Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Berkshire and Beyond
MW Architects is a RIBA chartered architectural practice established in 1983, with over 40 years of experience delivering bespoke design solutions across residential, commercial, and heritage sectors. Our practice combines technical expertise with a deep commitment to client collaboration, specialising in projects ranging from new builds and extensions to listed building conservation and equestrian architecture. With offices in Berkshire, Hampshire, and Wiltshire, we navigate complex planning environments to create spaces that prioritise quality of life for end users. Our team of chartered architects brings decades of experience in sustainable design, heritage preservation, and innovative problem-solving, ensuring each project reflects both client aspirations and regulatory requirements.We maintain a personal approach through initial site visits and tailored fee proposals, supported by advanced visual communication techniques and technical documentation. Our track record includes successful planning applications for challenging sites within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, demonstrating our ability to balance creativity with practicality in diverse architectural contexts.
Services
New Homes
Extensions
Listed Building Extensions
Barn Conversions
Commercial Projects
Equestrian Architecture
Heritage Conservation
Planning Applications
Building Regulations
Contract Administration
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in residential and commercial architecture.
- Our team includes RIBA chartered architects with specialist heritage conservation qualifications.
- We specialise in securing planning approvals for challenging sites within AONBs.
- Our personal service includes free initial site visits and tailored design proposals.
- We combine hand-drawn and digital presentation techniques for clear client communication.
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
What people say
Thrilled with planning permission
Highly recommend
Transformed our lives
Excellent communication
Sold my house well
Services
New Homes
We design bespoke new homes tailored to client needs and site conditions. Our approach combines modern construction techniques with contextual sensitivity, particularly in challenging areas like AONBs. Projects include energy-efficient family homes and replacement dwellings, with expertise in navigating permitted development rights for agricultural properties.
Listed Building Extensions
Specialist conservation work for Grade II listed buildings and conservation areas. Our team holds advanced qualifications in historic building preservation, delivering sympathetic extensions that maintain architectural integrity while meeting modern living standards through detailed feasibility studies and planning negotiations.
Barn Conversions
Transforming agricultural buildings into functional residential or commercial spaces. We maximise permitted development opportunities while ensuring design coherence with original structures, specialising in complex planning scenarios within protected landscapes and greenbelt areas.
Commercial Architecture
Design solutions for commercial and community buildings including offices, health centres, and equestrian facilities. Our experience spans mixed-use developments and specialist projects like rehabilitation centres, combining technical compliance with aesthetic innovation to meet business operational needs.
Planning Applications
Comprehensive planning support from feasibility studies to application submission. We specialise in securing approvals for difficult sites, including AONBs and greenbelt areas, with a track record of overcoming previous negative planning histories through strategic design and negotiation.
People
Howard Waters
Partner
RIBA chartered architect with 35+ years' experience in domestic projects, particularly listed buildings. Holds MSc in Conservation of Historic Buildings from University of Bath. Governor of Wiltshire Historic Buildings Trust since 2010.
Andrew Bray
Partner
Over 20 years' experience delivering residential and commercial projects. Former Senior Associate at Sutton Griffin Architects. Specialises in balancing client aspirations with technical and legislative requirements across diverse project types.
Adrian Rouse
Partner
Chartered architect with extensive experience across retail, healthcare, and education sectors. Focuses on ensuring client briefs are met throughout projects. Combines design expertise with practical on-site knowledge for smooth project delivery.
Duncan Mathewson
Founding Partner
Established practice in 1983. Over 30 years' experience as Chartered Architect. Specialises in bespoke design solutions for commercial and domestic projects. Provides strategic guidance as retired founding partner.
Andrew Klemz
Architect
Director in Whitchurch studio with experience in listed buildings and residential projects. Formerly worked on commercial and mixed-use schemes. Combines large practice expertise with local knowledge of North Hampshire.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in residential design, listed building conservation, barn conversions, commercial architecture, and equestrian projects across Berkshire, Hampshire, and Wiltshire.
How do you handle planning applications in protected areas?
We have 40+ years' experience securing planning permissions in AONBs and greenbelt areas, using strategic design approaches to overcome challenging planning histories.
Can you work with listed buildings?
Yes, our team includes specialists with advanced conservation qualifications, experienced in extending and renovating Grade II listed properties while maintaining heritage integrity.
What is your design process?
We begin with site visits and client consultation, followed by feasibility studies, sketch designs, planning applications, and detailed technical drawings for construction.
Do you offer contract administration?
Yes, we provide contract administration services including site visits, progress monitoring, and certification to ensure projects meet design specifications and budgets.
How do you approach sustainable design?
We integrate sustainability through material selection, energy-efficient design, and adapting to evolving eco-standards while maintaining architectural quality and functionality.
