We have been established in Wirksworth in the Derbyshire Dales for a long time. The business was originally set up by Architect, Derek Trowell. In 2017 we, as former employees, took ownership of the practice and continued the running of business operations with the familiar positive outlook and personal, responsive service.
We thrive to explore creative design opportunities with a bespoke response to the individual context of each specific site.
We typically operate on the outskirts of Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield and, of course, closer to home in the Derbyshire Dales and The Peak District.
Stylistically we generally adopt a sympathetically modern design approach creating spaces with a good connection to the natural environment.
We are familiar with working with listed buildings, in conservation areas and on projects with various other constraints and embrace such challenges!
As a design team of 3 with access to a number of specialist professional contributors and contractors we provide imaginative, yet pragmatic, architectural solutions which are well-rooted in a good understanding of construction and legislation.
We relish a challenge and enjoy the process of overcoming them. We believe that every project can be special and that, if the outcome results in an improvement in the user’s experience of their environment, it is worth doing - no matter how small.
We predominantly undertake projects in the private domestic sector but have enjoyed the variety of working in other sectors including retail, education, community and developer-led housing.
We like to be involved in a project from start-to-finish. Typically we would work through the ‘design phase’ up to the point of securing planning consent before producing more detailed specifications and obtaining tenders in the ‘pre-construction phase’.
We can then mobilise a contract between the client and the contractor and act as contract administrators throughout the ‘construction phase’ maintaining a regular presence on site. We understand that this might not be required and our flexible approach allows our service to be tailored to individual requirements.
When we receive an enquiry, we always suggest meeting on site to allow us to understand your brief and aspirations whilst familiarising ourselves with the property. Following this we can set out our proposed approach and associated costs in a transparent, concise way whilst offering initial thought-provoking suggestions on how the project could be realised.
We generally operate in and around Derbyshire region, dealing with Local Authorities such as Derbyshire Dales, Amber Valley, Derby City, Erewash and South Derbyshire most frequently. We have also worked on projects further afield.
We believe that Architecture, Interior and Landscape should be in harmony and that the role of an Architect or designer should cover all 3 disciplines. Where required we can offer advice and services in relation to landscaping and interior design to accompany our Architectural services.
Located as we are, we have become accustomed to working on projects that are particularly sensitive. Conservation Areas, Article 4 directions, Listed Buildings, Greenbelt, Flood risk areas – sites with these designations can present challenges. We have developed an approach which seeks to acknowledge, understand and address the issues systematically, often through effective dialogue with consultants and/or statutory bodies.
We are also well equipped to advise upon technical matters such as drainage approvals for build-overs / diversions and Party Wall matters – these are quite commonly encountered in the domestic sector.
We encourage sustainable design through passive measures such as orientation, ventilation etc. and also the use of renewable energy and/or low carbon technologies.
Commercial
New Dwellings
Extensions
Conservation