Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Chartered Architects in Bakewell
Established in 1959, Smith & Roper is a RIBA Chartered architectural practice renowned for its expertise in reimagining historical and listed buildings alongside crafting contemporary urban architecture. Our work spans nationally and internationally, from the Peak District to Italy and the Cayman Islands, demonstrating our adaptability to diverse environments. As a family-run business, we have cultivated enduring relationships with planning authorities, conservation officers, and craftspeople, ensuring projects align with heritage and modernity.Our portfolio encompasses conservation, commercial, ecclesiastical, and residential sectors, reflecting our comprehensive understanding of the design process. We prioritise a personal, proactive approach, managing projects from initial consultation to completion with care and enthusiasm. Our ethos centres on ethical design solutions that balance site-specific needs with user experience, driven by a commitment to sustainability and preservation of the Peak Districts natural and historical legacy.
Services
Architectural Design
Conservation Projects
Residential Extensions
Church Reordering
Commercial Architecture
Details
- Year established: 1959
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of experience in architectural design and conservation.
- Our expertise includes listed building reordering and sustainable contemporary architecture.
- We maintain strong relationships with planning and conservation authorities.
- Our small team ensures a personal, continuous approach to every project.
- We prioritise ethical design solutions aligned with site and user needs.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
What people say
Innovative schemes
Satisfied clients
Proactive approach
Expertise in sensitive environments
Highly professional
Services
Architectural Design
We create bespoke architectural designs that blend contemporary aesthetics with historical context. Our process prioritises client needs, sustainability, and regulatory compliance, ensuring innovative solutions for residential, commercial, and ecclesiastical projects. Our team manages every stage from concept to completion.
Conservation Projects
Specialising in listed buildings, we restore and adapt historical structures while preserving their integrity. Our expertise includes working with local authorities and Historic England to secure approvals, ensuring sensitive upgrades that respect original craftsmanship and materials.
Residential Extensions
We design and oversee residential extensions that enhance living spaces while harmonising with existing architecture. Our approach balances functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal, tailored to the unique character of each property and location.
Church Reordering
Our practice excels in reordering churches to meet modern needs without compromising heritage. This includes space optimisation, accessibility improvements, and integrating contemporary elements into historic settings, guided by our principals roles on Diocesan Advisory Committees.
Commercial Architecture
We deliver commercial spaces that align with business goals and environmental standards. From retail units to office conversions, our designs focus on functionality, brand identity, and long-term value, supported by our extensive industry partnerships.
People
Geoffrey Benjamin Roper
Co-Founder
Ben Roper co-founded Smith & Roper in 1959, bringing expertise in quantity surveying and design. He championed ethical architecture, mentored professionals, and ensured project excellence through meticulous oversight and diplomatic guidance until his passing in 2024.
John Smith
Co-Founder
John Smith co-founded the practice in 1959, contributing creative vision and architectural innovation. His partnership with Ben Roper balanced creativity with pragmatism, establishing the firms reputation for managing significant historical and contemporary projects.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We specialise in conservation, residential extensions, church reordering, commercial architecture, and contemporary design for historical and modern projects.
Do you work outside the UK?
Yes, we have completed projects in Ireland, Italy, the Channel Islands, and the Cayman Islands, alongside UK-based work.
How experienced are your architects?
With over 60 years of combined experience, our team has managed complex projects since 1959, including listed buildings and ecclesiastical spaces.
How do you approach sustainability?
We integrate sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs while preserving heritage, ensuring minimal environmental impact aligned with Peak District values.
Reviews (1)
Louise Loughran Smith
Jun 15, 2017
Report
Great job with our Salon refit. Always available for advice (and counselling!) Thanks so much for all your help.
