Business Details
11 Years
experience
Your Trusted Chartered Architects in Wigan & Surrounding Areas
Established in 2015, Sphere Architects is a RIBA chartered practice based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. Our expertise spans residential projects including new builds and renovations, alongside education, retail, commercial, leisure, and care facility developments. We prioritise sustainability, aiming to reduce carbon footprints through innovative design and technology. Our team, led by Chartered Architect Nicola Atherton, serves clients across Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire, and Manchester. With a focus on bespoke solutions, we guide clients from concept to construction, leveraging strong relationships with local planning authorities and building control officers.Our commitment to quality is reflected in projects ranging from listed buildings to green belt developments. We work with individuals, families, developers, and businesses to create functional, sustainable spaces. Our approach combines technical precision with creative problem-solving, ensuring compliance with planning policies and building regulations. Sphere Architects is dedicated to advancing design standards while maintaining transparency and client-centric service.
Services
3D Design
Feasibility Studies
Planning Applications
Building Regulations
Project Management
Construction Drawings
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- Established in 2015 with a proven track record in diverse architectural sectors
- RIBA chartered practice ensuring industry-leading standards
- Bespoke service tailored to individual client needs
- Specialist knowledge in sustainable and conservation area developments
- Strong local authority relationships for efficient planning approvals
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- ARB
Services
3D Design
Our 3D design service enables clients to visualise projects in three dimensions, enhancing understanding of spatial relationships and material choices. This technology supports informed decision-making during early project stages, potentially reducing costs through early issue identification. All designs are created using industry-standard software by our experienced architectural team.
Feasibility Studies
We conduct comprehensive feasibility studies to explore multiple design options tailored to client requirements. Our approach identifies optimal spatial solutions that may reduce overall project costs. This service includes analysis of planning constraints and opportunities, ensuring alignment with local authority policies and building regulations.
Planning Applications
Sphere Architects prepares detailed planning applications with technical drawings and supporting documentation. Our established relationships with local planning authorities ensure efficient submission processes. We specialise in navigating complex planning requirements for developments in conservation areas, listed buildings, and green belt locations.
Building Regulations
We produce detailed building control drawings and documentation to meet current regulations. Our team maintains strong working relationships with local authority building control officers and approved inspectors. This service ensures compliance with safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency standards throughout the construction process.
Project Management
Our on-site project management service includes contract administration, site coordination, and construction drawing preparation. We act as client representatives during construction phases, ensuring adherence to design specifications and regulatory requirements. This comprehensive service covers all stages from tendering to project completion.
People
Nicola Atherton
Chartered Architect
Nicola Atherton, RIBA chartered architect, leads Sphere Architects with expertise in healthcare, education, and residential projects. She graduated from Manchester University and has extensive experience delivering high-quality developments across multiple sectors.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in residential projects, commercial developments, care facilities, and conservation work. Our services include 3D design, planning applications, building regulations compliance, and full project management from concept to completion.
Do you work with private and commercial clients?
Yes, we serve both private individuals and commercial clients including developers, builders, and business owners across Greater Manchester and surrounding areas.
How do you handle planning applications in conservation areas?
Our team has specialist knowledge of planning policies for conservation areas and listed buildings. We prepare detailed submissions that balance preservation requirements with modern design needs to secure planning approvals.
Can you assist with sustainable building projects?
Sustainability is central to our practice. We incorporate energy-efficient designs, eco-friendly materials, and carbon-reduction strategies into all projects while maintaining compliance with current building regulations.
What areas do you cover for architectural services?
We operate across Wigan, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire, and surrounding regions including Ormskirk, Southport, and Chorley for both residential and commercial developments.
