Business Details
25 Years
experience
Award-Winning Bristol Architects for Sustainable Design
Emmett Russell Architects is an award-winning architectural practice based in Bristol, operating across the South and South West of England and Wales. With a portfolio spanning housing, urban design, education, heritage, and bespoke residential projects, the practice is renowned for creating imaginative designs within the constraints of existing buildings and sensitive sites. Founded in 2001 by directors Victoria Emmett and Tom Russell, the firm prioritises contextual responsiveness and addresses climate emergency challenges through sustainable design.Their work includes the RIBA South West Sustainability Award-winning Challender Court housing development and the Reimagine Ageing competition-winning retirement housing project. The practice combines academic engagement with practical expertise, holding RIBA Chartered Practice status and membership of the Green Register. Their approach integrates social and environmental sustainability, transforming site constraints into opportunities while maintaining a collaborative ethos with clients and communities.
Services
Architectural Design
Urban Regeneration
Heritage Conservation
Sustainable Housing
Masterplanning
Community Projects
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- Award-winning practice with RIBA South West Sustainability Award recognition
- Specialists in low-energy and heritage-sensitive architectural solutions
- Directors hold combined experience from leading national practices
- Pioneers in reimagining retirement and social housing models
- Committed to climate-responsive design through Green Register membership
Associations and certifications
- RIBA Chartered Practice
- Green Register
Services
Architectural Design
We create tailored architectural solutions balancing creativity with practicality. Our designs respond to site-specific constraints and client needs while prioritising sustainability. Projects range from private residences to large-scale housing developments.
Heritage Conservation
Specialist conservation work preserves architectural heritage through sensitive adaptations. We navigate planning requirements to modernise listed buildings while maintaining historical integrity across Bristol and surrounding regions.
Sustainable Housing
Innovative low-energy housing solutions reduce environmental impact. Our award-winning schemes incorporate recycled materials and energy-efficient systems, setting new standards for social and private residential developments.
Urban Regeneration
We transform underutilised urban spaces into vibrant communities. Our masterplans integrate mixed-use developments with public spaces, focusing on connectivity and long-term sustainability for city centres and suburbs.
Community Projects
Designing inclusive spaces that serve local communities. From schools to cultural facilities, our approach ensures functional, accessible environments that reflect social needs and enhance public life.
People
Tom Russell
Director
Co-founder with expertise in sustainable housing and urban design. Trained at Cambridge and Harvard, he brings 20+ years' experience from Tony Fretton Architects and academic roles at Cardiff and Bath Universities.
Victoria Emmett
Director
Co-founder specialising in housing and conservation projects. Former associate at Hawkins Brown Architects, she holds a Cambridge distinction and teaches at Welsh School of Architecture and UWE.
Jack Clemoes
Associate
BIM specialist with 8+ years' London experience. Coordinates social housing schemes and led the Lawrenny sustainable housing project. Graduated from Welsh School of Architecture with distinction.
Rachel Witham
Associate
10+ years' experience delivering council housing and private projects. Teaches at Welsh School of Architecture and holds awards for academic excellence during her Cardiff University studies.
Al Jarratt
Architect
Project architect specialising in listed building conversions. 10+ years at Emmett Russell after studying at UWE and working with Gianni Botsford Architects in London.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We focus on housing, urban design, heritage conservation, and community projects with particular expertise in sustainable solutions and listed building adaptations.
Do you work outside Bristol?
Yes, we operate across the South West of England, Wales, and occasionally nationally for specialist projects like the Lawrenny sustainable housing scheme in Pembrokeshire.
How do you incorporate sustainability into designs?
We use recycled materials, energy-efficient systems, and passive design principles. Our projects like Cotham House demonstrate innovative low-energy construction techniques.
Can you handle listed building projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with Grade I and II listed buildings, including conversions of historic churches and Georgian properties while maintaining heritage integrity.
Are you involved in teaching or research?
Our directors teach at Cardiff and Bath Universities. We integrate academic research into practice, particularly in sustainable urbanism and housing innovation.
What awards have you won?
We received the RIBA South West Sustainability Award 2018 for Challender Court and won the RIBA competition for Reimagine Ageing retirement housing model.
