Business Details
Award-Winning Residential & Cultural Architects in Somerset
Louise Crossman Architects is a design-led practice specialising in private residential and cultural architecture across the South West of England. With studios in Somerset and Devon, we combine deep local knowledge with a commitment to sustainable design and sensitive modern interventions. Our team brings decades of experience working within National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, delivering projects that balance heritage with contemporary living. We prioritise close client collaboration, ensuring each scheme reflects individual needs while respecting its environmental context.Our expertise in listed buildings and traditional materials is complemented by a forward-thinking approach to energy efficiency and craftsmanship. As an Employee Ownership Trust, we foster long-term growth and shared success, maintaining a collaborative studio culture where creativity and technical excellence thrive. Our reputation for planning success and high-quality outcomes is built on trusted relationships with clients, consultants, and skilled local craftspeople.
Services
Residential Architecture
Cultural Projects
Listed Building Refurbishment
Sustainable Design
Planning Consultation
Highlights and features
- We offer 26+ years of experience in sensitive landscape architecture
- Our team holds RIBA-accredited qualifications with specialist planning expertise
- We maintain a 95% planning approval success rate in protected areas
- Our practice combines heritage conservation with modern sustainable design
- We operate a collaborative studio model with direct director involvement
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
What people say
Delighted with our home
Flows better, is lighter
Enviable reputation
Creative, focused
Thriving environment
Services
Residential Architecture
We create bespoke residential schemes tailored to clients' lifestyles and site contexts. Our approach combines modern spatial solutions with traditional craftsmanship, ensuring homes that are both functional and aesthetically striking. Specialising in challenging locations, we deliver contemporary extensions and new builds that enhance their surroundings.
Listed Building Refurbishment
Our expertise in historic structures ensures sensitive renovations that preserve architectural integrity while meeting modern needs. We navigate complex planning requirements to breathe new life into protected buildings, maintaining original materials and craftsmanship throughout the restoration process.
Sustainable Design
We integrate energy-efficient solutions and natural materials to create environmentally responsible buildings. Our designs maximise passive solar gain, incorporate renewable technologies, and prioritise low-impact construction methods without compromising aesthetic quality or client requirements.
Planning Consultation
We specialise in securing approvals for projects in protected landscapes and conservation areas. Our deep understanding of local authority requirements and proven track record ensures smooth navigation of planning processes for both residential and commercial developments.
Cultural Projects
We design cultural and community buildings that respond to their social and environmental context. Our projects include arts venues, educational facilities, and public spaces that foster engagement while maintaining architectural integrity and sustainability.
People
Louise Crossman
Director
BSc, Dipl Arch, RIBA. Louise leads contemporary architectural projects rooted in regional landscape and materials. With extensive experience in historic buildings and complex developments, she ensures design excellence from concept to completion while maintaining practical implementation standards.
Charlie Ardren
Director
BA, MArch, PGcert. Charlie specialises in rural contemporary design and listed buildings. His meticulous approach combines material innovation with contextual sensitivity, delivering technically rigorous solutions that meet client aspirations and regulatory requirements.
Richard Ellis
Senior Architect
BA, Dipl Arch, PG Cert. With 26+ years' experience, Richard excels in resolving complex briefs for listed buildings and bespoke homes. His expertise in material relationships ensures clarity and precision in every project aspect, from initial concept to final detailing.
Amanda Draper
Architect
FdA, BA, MArch. Amanda brings interior design expertise to sensitive location projects. Her understanding of planning authorities and material selection enhances both heritage and contemporary schemes, ensuring cohesive design outcomes that meet regulatory standards.
Jacky Fletcher
Practice Manager
BSc, FCCA. Jacky oversees daily operations with financial expertise, ensuring smooth project delivery. Her management supports creative teams while maintaining business efficiency, contributing to the practice's long-term stability and growth.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We focus on residential architecture, cultural projects, listed building refurbishments, and sustainable design within protected landscapes across Devon and Somerset.
Do you work outside the South West region?
Our expertise is rooted in the South West, where we deliver projects exclusively. This local focus ensures deep understanding of regional planning requirements and material traditions.
Can you help with planning in protected areas?
Yes, we specialise in securing approvals within National Parks and AONBs, with a 95% success rate for planning applications in sensitive landscapes.
How do you incorporate sustainability?
We integrate passive design, renewable technologies, and natural materials to create energy-efficient buildings that maintain architectural integrity and environmental responsibility.
What career opportunities exist at your practice?
We offer roles for experienced architects and assistants, with training in Vectorworks and Mac OS. As an Employee Ownership Trust, staff share in our long-term success.
