Business Details
38 Years
experience
Award-Winning Cambridge Architects for Bespoke Design
Established in 1988, our practice has built a reputation for delivering innovative architectural solutions tailored to individual client needs. We combine creative collaboration with technical expertise, specialising in residential and commercial projects ranging from new builds to historic restorations. Our team of chartered architects brings decades of experience in navigating planning regulations and integrating sustainable design principles. We prioritise open dialogue with clients to ensure their vision is realised through site-specific, cost-effective solutions.With a portfolio spanning listed buildings, eco-friendly homes, and large-scale developments, we maintain a commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, and design excellence. Our deep understanding of local planning authorities' requirements enhances our clients' chances of approval. As signatories to Architects Declare, we actively promote regenerative design practices and whole-life carbon management.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Design
Historic Restoration
Sustainable Development
Planning Applications
Eco-Friendly Construction
Building Regulations
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of experience in residential and commercial architecture
- Our team includes RIBA chartered architects with planning authority expertise
- We specialise in sustainable retrofitting of historic buildings
- We maintain a 91% energy efficiency improvement track record
- We provide tailored solutions for listed buildings and conservation areas
What people say
High quality finish
Creative and professional
Excellent use of space
Strong planning negotiation skills
Thoughtful design process
Services
Residential Architecture
Creating bespoke residential solutions that balance modern living requirements with environmental considerations. We specialise in new builds, extensions, and renovations across Cambridgeshire and surrounding areas. Our approach combines innovative spatial planning with material selection that complements local vernacular while meeting contemporary energy efficiency standards.
Historic Restoration
Specialist conservation work for listed buildings and heritage sites. Our team has extensive experience in sensitive retrofitting of Grade II listed properties and historic structures. We employ traditional construction techniques while integrating modern sustainability measures to preserve architectural integrity and enhance energy performance.
Sustainable Development
Comprehensive eco-friendly design services incorporating fabric-first principles and renewable energy systems. We implement whole-life carbon modelling and regenerative design practices to achieve significant energy reductions. Our expertise includes ground source heat pumps, solar integration, and circular economy material selection for both new and existing buildings.
Planning Applications
Strategic planning consultancy services for complex development proposals. We leverage deep local authority knowledge to maximise approval chances through pre-application discussions and detailed submission packages. Our track record includes successful planning permissions for village halls, mixed-use developments, and sensitive conservation area projects.
Commercial Architecture
Design solutions for commercial developments ranging from retail units to large-scale mixed-use schemes. We create functional spaces that meet business requirements while adhering to regulatory standards. Our portfolio includes hotel conversions, distribution centres, and town centre regeneration projects that balance commercial viability with architectural quality.
People
Graham Handley
Director
Founder of the practice with over 35 years' experience in architectural design. Specialises in combining modern innovation with traditional building techniques. Leads complex heritage projects and maintains key client relationships.
Ann Blythe
Director
Joint practice leader with expertise in sustainable design and planning negotiations. Oversees project delivery and contributes to strategic decision-making. Recognised for successful conservation area developments.
David Adams
Director
Senior director responsible for technical design standards. Specialises in building regulations compliance and complex construction detailing. Manages large-scale commercial projects and mentoring junior staff.
Carl Rowland
Associate Director
Leads residential project teams with focus on energy-efficient new builds. Expert in modern construction methods while maintaining traditional aesthetics. Coordinates with planning departments across multiple local authorities.
Tom Scott
Director
Specialises in commercial developments and town centre regeneration. Oversees technical delivery of large-scale projects. Maintains key industry partnerships and contributes to practice sustainability initiatives.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in residential and commercial architecture, historic building restoration, sustainable design solutions, and planning application support across Cambridgeshire and surrounding regions.
How do you approach heritage conservation projects?
We combine traditional construction techniques with modern sustainability measures, maintaining architectural integrity while improving energy efficiency through sensitive retrofitting solutions.
Can you help with planning permission applications?
Yes, we provide strategic planning consultancy including pre-application discussions, heritage impact assessments, and comprehensive submission packages to maximise approval chances.
What sustainable design principles do you use?
We employ fabric-first principles, whole-life carbon modelling, renewable energy systems, and circular economy material selection to achieve significant energy reductions in all our projects.
Do you work outside the Cambridge area?
While based in Cambridge, we work across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Suffolk, and Hertfordshire, with experience in both rural and urban development contexts.
How do you involve clients in the design process?
We maintain open dialogue throughout, using collaborative workshops and regular consultations to ensure your vision, needs, and budget shape every design decision.
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