Business Details
47 Years
experience
Award-Winning RIBA Chartered Architects in Devon
Established in 1979, Fearnley Lott Architects is a multidisciplinary practice dedicated to creating innovative, user-centric spaces that enhance lives and communities. Our team combines over four decades of experience with a collaborative approach, working closely with clients and end-users to deliver bespoke architectural solutions. With expertise across residential, commercial, and sustainable design sectors, we prioritise quality, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Our Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Chartered Practice status reflects our commitment to professional excellence and adherence to rigorous industry standards. We specialise in navigating complex projects, from historic conversions to modern new builds, ensuring seamless integration of design, planning, and construction.Client testimonials highlight our ability to exceed expectations through meticulous attention to detail, technical proficiency, and exceptional communication with stakeholders including local authorities and contractors. Our in-house energy assessors provide forward-thinking sustainability strategies aligned with upcoming Future Homes Standards, ensuring future-ready designs. The practice fosters a supportive workplace culture focused on staff development, work-life balance, and purpose-built facilities to maintain high service quality and client satisfaction.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Projects
Property Conversions
New Build Design
Sustainable Architecture
Planning Applications
Construction Management
Energy Assessments
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of architectural experience since 1979
- Our RIBA Chartered Practice status ensures professional excellence
- We specialise in complex projects from historic conversions to modern builds
- In-house energy assessors provide future-ready sustainability solutions
- Award-winning multidisciplinary team with strong local knowledge
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Chartered Practice
What people say
Quality and finish
Skilled interpretation of wishes
Innovative solutions
Fantastic design skills
Much admired home
Services
Residential Architecture
We create bespoke residential spaces tailored to individual client needs while respecting local contexts. Our approach combines innovative design with practical functionality, ensuring homes that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly livable. With extensive experience in new builds, extensions, and conversions, we guide clients through every stage from concept to completion.
Commercial Projects
Our commercial architecture services focus on creating functional, inspiring workspaces that enhance productivity and brand identity. We specialise in office developments, retail spaces, and mixed-use schemes, balancing commercial requirements with sustainable design principles. Our team ensures compliance with all regulatory standards while maintaining design excellence.
Sustainable Architecture
We integrate environmental considerations throughout the design process, offering energy-efficient solutions and future-ready sustainability strategies. Our in-house assessors provide SAP calculations and Part O overheating analysis, ensuring compliance with upcoming Future Homes Standards while reducing long-term environmental impact through intelligent design choices.
Planning Applications
Navigating complex planning regulations is a core strength, with expertise in securing approvals for challenging sites and heritage projects. We prepare comprehensive documentation, manage pre-application consultations, and act as client agents throughout the submission process to maximise approval chances while maintaining design integrity.
Construction Management
From technical design to on-site supervision, we provide continuous project oversight ensuring quality control and adherence to specifications. Our services include contract administration, contractor coordination, and post-occupancy evaluations, guaranteeing the final build matches the original vision while meeting all regulatory requirements.
People
Rebecca J Fearnley
Partner
RIBA-registered architect with 15+ years' experience in domestic and commercial projects. Specialises in bespoke design and conservation, bringing projects from concept to completion while maintaining strong client relationships and regulatory compliance.
David W Lott
Partner
Architect with 30+ years' experience in high-quality residential and waterfront developments. Combines technical expertise with creative problem-solving, featured in Homes and Gardens Magazine for innovative design solutions that balance aesthetics with practical construction needs.
Alec Inniss
Associate Partner
Senior Architectural Technologist with 15 years' experience in technical design and construction detailing. Specialises in ensuring buildability of designs while maintaining aesthetic quality, with strong industry recognition for precision and contractor collaboration.
Michael Hillis
Architectural Assistant
Architectural Technician specialising in high-quality planning drawings and visualisations. Contributes to diverse residential and commercial projects, combining technical skills with creative design input across all construction phases.
Caitlin Knox
Architectural Assistant
Qualified technician with expertise in technical design and energy assessments. Focuses on sustainable building practices and domestic energy efficiency, supporting projects from initial concepts through to construction documentation and compliance certification.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full architectural services including residential and commercial design, property conversions, new builds, planning applications, sustainable architecture, and construction management across Devon and the South West.
How do you approach the design process?
We begin with client consultations to understand requirements, followed by concept design, planning submissions, technical drawings, and construction oversight, ensuring continuous collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.
Are you a RIBA Chartered Practice?
Yes, we are a Royal Institute of British Architects Chartered Practice, maintaining the highest professional standards in architectural services and client care since 1979.
Can you handle complex planning applications?
Our team specialises in navigating challenging planning scenarios, including heritage sites and complex developments, with a proven track record of successful approvals for difficult projects.
How do you incorporate sustainability?
We integrate energy-efficient design principles, provide SAP calculations, and offer future-ready sustainability strategies aligned with upcoming regulations, ensuring environmentally responsible architecture across all projects.
What areas do you cover?
While based in Bideford, Devon, we work across the South West region including Cornwall, Somerset, and Dorset, with extensive experience in both rural and coastal architectural contexts.
