project on programme, control costs, and give clients confidence that an impartial expert - already familiar with the design intent - is overseeing delivery on site.
By acting impartially between client and contractor we ensure the project is delivered as designed, on time, on budget, and to the highest standard. As Contract Administrator we:
Our Heritage Consultant provides expert advice to ensure that projects involving historic or sensitive sites respect and enhance their heritage value. Her work typically spans from early concept design through technical stages, including the appraisal of historic records, site visits, and liaison with statutory authorities. She prepares essential documentation such as Heritage Statements and Heritage Impact Assessments, she reviews design proposals to assess their impact on heritage assets, and supports Listed Building and planning applications. Throughout a project, she helps balance conservation priorities with design ambition, guiding the project architects to deliver sensitive, compliant, and contextually appropriate proposals.
As your Passivhaus Designer we apply rigorous design and building principles to create ultra‑energy‑efficient, comfortable, and low‑carbon buildings. Using careful detailing, airtight construction, high‑performance insulation, and controlled ventilation, we ensure exceptional thermal comfort with minimal energy use. As Passivhaus Designer our role is to integrate Passivhaus standards from concept to completion, verifying that every design decision contributes to outstanding building performance, durability, and occupant wellbeing. We can bring this design thinking to projects, even when you are not seeking a full Passivhaus approval.
As Retrofit Co‑ordinator, we oversee the end‑to‑end process of improving a building's energy efficiency, ensuring that retrofit works are safe, high‑quality, and compliant. Acting as the central point of responsibility, we assess existing building conditions, develop retrofit plans, manage risks, and coordinate professionals involved in design and delivery. This role ensures that energy upgrades are technically sound, cost‑effective, and deliver genuine carbon and comfort benefits for building occupants.
As Principal Designer under the Building Safety Act (BSA) our duties include (among other things) coordinating design work so that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure that the design is such that if built, the building works to which the design relates are in accordance with all relevant requirements (i.e. compliant with regulations).
As Principal Designer under CDM we are appointed by the client to plan, manage, and coordinate health and safety during the pre‑construction phase of projects involving multiple contractors. Under this role we identify and address potential risks early, ensuring design decisions support safe construction, use, and maintenance. Acting as the link between clients, designers, and contractors, the Principal Designer makes sure information is shared, responsibilities are clear, and health and safety is built into the project from the outset.