Business Details
Award-Winning Architectural Services in Bristol
Alec French Architects is a well-established, award-winning architectural practice based in Bristol. With a reputation built over decades, we specialise in delivering creative and sustainable projects tailored to our clients' needs. Our collaborative approach begins with understanding client requirements to develop design solutions that exceed expectations. We have extensive experience across residential, heritage, commercial, and cultural sectors, including high-profile projects like Bristol Beacon and Wapping Wharf. Our team combines local expertise with a commitment to innovation, ensuring each project integrates seamlessly into its environment while addressing modern challenges like climate change.As a Chartered Practice with RIBA and ISO 14001 certified, we prioritise quality, sustainability, and client satisfaction. Our success stems from fostering long-term client relationships and maintaining a culture of excellence. We are proud to have received multiple awards for our work, including the Bristol Property Awards 2020. Our services span masterplanning, feasibility studies, sustainable design, and technical advisory roles, ensuring comprehensive support from concept to completion. This dedication to excellence has made us a trusted partner for clients seeking design-led architectural solutions in Bristol and beyond.
Services
Architectural Design
Masterplanning
Feasibility Studies
Sustainable Design
Contract Administration
Principal Designer Role
Technical Advisory Services
Design Development
Project Management
Urban Regeneration
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in Bristol's architectural landscape
- Our team holds ISO 14001 certification for environmental management
- We deliver award-winning projects like Bristol Beacon and Wapping Wharf
- Our services integrate sustainable design principles from inception
- We provide technical expertise as Principal Designer under CDM regulations
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
- ISO 14001
What people say
Professional, pragmatic
Successful delivery
Design excellence
Collaborative approach
Sustainable focus
Services
Architectural Design
We create innovative architectural solutions tailored to client needs, combining creativity with technical precision. Our designs prioritise functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic value. With expertise across residential, commercial, and heritage sectors, we deliver projects that enhance their environments while meeting modern challenges like climate change.
Masterplanning
Our masterplanning services focus on creating cohesive, sustainable urban environments. We specialise in transforming underutilised spaces into vibrant communities, as demonstrated in projects like Wapping Wharf and Bristol Harbourside. Our approach balances development needs with environmental considerations and historical context.
Sustainable Design
We integrate sustainability throughout the design process using ISO 14001 standards and Passivhaus methodology. Our approach minimises environmental impact through energy-efficient designs, low-carbon materials, and circular economy principles. This ensures buildings perform optimally while reducing their ecological footprint across their lifecycle.
Feasibility Studies
We conduct comprehensive feasibility studies to assess project potential before development. These studies evaluate spatial requirements, planning constraints, and economic viability. Our expertise helps clients make informed decisions about site potential and development strategies, ensuring realistic and achievable outcomes.
Principal Designer Role
As Principal Designer under CDM regulations, we manage health and safety throughout projects. Our role includes hazard identification, risk reduction, and compliance with building safety standards. We ensure safe design practices while maintaining project quality and client objectives across diverse building types.
People
Alec French
Founder
With over 30 years' experience, Alec established the practice's reputation for design excellence and sustainable architecture in Bristol. His leadership shaped award-winning projects and a collaborative studio culture.
Carly Pearce
Senior Architect
Specialising in social housing, Carly led the Capel Road project. Her expertise in affordable housing delivery combines technical precision with community-focused design solutions for Bristol City Council.
Chris Townsend
Senior Design Manager
Led technical delivery for Bristol Beacon, ensuring complex design challenges were resolved with innovative solutions. His collaboration with contractors ensured successful project completion within demanding constraints.
Joy Stone
Associate Director
Education sector specialist with extensive experience in school design. Authored thought leadership on independent school architecture, delivering projects that enhance learning environments through innovative spatial solutions.
Stuart Hatton
Managing Director
Led development of Wapping Wharf Phase 2, overseeing design and construction delivery. His partnership approach ensured successful realisation of the architectural vision while meeting client objectives.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in residential, commercial, heritage, and cultural projects, including masterplanning, sustainable design, and technical advisory services.
Are you certified for environmental standards?
Yes, we hold ISO 14001 certification and follow Bioregional One Planet Living principles for sustainable design.
Can you handle complex regeneration projects?
Our team has extensive experience in urban regeneration, including award-winning projects like Wapping Wharf and Bristol Harbourside.
Do you work outside Bristol?
While Bristol-based, we undertake projects across the South West and have worked on national projects like the ss Great Britain.
How do you ensure project sustainability?
We integrate sustainability from inception, using Passivhaus methodology, fabric-first approaches, and low-impact materials.
What awards have you won?
We've received multiple awards, including Bristol Property Awards 2020 and Civic Trust Awards for projects like Bristol Beacon.
