Business Details
30 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Services in Ipswich
NJ Architects is a highly motivated architectural practice dedicated to creating designs that harmonise brief, location, budget, and planning constraints, often within historical contexts. We prioritise close collaboration with clients, skilled craftspeople, and consultants to achieve exceptional design standards informed by sustainability principles. Our expertise spans commercial and residential projects, including community-based developments, private houses, historic building conservation, ecclesiastical structures, housing associations, and educational facilities.With a legacy of 35 years in accredited conservation practice, we specialise in revitalising historic buildings while integrating modern, sustainable solutions. Our team holds accreditations from RIBA, AABC, and CIAT, ensuring technical excellence and adherence to industry-leading standards. We are committed to advancing architectural innovation through BIM management, drone technology, and traditional craftsmanship, delivering projects that balance aesthetic appeal with environmental responsibility.
Services
Concept Design
Technical Design
BIM Management
Conservation
Interior Design
Insurance Recovery
Drone Capture
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We have 35 years of accredited conservation experience.
- Our team includes RIBA and AABC-accredited conservation architects.
- We integrate BIM technology with traditional craftsmanship.
- We specialise in complex heritage projects for English Heritage and the National Trust.
- We offer end-to-end insurance recovery services for historic buildings.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- AABC
- CIAT
Services
Concept Design
We develop tailored concept designs through close client collaboration, ensuring alignment with budget, planning requirements, and sustainability goals. Our process includes feasibility studies, site appraisals, and digital modelling to create detailed planning applications. This service helps clients visualise their project's potential while addressing technical and regulatory challenges.
Conservation
Specialising in historic building conservation, we provide heritage statements, impact assessments, and grant applications for listed structures. Our accredited team works with English Heritage and the National Trust to repair and adapt ancient monuments, churches, and private residences while preserving their historical integrity through traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques.
Technical Design
Our technical design service covers structural systems, material selection, and building regulations compliance. We produce coordinated technical packages, including clash detection and BREEAM assessments, to ensure projects meet regulatory standards. This service supports seamless contractor tender processes and contract administration from implementation to project completion.
BIM Management
We implement Building Information Modelling (BIM) to coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, adhering to PAS 1192-2 Level 2 standards. Our cloud-based infrastructure enables real-time collaboration, data storage, and project visualisation from concept to construction, enhancing efficiency and accuracy for complex developments.
Insurance Recovery
We manage insurance recovery projects for historic buildings damaged by fire, storms, or floods. Our services include loss adjustment negotiations, mitigation strategies, and management contracts to expedite reinstatement. We coordinate specialist contractors to ensure technically sound repairs that maintain the building's heritage value.
People
Nick Jacob
Founder and Principal
With 35 years of conservation experience, Nick founded NJ Architects in 1996. He holds AABC accreditation and specialises in revitalising historic buildings, from ancient ruins to country houses, combining traditional methods with modern innovation.
Shaun Soanes
Partner
A 30-year collaborator with Nick Jacob, Shaun manages large projects and oversees IT systems. He is a qualified drone pilot, using aerial technology to showcase completed projects and enhance design visualisation.
Hugh Bunbury
Consultant
With over 30 years of experience, Hugh specialises in conservation and contemporary interventions in historic buildings. He holds RIBA Conservation accreditation and has worked on diverse projects, including sheltered housing and ecclesiastical repairs.
Pippa Jacob
Associate Partner
Pippa qualified as an architect in 2012 and focuses on sustainable design and historic building adaptation. She lectures at the University of Suffolk and has expertise in residential and ecclesiastical projects.
Stephen Jeffery
Conservation Architect
Stephen joined in 2016, specialising in historic building appraisals and timber-framed structures. He mentors junior staff and develops schemes that blend contemporary solutions with historic contexts.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in concept design, technical design, conservation, interior design, and insurance recovery for historic buildings.
Do you work on listed buildings?
Yes, we have extensive experience with listed buildings, including conservation plans and heritage statements.
Can you handle large-scale commercial projects?
Yes, we manage commercial developments, ecclesiastical projects, and mixed-use schemes.
Are you accredited for conservation work?
Our team includes RIBA and AABC-accredited conservation architects.
Do you use modern technology in your designs?
Yes, we utilise BIM management and drone capture for accurate project visualisation.
How do you approach sustainability?
We integrate sustainable materials and low-carbon technologies into all our projects.
