Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Architectural Design & Heritage Consultancy in Canterbury
Anthony Swaine has built a long-established reputation as a specialist architectural practice committed to traditional and classical design, historic building conservation, and thoughtful urban design within historic contexts. Founded in 1945 by renowned Conservation Architect Anthony Swaine, the practice continues under directors David Stere and Clive Bowley, who bring decades of expertise in architectural and conservation fields. We specialise in works involving traditional joinery detailing, oak-framed construction, and building repair, alongside contemporary design projects where historic sensitivity informs modern solutions. Our office, located in a medieval bastion tower within Canterburys historic city walls, reflects our deep connection to the heritage we preserve. We produce high-quality architectural drawings for planning, historic detailing, and construction, ensuring meticulous attention to design intent throughout the building process.Our heritage consultancy services include Historic Building Reports, Conservation Plans, and Heritage Impact Assessments for private clients, professionals, and local authorities. With a focus on respecting the character of existing structures, we balance traditional craftsmanship with contemporary needs to create harmonious interventions. Our team of seven professionals combines technical skill with a shared philosophy that values the beauty of ancient buildings and the urban environments they shape. We are dedicated to delivering architectural excellence that preserves historic integrity while addressing modern functional requirements.
Services
Architectural Design
Heritage Consultancy
Historic Building Reports
Traditional Joinery Detailing
Urban Design
Building Repair
Oak-Framed Construction
Planning Advice
Conservation Plans
Impact Assessments
Details
- Year established: 1945
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of combined experience in architectural and conservation fields.
- Our directors are certified experts with extensive historic building consultancy expertise.
- We produce highly detailed architectural drawings ensuring design integrity from concept to completion.
- Our heritage consultancy services meet professional standards for Historic Building Reports and Impact Assessments.
- We operate from a medieval bastion tower, demonstrating our deep connection to historic architecture.
Associations and certifications
- Institute of Historic Building Consultants
Services
Architectural Design
We offer comprehensive architectural design services spanning traditional and contemporary projects. Our approach ensures that all interventions respect historic contexts while meeting modern needs. With expertise in oak-framed construction and traditional joinery, our designs prioritise craftsmanship and functional longevity.
Heritage Consultancy
Our heritage consultancy provides expert guidance on preserving historic structures. Services include Conservation Plans and Heritage Impact Assessments that meet professional standards. We advise private clients, local authorities, and other professionals on best practices for maintaining architectural integrity.
Historic Building Reports
We prepare detailed Historic Building Reports that document architectural features and condition assessments. These reports inform conservation strategies and planning applications, ensuring accurate understanding and preservation of significant structures for future generations.
Traditional Joinery Detailing
Specialising in traditional joinery, we create precise detailing for timber-framed buildings and historic renovations. Our expertise ensures structural integrity while maintaining aesthetic continuity with original craftsmanship. This service supports both conservation and new build projects requiring authentic methods.
Urban Design
Our urban design services focus on enhancing historic environments through sensitive planning solutions. We balance modern development needs with preservation of character in settlements, creating coherent spaces that respect historical layouts and architectural context.
People
David Stere
Director
David Stere qualified in 2003 and has worked at Anthony Swaine since. He oversees architectural design, project management, and 3D visualisation. With expertise in construction processes, he ensures design intent translates into high-quality completed works.
Clive Bowley
Director
Clive Bowley is a member of the Institute of Historic Building Consultants and former Principal Conservation Officer at Canterbury City Council. He brings 30 years of conservation experience, specialising in traditional architectural detailing and heritage consultancy across diverse projects.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in traditional and contemporary architectural design, heritage consultancy, historic building reports, traditional joinery detailing, and urban design within historic contexts.
Do you work on modern projects as well as historic buildings?
Yes, while we specialise in historic buildings, we also undertake contemporary designs, applying our attention to detail and respect for context to all projects.
Can you assist with planning applications for historic properties?
Yes, we provide planning advice, Heritage Impact Assessments, and Conservation Plans to support planning applications for historic buildings and areas.
Where is your office located?
Our office is located within a medieval bastion tower on Pound Lane, Canterbury, reflecting our connection to historic architecture.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily Canterbury and Kent, though our heritage consultancy services extend to clients and authorities across the UK.
