Business Details
18 Years
experience
Spirit Architecture | RIBA Chartered Practice in the Cotswolds
Spirit Architecture was founded in 2008 with a clear vision to deliver high-quality architectural design rooted in creativity and technical expertise. As a RIBA Chartered Practice, we adhere to rigorous professional standards, ensuring excellence in conservation, restoration, and sustainable design. Our work spans historic buildings, residential projects, and contemporary developments across the Cotswolds, London, and nationwide. We prioritise collaboration, working closely with clients and construction teams to develop tailored solutions that address individual needs. Our approach balances traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, particularly focusing on low-carbon building practices that future-proof structures while preserving their cultural significance.With over 15 years of experience, we combine deep sector knowledge with a commitment to transparency, offering free initial consultations to understand client aspirations. Our expertise extends to Grade I listed estates, Heritage Lottery Funded projects, and ecclesiastical architecture, reflecting a diverse portfolio of completed works. We maintain strong relationships with specialist consultants and contractors to deliver comprehensive support. Our values of creativity, collaboration, helpfulness, and authenticity underpin every interaction, ensuring clients receive honest, client-centric service. Based in the Cotswolds, our practice serves clients nationwide, driven by a passion for architecture that enhances lives and communities.
Services
Historic Buildings Consultancy
Small Renovations
Listed Buildings
Barn Conversions
House Extensions
Church Architecture
Conservation Architecture
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We are a RIBA Chartered Practice established in 2008 with proven expertise in conservation architecture
- Our team includes an RIBA Accredited Conservation Architect with 15+ years of specialist experience
- We offer free one-hour initial consultations to understand your project requirements
- Our work combines traditional craftsmanship with sustainable, low-carbon building solutions
- We maintain direct client relationships and collaborate with trusted construction specialists
Associations and certifications
- RIBA Chartered Practice
Services
Historic Buildings Consultancy
Our historic buildings consultancy provides expert guidance for preserving and adapting traditional structures. With RIBA Accredited Conservation Architect status, we specialise in maintaining architectural integrity while meeting modern requirements. Clients benefit from tailored solutions for listed buildings and heritage sites across the UK, ensuring compliance with planning regulations while implementing sustainable practices.
Conservation Architecture
Specialist conservation architecture services focus on restoring and maintaining historic buildings. We work on Grade I listed estates and Heritage Lottery Funded projects, combining traditional techniques with modern sustainability principles. Our approach preserves cultural significance while ensuring structures meet contemporary needs through careful material selection and building fabric analysis.
Barn Conversions
Tailored barn conversion solutions transform agricultural buildings into functional living spaces. We manage listed building consents and planning permissions while maintaining original character. Our expertise includes integrating modern amenities within traditional structures, creating energy-efficient homes that respect historical context and local architectural vernacular.
Church Architecture
Church architecture services encompass restoration, reordering, and conservation projects for religious buildings. As appointed architect for 15 churches across four dioceses, we balance preservation with contemporary functionality. Our work includes managing Historic England grants and creating accessible spaces that maintain spiritual significance while improving usability.
Sustainable Design
Sustainable design services integrate low-carbon solutions with traditional building methods. We develop energy-efficient retrofit strategies and new-build designs that reduce environmental impact. Our approach combines passive design principles with modern technology to create future-proof buildings while maintaining architectural integrity across residential and heritage projects.
People
Matthew Hollingsworth
Architect
Award-winning RIBA Accredited Conservation Architect with 15+ years specialist experience. Established Spirit Architecture in 2008 after gaining conservation accreditation in 2005. Leads projects across historic buildings, churches and sustainable design while maintaining involvement in property development and construction sectors.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in conservation architecture, historic buildings consultancy, barn conversions, house extensions, and church architecture. Our expertise spans both traditional and contemporary design.
Are you a RIBA Chartered Practice?
Yes, we are a RIBA Chartered Practice established in 2008, meeting strict professional standards for design excellence and client service.
Which areas do you cover?
Based in the Cotswolds, we work across Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, London, Reading, Birmingham and nationwide for appropriate projects.
What is your design approach?
We combine traditional craftsmanship with sustainable solutions, focusing on low-carbon building practices while preserving historical significance and cultural context.
Can I request a consultation?
Yes, we offer free initial one-hour consultations to discuss your project requirements and provide tailored advice.
