Business Details
29 Years
experience
Expert Historic & Contemporary Architects in Buxton
Established in 1997, our practice specialises in the repair, conservation, and extension of historic buildings. We combine meticulous research with contemporary design to deliver award-winning solutions that preserve architectural heritage while meeting modern needs. Our team collaborates with a network of skilled craftsmen to ensure the integrity of historic structures during complex projects. We have secured numerous Planning and Listed Building Consents where others have failed, demonstrating our expertise in navigating regulatory challenges. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates planners, archaeologists, historians, and engineers to address both economic and architectural requirements. We work with private clients, public organisations, and heritage bodies, including Historic England and local authorities.Our services span condition surveys, conservation plans, three-dimensional modelling, and structural stabilisation. Clients praise our technical proficiency, attention to detail, and ability to source specialist contractors. We have completed high-profile projects such as Frederick's Gelateria and St John the Baptist Chapel, earning recognition from the Peak District National Park Authority and the Friends of the Peak District Countryside Awards. Our commitment to preserving historic integrity while introducing thoughtful modern interventions has solidified our reputation as leaders in heritage architecture.
Services
Historic Building Repair
Conservation Plans
Architectural Surveys
Planning Consents
Visitor Centre Design
Structural Stabilisation
Heritage Statements
Three-Dimensional Modelling
Industrial Archaeology
Interior Reinstatement
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in historic building conservation.
- Our team includes RIBA-accredited specialists and AABC-registered architects.
- We secure complex Planning and Listed Building Consents successfully.
- We collaborate with a network of traditional craftsmen and specialists.
- Our projects have won design commendations from heritage authorities.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- AABC
What people say
Careful and diligent approach
Secured 200,000 English Heritage grant
Excellent knowledge of architectural history
High-quality structural repairs
Thoughtful modern interventions
Services
Historic Building Repair
Specialist repair of listed buildings, churches, and industrial archaeology using traditional techniques. We remove adverse elements, reinstate lost architectural features, and ensure structural integrity. Clients benefit from our deep understanding of historic materials and compliance with heritage regulations.
Planning Consents
Securing Planning and Listed Building Consents for complex projects. Our meticulous research and documentation address regulatory challenges, ensuring compliance while preserving architectural significance. We negotiate with authorities to achieve approvals where others have failed.
Visitor Centre Design
Designing contemporary visitor centres within historic environments. We integrate modern services while respecting conservation areas, as seen in projects like the Parsley Hay Visitor Centre. Our solutions balance functionality with aesthetic harmony in protected landscapes.
Architectural Surveys
Detailed condition surveys and repair schedules for historic structures. We coordinate emergency stabilisation and produce maintenance programmes tailored to each building's needs. Our surveys inform grant applications and long-term conservation strategies.
Interior Reinstatement
Reinstating authentic interior details like period joinery, plasterwork, and historic paint schemes. We use traditional materials and techniques to restore original features while integrating modern requirements for usability and safety.
People
Adam Bench
Director
RIBA and AABC-accredited architect with over 25 years' experience in historic building conservation. Led award-winning projects including Frederick's Gelateria and St John the Baptist Chapel. Specialises in securing complex planning consents and heritage-led regeneration.
Raida Kassim-Bench
Director
RIBA-registered architect focusing on the integration of modern design within historic contexts. Oversees multidisciplinary teams for large-scale conservation projects. Expert in materials analysis and sourcing traditional craftsmanship for heritage schemes.
James Graham
Associate
MArch-qualified architect with expertise in three-dimensional modelling for historic structures. Manages documentation and feasibility studies for conservation projects. Skilled in producing heritage statements and public access plans.
Andrew Harris
Architect
Architect with a focus on industrial archaeology and ecclesiastical buildings. Conducts detailed condition surveys and prepares repair specifications. Collaborates with engineers to ensure structural stability in historic contexts.
Neil Green
Architect
DipArch-qualified architect specialising in the conservation of country houses and listed residential properties. Coordinates with local contractors for traditional building techniques and material sourcing.
Questions
What types of buildings do you specialise in?
We focus on listed buildings, churches, country houses, industrial archaeology, and conservation areas. Our expertise includes both private residences and public heritage sites.
Can you help secure planning permissions for historic properties?
Yes, we specialise in obtaining Planning and Listed Building Consents, using detailed research and negotiation skills to achieve approvals for complex heritage projects.
Do you work with traditional craftsmen?
We collaborate with a network of specialist contractors and craftspeople skilled in historic building techniques, ensuring authentic repairs and conservation.
What regions do you cover?
We operate across Derbyshire, Peak District, Staffordshire, Cheshire, and South Yorkshire, with experience in both rural and urban heritage environments.
Have you won any architectural awards?
Our projects, including Frederick's Gelateria and St John the Baptist Chapel, have received commendations from the Peak District National Park Authority and heritage organisations.
Can you design contemporary structures in historic settings?
Yes, we create modern interventions like visitor centres and extensions that respect historic contexts while meeting contemporary functional requirements.
