Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in the South West
Poynton Bradbury Architects, established in 1973, has built a reputation as one of the South West's leading architectural practices. Our approach is rooted in community-led design, sustainability, and innovation, creating architecture that drives social and environmental change. We listen to our clients' ambitions and understand the needs of the people who use the spaces we design. As a 100% employee-owned practice since 2019, collaboration is central to our ethos. Our studios in St Ives and Exeter enable us to deliver projects regionally and nationally. We combine creative vision with strategic thinking, uncovering what matters most to clients to realise the full potential of their projects.Our expertise spans architecture, sustainability, BIM, design management, and heritage consultancy. We work closely with clients to define clear objectives, budgets, and opportunities, laying a robust foundation for successful projects. Our ISO 14001 accreditation and B Corp certification demonstrate our commitment to environmental and social responsibility. With over 50 years of experience, we have delivered landmark projects such as the RNLI Lifeboat College and Cornwall Council's new offices, blending heritage with innovation to create spaces that communities can be proud of.
Services
Architecture
Sustainability Consultancy
BIM and Digital Innovation
Design and Contract Management
Building Consultancy
Building Surveying
Heritage Consultancy
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Masterplanning and Urban Design
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We are a 100% employee-owned practice committed to collaboration and sustainability.
- Our ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 accreditations ensure high environmental and quality standards.
- Certified B Corp with a focus on social and environmental responsibility.
- Over 50 years of experience in community-led architectural design.
- Specialists in heritage conservation and sustainable architecture.
Associations and certifications
- ISO 14001
- B Corp
- RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge
- RIBA Conservation Register
What people say
Exceptional teaching spaces
Sensitive refurbishment
Creative solutions
Positive impact
Seamless project delivery
Services
Architecture
We provide comprehensive architectural services from strategic inception to construction, ensuring alignment with client visions. Our expertise includes stakeholder management, project oversight, and sustainable design. We specialise in adapting historic buildings and creating innovative new structures, combining creativity with technical precision to deliver spaces that enhance communities and environments.
Sustainability Consultancy
Our sustainability consultancy integrates environmentally responsive design into every project. We offer Life Cycle Assessments, Passivhaus planning, and BREEAM certification support. By embedding passive design strategies and low-carbon materials, we create resilient buildings that reduce environmental impact while delivering long-term cost savings and enhancing occupant wellbeing.
BIM and Digital Innovation
We utilise BIM and digital tools to enhance collaboration and efficiency across project lifecycles. Our services include 3D visualisation, clash detection, and Common Data Environments. This approach ensures data-driven decision-making, reduces errors, and optimises sustainability, delivering future-ready buildings through advanced technological integration.
Heritage Consultancy
Specialising in heritage projects, we balance conservation with modern needs. Our services include feasibility studies, Heritage Impact Assessments, and Conservation Management Plans. We work with local authorities and developers to preserve historical integrity while enabling sustainable reuse, ensuring heritage assets remain viable for future generations.
Design and Contract Management
We manage the entire project lifecycle, from concept to handover, ensuring seamless coordination between stakeholders. Our services include design compliance, regulatory approvals, and contract administration. By prioritising clear communication and risk management, we deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest architectural standards.
People
Cian Spowart
Director
With over 20 years at Poynton Bradbury, Cian leads major projects like the 60m Cornwall Council Estates Transformation Programme. He specialises in public sector architecture and has extensive experience in delivering complex, large-scale developments.
Laura Highton
Director
A RIBA-accredited conservation architect, Laura brings expertise in adaptive reuse of historic buildings. She has led projects up to 25m, including museums and visitor centres, blending contemporary design with heritage preservation.
Chris Turner
Director
Chris focuses on urban regeneration and education sectors. With experience in London and international projects, he guides clients through complex planning processes to create transformative spaces that meet community needs.
Simon Burgess
Studio Manager
Simon oversees environmental and quality management systems. He has led healthcare and residential projects and was instrumental in transitioning the practice to employee ownership in 2019.
Kate Wotton
Associate
Kate leads the Exeter office with expertise in healthcare, education, and sustainable design. A Certified Passivhaus Designer, she focuses on creating spaces that positively impact communities and the environment.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full-cycle architectural services including design, sustainability, heritage conservation, BIM, and contract management for public and private sector clients.
How do you incorporate sustainability into projects?
We embed passive design, low-carbon materials, and renewable technologies. Our ISO 14001 accreditation ensures environmental standards are met throughout the project lifecycle.
Can you work on listed buildings?
Yes, our RIBA Conservation Register-accredited team specialises in heritage projects, balancing preservation with modern functionality through adaptive reuse strategies.
Are you BIM-certified?
Yes, we use ISO 19650-compliant BIM workflows for enhanced coordination, reducing errors, and optimising sustainability across all project stages.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily the South West, including Cornwall and Devon, with national project experience across the UK.
