What We Do

Good architecture begins with listening. Before pencil meets paper, we take time to understand your aspirations, your budget, and the particular qualities of your site — whether that is a centuries-old farmhouse in the Cumbrian fells, a community building on the Cumbrian coast, or a family home in a conservation area. Every project is different, and our approach is shaped by that difference. We believe that the best outcomes come from a genuine understanding of what you are trying to achieve — not just in terms of the building itself, but in terms of how it will be used, how it will feel, and how it will serve you for years to come. That is why every project begins with a conversation, and why we remain in close dialogue with our clients throughout.

Sustainability runs through everything we do. Rather than treating energy efficiency as a constraint, we see it as a design opportunity — one that results in buildings that are more comfortable, healthier to live and work in, and cheaper to run. Where appropriate, we apply Passivhaus principles to achieve the highest standards of thermal performance and airtightness, without compromising on design quality or character. We are passionate proponents of sustainable design regardless of building age or type — whether that means a low-energy new build in a National Park, a sensitive retrofit of a listed building, or a community facility designed to serve its users for generations. Good design and environmental responsibility are not in conflict. In our experience, they are inseparable.

Collaboration is at the heart of our practice. Over the years we have worked with homeowners, self-builders, housing associations, community groups, and cultural organisations, as well as with contractors, engineers, interior architects, and international design teams. Projects such as the Romleigh Almshouses in Kendal, the Earnse Bay Outdoor Centre on Walney Island, and our award-winning childcare centres in New Zealand demonstrate our commitment to working with ambitious clients to deliver buildings that endure. We thrive on partnerships — with clients, with consultants, and with the skilled tradespeople who ultimately bring designs to life. On larger or more complex projects, we have the experience and the networks to assemble the right team, wherever in the world that might take us.

From that first conversation, we guide you through every stage of the RIBA Plan of Work — from early feasibility and concept design, through planning and building regulations, to construction and completion. Our involvement can be as comprehensive or as focused as your project requires. Some clients need a full service from inception to handover; others need targeted expertise at a particular stage. Either way, the process is structured, transparent, and tailored to you. We take care to explain each stage clearly, so that you always know where your project stands and what comes next. As a RIBA Chartered Practice, ARB-registered and based in Staveley Mill Yard at the gateway to the Lake District, we bring the highest professional standards to every commission, large or small.