Business Details
7 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Services in Hereford & Cheltenham
Established in 2019, KODA Architects is a practice founded by directors Fred Hamer and Alex Whibley, operating across Herefordshire, Cheltenham, Worcester, Ludlow, and the wider UK. Our team combines over 25 years of collective experience in residential, commercial, ecclesiastical, and conservation architecture, delivering design-led solutions tailored to client needs. We prioritise collaboration with planning authorities, contractors, and consultants to ensure projects meet both regulatory standards and client aspirations. Our expertise spans new builds, barn conversions, church reordering, and heritage restoration, with a focus on balancing traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. We maintain a transparent, client-centric approach, offering end-to-end support from initial concept to construction completion.Our portfolio demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, evidenced by low-carbon designs and adaptive reuse of historic structures. With accreditations including RIBA, AABC, and MCIAT, we uphold rigorous professional standards. Our work has secured planning approvals for sensitive developments in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Grade I/II listed buildings. We pride ourselves on fostering long-term client relationships, reflected in repeat commissions and successful project outcomes. Our regional focus is complemented by national experience, ensuring local knowledge meets industry-leading expertise. Through regular quinquennial inspections and condition surveys, we support ongoing maintenance of historic buildings, preserving their cultural significance for future generations.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Projects
Church Reordering
Conservation Architecture
Farm Diversification
Barn Conversions
Details
- Year established: 2019
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of combined experience in residential and heritage architecture.
- Our team holds specialist conservation accreditations from RIBA and AABC.
- We provide end-to-end project management from planning approval to construction.
- Our collaborative approach involves planners, contractors, and local communities.
- We maintain a 95% client satisfaction rate across 50+ completed projects.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- AABC
- MCIAT
What people say
Proven track record
Collaborative approach
Successful planning approvals
Sustainable designs
Heritage specialists
Services
Residential Architecture
We specialise in residential projects including house extensions, new builds, and barn conversions. Our approach combines modern functionality with respect for existing architectural character. Clients benefit from tailored solutions that maximise space and natural light while adhering to planning constraints. Our experience spans permitted development schemes and complex listed building projects.
Church Reordering
Our church reordering services focus on adapting historic buildings for modern community use. We manage faculty applications and listed building consents, balancing preservation with practical needs like accessible facilities. Projects often include quinquennial inspections and condition surveys to ensure long-term structural health while maintaining spiritual significance.
Conservation Architecture
Specialist conservation work covers Grade I/II listed buildings and historic structures. We conduct detailed condition assessments and implement repairs using traditional materials and techniques. Our team secures planning approvals for sensitive interventions, ensuring historic integrity while meeting contemporary usage requirements through meticulous documentation and stakeholder consultation.
Commercial Projects
We deliver commercial architecture solutions from office conversions to agricultural diversification. Our expertise includes navigating planning policies for rural developments and maximising site potential through sustainable design. Projects often involve multidisciplinary coordination to achieve cost-effective, market-responsive outcomes aligned with client investment goals.
Farm Diversification
Our farm diversification service helps landowners create sustainable income streams through barn conversions and new agricultural buildings. We specialise in Class Q permitted development applications, balancing modern functionality with traditional aesthetics. Solutions include holiday lets, equestrian facilities, and key worker housing while maintaining agricultural viability.
People
Fred Hamer
Director & Specialist Conservation Architect
Fred Hamer is a RIBA-chartered architect with specialist conservation accreditation (AABC). He has led complex church repair projects and historic building restorations across Herefordshire. His expertise includes quinquennial inspections and ecclesiastical reordering, balancing heritage preservation with modern functionality.
Alex Whibley
Director & Chartered Architectural Technologist
Alex Whibley brings 25+ years of experience in residential and commercial architecture. As MCIAT-qualified technologist, he specialises in project delivery from concept to completion. His work spans multi-million-pound developments and bespoke conservation projects, maintaining a strong focus on client satisfaction and design innovation.
James Morris
Architectural Assistant
James Morris is a Part II architectural assistant with experience in ecclesiastical and residential projects. He contributes to design development across various scales, advocating for sustainable practices and user-centric spaces. His work focuses on translating conceptual ideas into buildable solutions.
Flora Grayson
Architectural Assistant
Flora Grayson is a graduate architectural assistant pursuing RIBA accreditation. Her design approach prioritises sustainability and social impact, with a focus on healthy building practices. She contributes to residential and conservation projects, bringing fresh perspectives on material ethics and environmental responsibility.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in residential architecture, church reordering, conservation projects, barn conversions, and commercial developments. Our expertise includes navigating planning constraints for historic buildings and rural sites.
Which areas do you cover?
We operate from Hereford with projects across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire, Cheltenham, Ludlow, and nationwide locations for specialist conservation work.
How do you handle listed building projects?
Our accredited conservation architects manage listed building consents and faculty applications. We conduct detailed condition surveys and propose sensitive repairs using traditional materials and techniques.
Are you accredited professionals?
Yes, our directors hold accreditations from RIBA, AABC, and CIAT. We're qualified to handle complex conservation projects and serve as principal designers under CDM regulations.
Can you assist with farm diversification?
We specialise in agricultural diversification projects including Class Q barn conversions, equestrian facilities, and key worker housing, balancing modern needs with rural character.
What sustainability approaches do you use?
We integrate passive design principles, material reuse, and energy-efficient systems. Our new builds target low-carbon performance while preserving historic structures' embodied energy.
