Business Details
Sustainable Architects in Bristol
At Askew Architects, we are dedicated to creating environments that positively impact people's lives and the world we inhabit. Based in Bristol, our practice extends across the South-West and beyond, driven by a people-centred approach that empowers marginalised groups and shapes responsive, safe, and beautiful spaces. We prioritise meaningful consultation, listening attentively to clients and communities to develop schemes through collaborative idea exploration. Our work spans community projects, affordable eco housing, low-energy offices, and heritage conservation, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and social value. With a team of experienced professionals, including RIBA chartered architects and conservation specialists, we deliver tailored solutions from concept to completion.Our expertise in site appraisals, funding navigation, and interior design ensures comprehensive support for diverse projects. We actively engage in architectural education and mentorship, fostering social mobility and industry growth. Every project benefits from our attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and dedication to client success, as evidenced by testimonials from satisfied partners like Docklands Youth & Community Centre and Bath & North East Somerset Council. Our studio's open-door ethos invites clients to collaborate closely, ensuring their visions become reality with the same enthusiasm and precision we apply to every challenge.
Services
Architectural Design
Community Consultation
Conservation & Retrofit
Site Appraisals
Interior Design
Teaching & Lecturing
Highlights and features
- We employ a people-centred approach with meaningful community consultation
- Our team includes RIBA chartered architects and conservation specialists
- We deliver full architectural services from concept to completion
- We specialise in sustainable design and low-energy construction methods
- Our practice combines academic expertise with hands-on construction experience
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
What people say
Meaningful consultation
Supportive throughout process
Attention to detail
Community empowerment
Creative thinking
Services
Architectural Design
We offer comprehensive architectural design services from concept to completion. Our approach prioritises sustainability and user needs, creating functional spaces that respect environmental and social contexts. With RIBA chartered architects on our team, we deliver innovative solutions for new builds, extensions, and commercial projects while maintaining strict adherence to quality standards and client requirements.
Community Consultation
Our community consultation services focus on meaningful collaboration with all stakeholders. We employ co-design processes to ensure projects reflect the needs of end-users, particularly marginalised groups. This approach has successfully delivered community centres and social housing schemes that truly serve their intended audiences through inclusive design principles and transparent communication channels.
Conservation & Retrofit
Specialising in conservation and retrofit projects, we preserve historic buildings while implementing modern sustainability measures. Our team includes qualified retrofit coordinators and conservation architects with expertise in traditional construction methods. We balance heritage preservation with energy efficiency improvements, ensuring listed buildings and historic structures meet contemporary needs without compromising their architectural integrity.
Site Appraisals
We provide expert site appraisal services evaluating potential development sites for suitability and viability. Our assessments consider planning constraints, environmental factors, and funding opportunities. With extensive knowledge of grant schemes and development processes, we help clients make informed decisions about property acquisitions and project feasibility across various sectors including housing and commercial developments.
Interior Design
Our interior design services focus on creating functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that enhance user experience. We specialise in retrofitting existing buildings and commercial interior fit-outs, combining practicality with visual appeal. Through careful material selection and spatial planning, we transform environments to better serve their occupants while maintaining alignment with broader sustainability goals and project budgets.
People
Chris Askew
Director
Experienced architect with expertise in project delivery and construction contracts. Former partner at Feilden Clegg Bradley, now teaching architectural management and law at leading universities while directing practice operations.
Claire Miller
Associate Architect
Community-focused architect with experience across sports, retail, and education sectors. Combines design excellence with social responsibility, mentoring for diversity initiatives while delivering projects that balance budgets and stakeholder needs.
Stefania Intorcia
Associate Architect
Dual-qualified UK/Italian architect specialising in heritage conservation. Creates accessible, beautiful spaces through creative problem-solving, blending traditional techniques with modern sustainability approaches while maintaining deep respect for building history.
Fin Orme
Architect
Sustainable design specialist with decade-long experience across project scales. Advocates for bio-based materials and low-energy solutions, combining RIBA stage expertise with hands-on construction experience from self-building an eco-house.
Katie Williams
Architectural Designer
People-focused designer with conservation experience in historic buildings. Combines community empowerment principles with practical construction knowledge, recently completing Part III qualification while exploring alternative architectural practices and cultural connections.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in sustainable architectural design, community consultation, heritage conservation, site appraisals, and interior design for community projects, eco-housing, and commercial developments.
How do you involve communities in your projects?
We use co-design processes and focus groups to ensure community voices shape our designs, particularly for public buildings and social housing schemes, creating spaces that truly meet user needs.
Are you qualified to work on listed buildings?
Yes, we have qualified conservation architects and retrofit coordinators with expertise in preserving historic structures while implementing modern sustainability improvements.
What areas do you cover?
Based in Bristol, we work across the South-West and throughout the UK on diverse architectural projects ranging from local community buildings to national housing schemes.
How do you approach sustainable design?
We prioritise low-energy materials, retrofit solutions, and passive design principles, balancing environmental responsibility with functional requirements and budget constraints in every project we undertake.
Can you help with funding applications?
Yes, our experience with grants and funding bodies enables us to advise clients on available support options and improve project viability through strategic funding applications.
