Business Details
Chartered Architects in Macclesfield | Thinkingpencil
Thinkingpencil is a chartered architectural practice based in Macclesfield, Cheshire, with over four decades of experience in residential and commercial design. Founded by Mark A Burgess, a RIBA-registered architect, the practice specialises in creating tailored, sustainable solutions that balance functionality, aesthetics, and budgetary constraints. Our expertise spans new builds, renovations, and extensions, with a focus on compliance with building regulations and planning policies, including work in conservation areas. We prioritise direct client collaboration, offering services from initial concept workshops to full project management, ensuring designs reflect individual needs while adhering to legal and environmental standards.Our portfolio includes award-winning projects that demonstrate a commitment to innovation, such as Passivhaus-standard buildings and adaptive reuse of historic structures. We work closely with a network of trusted professionals, including structural engineers and planning consultants, to deliver cohesive, high-quality outcomes. Client satisfaction is central to our approach, with a track record of transparent communication, value-driven design, and post-project support.
Services
Residential Design
Commercial Architecture
Renovation Projects
Sustainable Design
Planning Applications
Conservation Area Work
Loft Conversions
Extension Design
Principal Designer Services
Building Regulations Compliance
Highlights and features
- We offer 40 years of experience in residential and commercial architecture.
- Our client-focused approach ensures tailored solutions aligned with individual needs.
- We specialise in navigating complex planning and building regulations.
- Sustainable design expertise, including Passivhaus-standard projects.
- Direct collaboration with the principal architect ensures consistent oversight.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- Architects Registration Board
Services
Residential Design
We create bespoke residential designs tailored to client needs, focusing on spatial efficiency, natural light, and aesthetic harmony. Our projects include new builds, extensions, and renovations, with expertise in conservation areas and listed buildings. Sustainability and compliance with building regulations are integral to every design.
Planning Applications
Our team navigates complex planning processes, from pre-application consultations to securing approvals. We specialise in overcoming challenges in conservation areas and ensuring designs meet local authority requirements, minimising delays and maximising success rates for residential and commercial developments.
Sustainable Design
We integrate energy-efficient technologies and materials to reduce carbon footprints, including Passivhaus standards and renewable energy systems. Our approach balances environmental responsibility with cost-effectiveness, ensuring long-term savings and compliance with evolving green legislation for residential and commercial clients.
Renovation Projects
We transform existing properties through strategic renovations that enhance functionality and value. Services include internal reconfiguration, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, and structural modifications, all managed with minimal disruption to occupants while adhering to safety and regulatory standards.
Principal Designer Services
As Principal Designer, we coordinate health and safety compliance and building regulations adherence for domestic and commercial projects. This includes risk management, design coordination, and site inspections to ensure architectural integrity and legal compliance throughout construction phases.
People
Mark A Burgess
Chartered Architect
Mark Burgess is a RIBA-registered architect with over 40 years of experience in residential and commercial design. He specialises in sustainable architecture, planning compliance, and client-focused solutions, leading projects from concept to completion while maintaining direct engagement with clients and contractors.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We specialise in residential and commercial design, renovations, planning applications, sustainable architecture, and Principal Designer services for compliance and project management.
How do you ensure projects meet planning regulations?
We conduct thorough pre-application consultations, address local authority requirements, and design solutions that align with conservation and zoning laws to secure approvals efficiently.
Can you assist with sustainable building designs?
Yes, we integrate energy-efficient systems, renewable materials, and Passivhaus standards to create eco-friendly buildings that reduce environmental impact and operational costs.
What areas do you serve?
We operate across Northwest England, including Macclesfield, Cheshire, Manchester, and surrounding regions, with experience in both urban and rural developments.
How do you manage client collaboration?
We prioritise direct communication, offering tailored workshops and regular updates to align designs with client goals, budgets, and timelines throughout the project lifecycle.
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Reviews (2)
Laura Bale
Jan 25, 2022
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We contacted Mark with the view to having a loft conversion. Mark was really professional and helpful - he gave good guidance on how to best optimise the space, as well as giving us some new ideas to think over. We are very grateful for his knowledge and expertise, and would highly recommend!
Karen D.
Nov 04, 2020
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Mark was very friendly and professional. Listened to our ideas and came back with an amazing design we are very excited with. He can think outside the box and gave highly detailed sketches for us to visualise our dream!
Overall, we would recommend Mark if you are looking for an experienced, creative and professional architect.
Overall, we would recommend Mark if you are looking for an experienced, creative and professional architect.
