Business Details
37 Years
experience
Trusted Architects in East of England
Established in 1989, Barefoot & Gilles is a practice of architects, designers, and development consultants operating across the East of England. Our business-minded approach combines practical design with a proactive ethos, delivering reliable professional services tailored to client needs. With decades of collective experience, we focus on creating cost-effective, award-winning architecture that maximises return on investment. Our collaborative methodology involves clients and design partners to ensure solutions meet project briefs while maintaining high standards of buildability and sustainability. We offer expertise in sectors ranging from residential and commercial to healthcare and urban regeneration, supported by ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications.Our team integrates seasoned professionals with emerging talent, ensuring fresh perspectives grounded in technical excellence. We provide end-to-end services including site appraisals, planning applications, 3D visualisation, and project management, with a commitment to ethical practice and client satisfaction. Offices in Cambridge, Ipswich, and Bury St Edmunds enable localised service delivery across the region. Our work reflects a fabric-first approach to sustainability, prioritising energy efficiency and renewable materials. Recognised as a RIBA Registered Practice, we combine architectural innovation with over 30 years of construction industry expertise.
Services
Technical Drawing
Architectural Design
Project Management
Sustainable Design
3D Visualisation
Planning Applications
Site Appraisals
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 35 years of architectural experience across diverse sectors.
- Our ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications ensure quality and sustainability.
- We adopt a proactive approach to project delivery and problem-solving.
- Our fabric-first sustainability strategy reduces long-term energy costs.
- We provide free initial consultations with no-obligation project assessments.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- Constructionline
- ISO 9001
- ISO 14001
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design service combines creativity with technical expertise to create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces. We work across residential, commercial, and public sectors, ensuring compliance with planning regulations while maximising buildability. Our designs prioritise cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability through material selection and energy-efficient strategies.
Project Management
We oversee projects from concept to completion, ensuring timely delivery within budget. Our team coordinates contractors, manages procurement processes, and reviews construction documentation to identify issues early. This proactive approach minimises delays and ensures alignment with client objectives throughout the build phase.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainability consultants integrate environmental considerations into every project stage. We employ fabric-first principles, optimising building orientation and insulation to reduce energy consumption. Services include renewable material specification, passive solar design, and compliance with UK climate change mitigation standards for both new builds and retrofits.
3D Visualisation
We create photorealistic 3D models and virtual tours to help clients visualise projects before construction. These tools aid planning committee approvals and stakeholder engagement by demonstrating how schemes integrate with their surroundings. Our digital representations evolve alongside designs to reflect changes in real time.
Planning Applications
We prepare and submit planning applications, leveraging 30+ years of experience navigating local authority requirements. Our services include feasibility studies, desktop site analyses, and collaboration with specialist consultants to address complex planning challenges and maximise approval chances for residential or commercial developments.
People
Sarah Watts
Lead Architect
Chartered RIBA member with 20+ years' experience in residential and commercial projects. Specialises in sustainable design solutions and client-focused project delivery.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full architectural services including design, planning applications, project management, and 3D visualisation across residential, commercial, and public sectors.
Do you specialise in specific building types?
We work across open market housing, affordable housing, commercial/industrial developments, hotels, healthcare facilities, and urban regeneration projects.
How do you ensure sustainable design?
Our fabric-first approach prioritises building orientation, insulation, and renewable materials to create energy-efficient structures that meet UK climate goals.
Can you assist with planning permission?
Yes, we prepare planning applications, conduct feasibility studies, and collaborate with planning consultants to maximise approval chances for your development.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide no-obligation initial consultations to discuss your project requirements and assess how we can help achieve your goals.
Where are your offices located?
We have offices in Ipswich, Cambridge, and Bury St Edmunds, serving clients throughout the East of England region.
