Business Details
22 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architects in York
Established in 2004 by Charlotte Harrison and Glen McGowan, Mass Architecture is a design-led practice renowned for its innovative approach to historic and contemporary architecture. Based in York since 2009, we specialise in extending, refurbishing, and adapting heritage buildings while creating modern structures within historic contexts. Our team combines over two decades of expertise with a collaborative ethos, delivering award-winning projects across residential, commercial, and community sectors. We prioritise client collaboration, ensuring designs balance functionality, aesthetics, and budgetary considerations. With a deep understanding of conservation principles and modern construction techniques, we transform challenges into opportunities for lasting architectural legacy.Our reputation is built on testimonials from satisfied clients, including developers, private homeowners, and cultural institutions. We pride ourselves on technical excellence, creative problem-solving, and fostering long-term relationships through transparency and reliability. From initial concept to project completion, our process integrates meticulous planning, skilled execution, and ongoing communication to exceed expectations. Recognised for our work in Yorkshire and beyond, we remain committed to advancing sustainable practices and community-focused design solutions.
Services
Residential Extensions
Historic Conservation
Commercial Architecture
Community Projects
Planning Consultancy
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in historic and contemporary architecture
- Our team holds specialist expertise in Listed Building conservation
- We provide tailored design solutions with collaborative client engagement
- Award-winning practice with proven regional and national project success
- Our process integrates technical precision with creative innovation
What people say
Creative eye for design
Fantastic tradespeople
Sympathetic to conservation area
Transformed derelict barn
Honest and truthful
Services
Historic Conservation
Specialist conservation of listed buildings and historic structures. Our team combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to preserve architectural integrity while meeting contemporary needs. Expertise in navigating planning regulations for heritage sites.
Residential Extensions
Tailored extensions for period properties and modern homes. We create functional, aesthetically cohesive spaces that enhance property value while respecting original architectural character and local conservation guidelines.
Commercial Architecture
Design solutions for commercial developments including offices, retail spaces, and hospitality venues. Focus on creating inspiring environments that support business objectives while complying with regulatory requirements and accessibility standards.
Community Projects
Architecture for cultural and community facilities including theatres, community centres, and religious buildings. Emphasis on inclusive design that meets diverse user needs and fosters social engagement within historic contexts.
Planning Consultancy
Expert guidance through planning applications and listed building consent processes. We prepare detailed submissions, liaise with authorities, and develop strategies to secure approvals for complex heritage and new-build projects.
People
Charlotte Harrison
Partner
Founding partner with 20+ years' experience in design and refurbishment. Specialises in commercial and residential projects, with prior teaching roles at leading UK universities. Holds architecture degree from Leeds Metropolitan University.
Glen McGowan
Partner
Conservation specialist with Masters in Conservation Studies from University of York. Expert in historic buildings and ecclesiastical architecture. Former chair of Friends of York Walls charity. Qualified architect from Westminster University.
Ross Harrison
Senior Architect
Residential design expert with technical construction knowledge. Qualified architect (2019) and 10+ years' experience in commercial and industrial projects. Focuses on detailed execution and client-focused solutions for home transformations.
Nick Walters
Architectural Assistant
Senior assistant with RIBA Parts 1 and 2 qualifications from Welsh School of Architecture. Experience in modular buildings and care homes. Brings creative multimedia skills from festival art installations to architectural visualisation.
Murray Taylor
Architectural Technologist
BIM specialist with international experience on landmark projects including Battersea Power Station. Graduated from South Africa's University of Pretoria. Expert in technical detailing and digital construction workflows for complex developments.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in historic building conservation, residential extensions, commercial architecture, and community projects within historic contexts.
Do you have experience with Listed Buildings?
Yes, our team has extensive expertise in working with Listed Buildings, including securing necessary consents and implementing sympathetic renovations.
How do you approach client collaboration?
We use a tailored, collaborative process involving regular consultations to ensure designs meet client needs while maintaining architectural integrity.
Which areas do you serve?
Primarily Yorkshire and the North of England, though we undertake select projects nationally based on project requirements.
Can you assist with planning permissions?
Yes, we provide comprehensive planning consultancy services including applications for listed building consent and navigating local regulations.
What makes your practice unique?
Our combination of conservation expertise, modern design approach, and client-focused service distinguishes us in delivering architectural legacy projects.
