Business Details
38 Years
experience
Cambridge Architects for Bespoke Residential & Commercial Design
Established in 1988, our practice has built a reputation for delivering innovative, client-focused architectural solutions. We specialise in creating bespoke designs that balance modern functionality with environmental responsibility, working across residential, commercial, and heritage projects. Our collaborative approach ensures clients remain central to the design process, with over 30 years of experience navigating planning regulations and heritage constraints.We prioritise sustainable practices, integrating energy-efficient technologies and advocating for circular economy principles in construction. Our team of chartered architects combines technical expertise with creative vision, consistently achieving award-winning results that respect both client aspirations and environmental imperatives.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Design
Sustainable Building
Heritage Conservation
Planning Consultancy
New Build Homes
Barn Conversions
Retrofit Solutions
Urban Regeneration
Feasibility Studies
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- 30+ years' experience in residential and commercial architecture
- Specialists in heritage conservation and listed building adaptations
- Award-winning sustainable design expertise
- Proven success in complex planning applications
- Client-focused collaborative design process
What people say
High quality finish
Creative solutions
Excellent planning liaison
Bespoke design approach
Strong heritage expertise
Services
Residential Architecture
Creating tailored residential solutions that combine modern living requirements with environmental sustainability. Our approach prioritises spatial efficiency, natural light optimisation, and material selection that reduces long-term environmental impact while maintaining aesthetic appeal and functionality for contemporary lifestyles.
Heritage Conservation
Specialist adaptation of historic structures using sensitive design interventions. We balance preservation requirements with modern functionality through meticulous research, traditional craftsmanship integration, and innovative engineering solutions that maintain architectural integrity while improving energy performance.
Sustainable Design
Implementing holistic sustainability strategies across projects. Our methodology incorporates passive design principles, renewable energy systems, and circular economy practices to achieve significant carbon reductions while ensuring occupant comfort and long-term cost efficiency through whole-life carbon modelling and performance evaluation.
Planning Consultancy
Navigating complex planning processes with local authorities to secure approvals for challenging sites. Our expertise includes preparing detailed heritage impact assessments, creating design and access statements, and developing strategies that align with local conservation policies while maximising development potential.
Barn Conversions
Transforming agricultural buildings into contemporary living spaces while preserving historical character. We specialise in structural reinforcement, thermal performance upgrades, and adaptive reuse solutions that maintain original features while incorporating modern amenities and sustainable technologies.
People
Graham Handley
Director
Founder of the practice with over 35 years' experience in architectural design. Specialises in heritage projects and sustainable retrofit solutions. Leads complex planning applications and maintains key client relationships through his hands-on approach to design excellence.
Ann Blythe
Director
Joint practice lead with expertise in commercial architecture and urban regeneration. Oversees project delivery and quality control, ensuring adherence to sustainability standards. Recognised for successful negotiations with planning authorities on sensitive development sites.
David Adams
Director
Specialises in residential architecture with focus on contemporary new-build schemes. Manages technical design aspects and construction detailing. Brings extensive experience in achieving high-quality finishes across diverse project scales.
Carl Rowland
Associate Director
Leads commercial projects and mixed-use developments. Expert in navigating planning processes for large-scale schemes. Focuses on integrating sustainable technologies into complex building systems while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Tom Scott
Director
Specialises in rural architecture and barn conversions. Expert in traditional construction methods combined with modern energy-efficient solutions. Manages heritage projects requiring detailed conservation area compliance and listed building consent.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialise in?
We create bespoke designs tailored to client needs rather than following specific styles. Our work ranges from contemporary modern designs to vernacular-style buildings that complement their surroundings.
Can you help with listed building consent applications?
Yes, we have extensive experience with heritage projects, including preparing detailed conservation proposals and negotiating with local planning authorities to secure approvals for sensitive developments.
How do you incorporate sustainability into projects?
We use fabric-first principles, renewable energy systems, and whole-life carbon analysis. Our approach includes passive design strategies, material reuse, and circular economy principles to minimise environmental impact.
Do you work outside Cambridgeshire?
While based in Cambridgeshire, we undertake projects across East Anglia and the Home Counties, including Suffolk, Bedfordshire, and Northamptonshire, with experience in diverse regional architectural contexts.
What project sizes do you handle?
We work on projects of all scales from small residential extensions to large commercial developments, maintaining the same attention to detail and client collaboration regardless of project size.
How do you involve clients in the design process?
We use collaborative workshops, 3D visualisations, and regular progress reviews to ensure client input throughout. Our open dialogue approach ensures the final design reflects your vision and practical requirements.
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