Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Educational Architects in Cambridge
Established in 1956, LGH Architects (LGH) is a Cambridge-based architectural practice with a distinguished history of delivering innovative educational spaces. Our expertise spans over six decades, during which we have completed more than 200 education commissions, including new schools, teaching blocks, and refurbishment projects. We combine visionary design with pragmatic solutions to create environments that enhance learning outcomes and well-being. Our team provides Director-level input at every project stage, ensuring passion, commitment, and technical excellence. With a proven track record in securing planning consents on challenging sites and preparing successful capital funding bids, we prioritise sustainable materials and passive design strategies to deliver cost-effective, future-ready buildings.Our clients include public and private entities across nursery, primary, secondary, and further education sectors. Recognised for transformative designs that have contributed to Ofsted 'outstanding' ratings, we maintain long-standing partnerships with quantity surveyors and stakeholders to ensure budget certainty and project viability. Our approach balances creativity with affordability, treating each project as unique while maintaining rigorous attention to detail.
Services
Educational Architecture
School Design
Sustainable Design
Planning Applications
Capital Funding Bids
Feasibility Studies
Building Refurbishment
Details
- Year established: 1956
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of specialist experience in educational architecture
- Director-level input provided at all project stages
- Proven success in securing planning consents on challenging sites
- Specialists in BB103 compliance and education funding bid preparation
- Sustainable design solutions with cost-effective implementation
What people say
Stimulating learning environment
Immediately loved by school community
Excellent support throughout
Creative solutions to challenges
Trusted partner for estates strategy
Services
Educational Architecture
We specialise in creating innovative educational spaces that enhance learning outcomes. Our architects deliver tailored solutions for new schools, teaching blocks, and refurbishment projects. With expertise in BB103 compliance and educational capacity assessments, we ensure designs meet both regulatory requirements and pedagogical needs while maintaining aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency.
Planning Applications
Our team secures planning consents for complex education projects. We prepare comprehensive applications with strategic site analysis and feasibility studies. With a strong track record on challenging sites, we navigate regulatory processes to achieve approvals while aligning with client objectives and budget constraints through collaborative stakeholder engagement.
Sustainable Design
We integrate passive design strategies and sustainable materials into all projects. Our approach balances environmental responsibility with cost-effectiveness, incorporating energy-efficient systems and renewable resources. This creates healthy learning environments that reduce operational costs while meeting modern sustainability standards and future-proofing educational facilities.
Capital Funding Bids
We prepare successful capital funding proposals for educational institutions. Our services include strategic development planning, feasibility studies, and evidence-based submissions demonstrating project viability. We help clients secure necessary approvals by aligning proposals with funding priorities while maintaining design integrity and budgetary control throughout the process.
Feasibility Studies
We conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate project potential before development. Our studies analyse site suitability, budget parameters, and regulatory requirements while exploring design options. This ensures informed decision-making and risk mitigation, providing clients with clear pathways for successful implementation aligned with their educational vision and resource capabilities.
People
David Carmichael
Practice Director
BA Hons, Dip Arch. Joined LGH in 1991 and became third-generation Director in 2002. Specialises in school design, sports facilities, and retail projects. Combines hands-on approach with strategic oversight to ensure quality delivery across diverse project scales and complexities.
Questions
What specialisms does LGH Architects offer?
We specialise in educational architecture, including school design, refurbishment projects, and compliance with BB103 guidelines for mainstream schools.
How experienced is LGH in education sector projects?
With over 60 years' experience and 200+ education commissions, including five new schools and numerous teaching blocks and refurbishments.
Can LGH help with planning consents for challenging sites?
Yes, we have an excellent track record of securing planning consents on contentious sites through tailored design solutions.
Do you work with both public and private sector clients?
Yes, we collaborate with local authorities, academy trusts, independent schools, and private education providers across all sectors.
What sustainable design approaches do you use?
We employ natural passive strategies, sustainable materials, and alternative energy systems while maintaining cost-effectiveness and practical affordability.
Can you assist with capital funding applications?
Yes, we have a proven record preparing successful capital funding bids with strategic development planning and feasibility studies.
