Business Details
33 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Services in Nottingham & Leicester
Franklin Ellis is an employee-owned architectural practice established in 1993 by David Franklin and Andrew Ellis. With over 30 skilled professionals across offices in Nottingham and Leicester, we deliver award-winning architectural and design services nationwide. Our approach prioritises client collaboration, ensuring projects align with shared values while enhancing local communities. We combine creative design innovation with technical compliance, utilising advanced BIM workflows and sustainable practices. Recognised for excellence through numerous industry awards, our team specialises in architecture, interiors, visualisation, and masterplanning.As ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 19650-certified practitioners, we maintain rigorous quality and environmental standards. Our commitment to continuous professional development ensures cutting-edge solutions tailored to client needs. With expertise spanning hospitality, commercial, education, and healthcare sectors, we transform visions into functional, inspiring spaces. Our holistic design philosophy considers context, sustainability, and user experience, delivering projects on time and to the highest standards. This enduring focus on quality and client satisfaction has fostered long-term partnerships and industry recognition.
Services
Architecture
Interiors
Visualisation
Masterplanning
BIM
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of architectural expertise across multiple sectors
- Our BIM-certified team delivers advanced digital design solutions
- ISO 14001-accredited sustainable design practices
- Award-winning track record in design excellence and historic restoration
- Collaborative approach with direct client engagement throughout projects
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
- ISO 14001
- ISO 19650-2:2018
Services
Architecture
Our core architectural service combines creative vision with technical precision. We deliver bespoke solutions across commercial, residential, education, and healthcare sectors. Using BIM workflows and sustainable practices, we transform client visions into functional spaces. With ISO certifications and 30+ years' experience, our award-winning team ensures projects meet regulatory standards while enhancing communities. We specialise in historic restoration and modern developments.
Interiors
Creating inspiring interior environments tailored to client needs. Our BIM-integrated team designs spaces for hospitality, offices, and educational institutions. We combine material innovation with user-centric design, delivering award-winning projects for brands like Hilton and Marriott. Sustainability and accessibility are embedded in every scheme, with detailed FF&E specifications ensuring practical implementation across budgets.
Visualisation
Advanced visualisation tools enhance design communication. We produce photorealistic renders, VR walkthroughs, and animations using Enscape and TwinMotion. This service supports early stakeholder approval and planning applications. Our BIM-integrated approach ensures visual accuracy throughout the project lifecycle, from concept to marketing materials, improving client understanding and decision-making.
Masterplanning
Strategic masterplanning services creating sustainable communities. We analyse site contexts and stakeholder needs to develop future-proof frameworks. Our multidisciplinary team delivers mixed-use developments balancing commercial viability with social benefits. Expertise includes transport infrastructure, public spaces, and regeneration projects, ensuring long-term adaptability and environmental responsibility.
BIM
ISO 19650-certified BIM services from concept to handover. We use Revit and cloud collaboration tools for 3D coordination and clash detection. Our 30+ trained staff deliver COBie data and IFC models, improving construction efficiency. This digital approach enhances sustainability analysis, cost control, and facility management integration, reducing project risks and lifecycle costs through accurate information management.
People
Matthew Branton
Managing Director
Leading Franklin Ellis since 2012, Matthew brings 25+ years architectural experience. He oversees strategic direction while maintaining hands-on design involvement. His expertise spans complex commercial projects and BIM implementation. Committed to sustainable practices and staff development, he ensures the practice maintains ISO certifications and industry leadership.
Nina Roberts-James
Interior Design Lead
With 15+ years in interior architecture, Nina leads award-winning hospitality projects. She specialises in branded hotel environments for clients like Marriott. Her BIM-integrated approach ensures technical precision in FF&E specifications. Nina champions sustainable material selection and user-centric design across commercial and residential sectors.
Oliver Higgins
Senior Visualiser
Visualisation expert with 12 years' experience creating photorealistic renders and VR solutions. Oliver leads digital innovation, implementing cloud rendering and VR walkthroughs. He ensures visualisation supports early design decisions and marketing, maintaining alignment with BIM models for accuracy throughout project stages.
Sarah Boxford
Associate Director
Specialising in education sector projects, Sarah has delivered 20+ school and university buildings. Her expertise includes listed building conservation and STEAM facility design. She champions inclusive design principles and has won multiple RICS awards for educational architecture across primary and tertiary education sectors.
David Franklin
Design Consultant
Co-founder with 30+ years architectural experience. David provides strategic design guidance on complex projects. His legacy includes pioneering sustainable design approaches and historic building restoration. He maintains active involvement in key commissions, ensuring continuity of the practice's founding design philosophy.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full architectural services including design, planning, technical detailing, and project management across commercial, residential, education, and healthcare sectors.
Are you BIM-certified?
Yes, we hold ISO 19650 certification and have 30+ trained BIM professionals delivering Level 2 and 3 projects using Revit and cloud collaboration tools.
Do you work outside the East Midlands?
While based in Nottingham and Leicester, we deliver projects nationwide with recent commissions in London, Manchester, and Glasgow.
What sustainability accreditations do you hold?
We maintain ISO 14001 certification and integrate sustainable design principles across all projects, including energy efficiency and material lifecycle considerations.
How do you handle historic building projects?
Our RICS award-winning team specialises in conservation and restoration, balancing heritage requirements with modern functionality through detailed technical solutions.
Can you assist with planning applications?
Yes, we provide full planning support including visualisations, stakeholder engagement, and submission documentation to maximise approval chances.
