Business Details
16 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Services in Derbyshire & Manchester
Established in 2010, Darwent Architecture is an award-winning practice rooted in the Peak District and Manchester. Our collaborative approach prioritises client involvement at every stage, utilising advanced 3D technology to visualise designs and test environmental performance. We specialise in residential, commercial, and heritage projects, balancing contemporary innovation with respect for historic architecture. Our team includes RIBA-chartered professionals with extensive experience in listed buildings, sustainable design, and complex developments. We guide clients through planning, building regulations, and procurement, supported by a network of trusted local builders.Our commitment to design excellence extends to creating sustainable communities with cultural and environmental sensitivity. With expertise in both modern and traditional construction techniques, we deliver tailored solutions across Derbyshire, Manchester, and nationwide. Our directors bring unique perspectives from projects ranging from private residences to large-scale educational facilities. We maintain strong relationships with planning authorities and heritage organisations to navigate regulatory challenges effectively. Our holistic approach ensures projects meet functional needs while enhancing architectural value and environmental stewardship.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Design
Heritage Conservation
Listed Building Alterations
Sustainable Design
Project Management
Planning Applications
Building Regulations
Modular Construction
Agricultural Diversification
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer RIBA-chartered expertise with 15+ years' experience in complex architectural projects
- Our practice combines 3D design technology with heritage conservation specialism
- We provide end-to-end project management from planning to completion
- Our team has completed projects for Donald Trump's golf development and Shetland Isles schools
- We maintain a trusted network of local builders for reliable procurement
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Services
Residential Architecture
We specialise in creating bespoke residential solutions that maximise space while respecting architectural heritage. Our services include new builds, extensions, and property conversions across Derbyshire and Manchester. Combining modern innovation with traditional craftsmanship, we deliver energy-efficient homes tailored to client needs while maintaining compliance with planning regulations and conservation requirements.
Heritage Conservation
Our team has extensive experience with Grade I & II listed building alterations and historic restorations. We work closely with English Heritage and National Park Authorities to ensure sensitive modern adaptations. From farmhouse conversions to chapel restorations, we preserve architectural integrity while introducing contemporary functionality through carefully considered design interventions.
Commercial Design
We create innovative commercial environments including bars, restaurants, retail spaces, and cultural venues. Our approach balances aesthetic appeal with practical functionality, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards and sustainability targets. Recent projects include contemporary office conversions and heritage-sensitive shop fit-outs across the North West.
Sustainable Design
Our practice integrates environmental considerations throughout the design process. We implement passive solar design, renewable energy systems, and locally sourced materials to reduce carbon footprints. From Passivhaus standards to thermal mass optimisation, we deliver energy-efficient solutions that meet modern sustainability challenges while maintaining architectural quality.
Project Management
We provide comprehensive project management covering planning permission, building regulations, and contractor procurement. Our services include tender negotiations, construction phase administration, and staged payment certification. Using small works contracts, we ensure cost certainty and quality control throughout the build process for both residential and commercial clients.
People
James Darwent
Architect / Director
RIBA-chartered architect with 15+ years' experience in residential and commercial projects. Trained at Mackintosh School of Art, former key architect at Gareth Hoskins Architects. Specialises in listed buildings and sustainable design.
Joanna Ho
Architect
Qualified architect with expertise in urban and rural projects. Part 3 qualified in 2019, with experience in high-rise commercial housing and private residences. Focuses on sustainable design integration and cross-cultural architectural influences.
Carys Jones
Architect
Welsh School of Architecture graduate specialising in heritage conservation. Experienced in large residential and conservation projects across Manchester and London. Currently pursuing accreditation in building conservation with practical experience in Edwardian property restoration.
Sarah Darwent
Architectural Assistant
Architectural Assistant with hands-on project experience since 2019. Skilled in design packages and client communication. Manages administrative operations while contributing to residential and commercial design projects across the practice's portfolio.
Andrew Finn
Architectural Assistant
Recent Manchester School of Architecture graduate with construction industry background. Experienced in commercial and residential projects, with particular interest in sustainable design principles and practical application of architectural theory.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in residential architecture, commercial design, heritage conservation, listed building alterations, sustainable design, and end-to-end project management.
Do you work outside Derbyshire and Manchester?
While based in Derbyshire and Manchester, we undertake projects across the UK including Cheshire, Greater Manchester, and nationwide locations.
How do you handle listed building projects?
We have extensive experience with Grade I & II listed buildings, working closely with English Heritage and planning authorities to ensure compliant, sensitive modernisations.
What sustainability approaches do you use?
We integrate passive solar design, renewable technologies, and locally sourced materials to create energy-efficient buildings that meet modern environmental standards while maintaining architectural integrity.
How are your fees structured?
Fees are percentage-based for large projects and hourly-rated for smaller works, with transparent breakdowns of time allocation and project phases provided upfront.
Can you manage the entire building process?
Yes, we offer full project management including planning, building regulations, contractor procurement, and on-site administration through to completion.
