Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Architects for Church & Conservation Projects
Architects Knox & Markwell is a chartered architectural practice registered with the Architects Registration Board, RIBA, RIAI, and RSUA. Established in 1972, we specialise in church design, conservation architecture, and project management for community, private, and commercial sectors. Our expertise spans ecclesiastical, residential, and commercial projects, including new builds, refurbishments, and heritage preservation. With decades of experience, we deliver tailored solutions for clients ranging from private homeowners to community groups and religious organisations. Our team combines technical proficiency with a deep understanding of cultural and historical contexts. We prioritise client collaboration, ensuring projects meet functional, aesthetic, and budgetary requirements.Our portfolio includes award-winning church renovations, bespoke housing, and conservation projects across Northern Ireland and beyond. As a mid-sized practice, we balance scalability with personalised service, maintaining a commitment to quality and innovation. Our work reflects a philosophy of respecting tradition while embracing modern design principles. We are dedicated to advancing sustainable practices within architectural conservation and new construction. This enduring ethos has positioned us as trusted advisors in both local and national architectural projects.
Services
Church Design
Conservation Architecture
Project Management
Planning Consultancy
Private Housing
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- Chartered architects with 50+ years of combined experience in ecclesiastical and conservation projects
- Registered with all four UK and Ireland architectural bodies for professional credibility
- Proven track record managing complex church renovations and heritage-sensitive developments
- Specialist expertise in balancing historical preservation with modern functional requirements
- Dedicated client-focused approach with transparent communication throughout project lifecycles
Associations and certifications
- Architects Registration Board
- RIBA
- RIAI
- RSUA
Services
Church Design
Specialist church architecture encompassing new builds, extensions, and adaptive reuse of historic religious buildings. Our approach balances liturgical requirements with modern accessibility standards while preserving spiritual character. We manage full project lifecycles from initial feasibility studies to final construction oversight.
Conservation Architecture
Expert conservation services for listed buildings and heritage sites, including condition assessments, traditional material restoration, and sympathetic modern interventions. We specialise in maintaining historical integrity while meeting contemporary usage needs through meticulous research and craftsmanship.
Project Management
Comprehensive project management covering feasibility analysis, budget planning, statutory approvals, and contractor coordination. Our team ensures seamless execution from concept to completion, maintaining strict quality control and adherence to timelines across all project phases.
Planning Consultancy
Strategic planning guidance for complex projects including pre-application discussions, statutory compliance, and design optimisation. We navigate local authority requirements to secure approvals for sensitive sites while maximising development potential within regulatory frameworks.
Private Housing
Custom residential architecture for new homes and extensions, blending aesthetic appeal with functional living spaces. We cater to self-builders and developers, delivering energy-efficient designs that respond to site-specific contexts and client lifestyle requirements.
People
Brian Knox
Partner
Chartered architect with 40+ years' experience in ecclesiastical design and heritage projects. Leads complex church renovations and conservation schemes, maintaining architectural integrity while addressing modern functionality requirements.
Clyde Markwell
Partner
Specialises in residential architecture and commercial developments. Oversees project management for private housing schemes and mixed-use developments, ensuring technical excellence and client satisfaction across all project stages.
Judith Hamilton
Partner
Conservation specialist with expertise in listed building restorations. Focuses on sustainable preservation techniques and adaptive reuse projects, particularly in ecclesiastical and community heritage contexts.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in church design, conservation architecture, and project management for residential, commercial, and community sectors.
How experienced are your architects in church projects?
Since 1972, we've completed over 30 ecclesiastical projects including new builds, renovations, and heritage-sensitive restorations across Ireland.
Can you handle conservation projects for listed buildings?
Yes, our team has specialist expertise in heritage preservation, including Grade A listed buildings and conservation area developments.
Do you work outside Northern Ireland?
While based in Bangor, we undertake projects throughout Ireland, with recent commissions in Dublin, Antrim, and Down.
What project management services do you offer?
We provide end-to-end project management including feasibility studies, planning applications, budget control, and construction oversight.
