Business Details
50+ Years
experience
RIBA Chartered Architects in Saffron Walden
Established in Saffron Walden in 1956, Donald Purkiss & Associates have built a reputation for delivering bespoke architectural solutions across residential and listed building projects. Our practice combines deep expertise in traditional vernacular design with a forward-thinking approach to contemporary architecture, ensuring each project respects its context while meeting modern needs. With decades of experience in Essex and surrounding counties, we specialise in creating harmonious spaces that blend historic detailing with innovative materials and construction methods.Our team, led by RIBA-chartered architects, prioritises a collaborative design process, working closely with clients to translate their visions into functional, aesthetically considered buildings. From initial concept to project completion, we maintain a commitment to technical excellence, local planning knowledge, and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every scheme achieves lasting value for our clients.
Services
Residential Architecture
Listed Building Renovations
Barn Conversions
Contemporary Extensions
Conservation Projects
New Build Houses
Technical Drawings
Planning Applications
Construction Specifications
Details
- Year established: 1956
Highlights and features
- We have over 65 years of experience in residential and listed building architecture.
- Our team includes RIBA-chartered architects with specialist knowledge of local planning policies.
- We combine traditional detailing with modern construction techniques for unique solutions.
- We maintain a collaborative design process to fully realise client aspirations.
- Our technical expertise ensures meticulous construction detailing and project delivery.
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Services
Residential Architecture
We create tailored residential designs for new builds and renovations, blending traditional aesthetics with modern functionality. Our approach prioritises spatial efficiency, material selection, and compliance with local planning policies. Clients benefit from our deep understanding of vernacular architecture and contemporary construction techniques to deliver homes that exceed expectations.
Listed Building Renovations
Specialist conservation work for listed properties, ensuring historical integrity while introducing modern improvements. Our expertise includes repairing traditional materials, navigating planning constraints, and integrating discreet upgrades. We maintain strong relationships with conservation officers to achieve successful outcomes that preserve architectural heritage and enhance usability.
Contemporary Extensions
Innovative extension designs that complement existing structures while introducing modern elements. We focus on creating seamless transitions between old and new through careful material selection and spatial planning. Our solutions maximise natural light, improve functionality, and maintain architectural coherence for both domestic and commercial contexts.
Technical Drawings
Detailed architectural drawings and specifications for planning, building regulations, and construction. Our documentation covers structural details, material junctions, and service integration to ensure precise execution. We produce comprehensive packages that facilitate accurate tendering and smooth project delivery for builders and contractors.
Planning Applications
End-to-end support for planning and listed building consent applications. We prepare detailed submissions including design statements, heritage assessments, and 3D visualisations. Our local authority expertise streamlines approvals for complex projects, ensuring compliance with conservation area requirements and permitted development guidelines.
People
Peter Stollery
Partner
Qualified architect with over 20 years' experience at the practice. Specialises in residential detailing and project management. Joint practice leader since 2022, combining imaginative design with practical construction knowledge gained through personal building projects.
Gideon Brimmer
Partner
RIBA-chartered architect leading contemporary design initiatives. Joined in 2004 and developed modern extension expertise. Co-leader since 2022, bringing advanced knowledge of current architectural trends and technical innovation to the practice's traditional foundations.
Harrison Smith
Architect
RIBA member with specialist skills in detailed design execution. Qualified in 2023 after joining in 2017. Focuses on translating conceptual ideas into precise architectural solutions, ensuring high-quality outcomes across residential and conservation projects.
Peter Purkiss
Consultant Architect
Third-generation architect who led the practice for 36 years. Now provides specialist guidance as a consultant. Instrumental in establishing the firm's reputation for vernacular housing while maintaining openness to contemporary approaches in appropriate contexts.
Drusilla Davies
Architectural Technologist
Experienced technologist supporting detailed drawing production. Joined part-time in 2022, contributing technical expertise to ensure construction drawings meet regulatory requirements while maintaining design integrity across diverse project types.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We focus on residential projects including new builds, extensions, listed building renovations, and barn conversions. Our expertise covers both traditional vernacular designs and contemporary architectural solutions across Essex and surrounding areas.
How do you approach listed building projects?
Our conservation work prioritises historical integrity while introducing necessary modernisations. We combine traditional material knowledge with modern techniques, working closely with local authorities to achieve sensitive, compliant renovations that enhance usability without compromising heritage value.
Can you assist with planning applications?
Yes, we provide full planning support including pre-application consultations, heritage assessments, and 3D visualisations. Our local authority relationships help navigate complex approval processes for both standard extensions and sensitive conservation area projects.
What areas do you cover?
Primarily Essex with particular focus on Saffron Walden and surrounding regions. We also work in adjacent counties for significant projects, leveraging our understanding of local architectural character and planning policies to deliver context-appropriate designs.
How does your design process work?
We begin with site visits to understand client needs, followed by sketch proposals and planning submissions. Detailed technical drawings then guide construction, with optional contract administration services ensuring design intent is maintained throughout project delivery.
Do you work with small-scale developers?
Yes, we welcome projects ranging from single-house commissions to developments of up to twelve units. Our local planning expertise and flexible design approach suit both private homeowners and small developers seeking quality architectural solutions.
