Our Approach
Every project is unique. We work with an openness and creativity that allows us to respond with design solutions that fit. We strive to create architecture with a real sense of place that connects people with their environment and transforms the way people live and work.
At the core of our process is the close collaboration we develop with our clients, fellow consultants, and the construction team. We believe that the strong and supportive relationships we build with our clients and collaborators result in better buildings.
We have expertise across the workplace, education, and residential sectors, but research and development, particularly laboratory design, is a core specialism. Our work spans from small projects for private clients through to the masterplanning of large sites for world-leading organisations, but whatever the size, complexity, or budget, our approach remains the same – to work with our clients to deliver projects that exceed their expectations.
Paul has over 20 years of experience in architectural practice, working in a wide range of sectors and developing strong relationships with his clients. He has led numerous large, complex and challenging projects, with a particular focus on the early strategic thinking, the development of the brief, and the early design stages.
His work within the science and research sector has been extensive, working closely with clients and building users on new ways of working, and creating exciting spaces that drive interaction. Projects have included major UK R&D hubs for GSK and Reckitt Benckiser, and world-class research facilities for the University of Cambridge, Natural Environment Research Council, and the National Institute of Agricultural Botany.
Sustainability continues to be an important strand running through Paul’s work. In 2010 he led the design of one of the first laboratories in the UK to achieve a BREEAM rating of Excellent, and more recently, completed a visitor centre for the National Institute of Agricultural Botany which was rated BREEAM Outstanding and designed to be zero carbon in use.
“Paul has been working closely with the National Institute of Agricultural Botany for over a decade and in that time, he has completed numerous projects. Our visitor centre, which achieved a BREEAM rating of ‘outstanding’ has been immensely successful for NIAB, but most recently Paul has led the masterplanning and design of our new UK headquarters and R&D facilities in Cambridge.
Paul has immense expertise and experience in delivering technically complex buildings. He is a talented designer and a strategic thinker who is naturally collaborative.”
David Neill
Chief Operating Officer, National Institute of Agricultural Botany
“Paul has led a series of projects for the Natural Environment Research Council which included a new research facility for the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, one of the first laboratories in the country to receive a BREEAM rating of ‘excellent’.
This project was very challenging, with a tight budget and programme. Paul brought an astonishing amount of expertise, innovation, commitment and enthusiasm to the project. It is largely thanks to Paul that NERC received an outstanding laboratory building, on time and within budget. I cannot recommend him highly enough.”
John Eacott
Head of Estates, Natural Environment Research Council
“I have worked with Paul on several projects and he has always delivered outstanding architectural solutions. He has been invaluable, always cost aware and always meeting the project objectives.
I am confident that by engaging Paul you will receive the highest levels of professionalism and added value to any project.”
Grant Wisbey
Project Manager and Director, Groma Consulting
“Paul provided NERC with an exceptional personal and responsive service, exceeding our expectations, and delivering very creative, innovative and sustainable solutions.
The new laboratory building for the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology provides excellent research spaces for our scientists and sits very comfortably in its setting. Crisp, simple and functional with flexibility for the future – a remarkable achievement.”
Nigel Parfitt
Senior Project Manager, Natural Environment Research Council