Business Details
Your Trusted Architects in Stonehouse
Established in 1860, we are one of the UK's longest-standing architectural practices, rooted in Gloucestershire with a legacy built on traditional professional values. Our reputation for reliability, technical competence, and commercial awareness is underpinned by a commitment to client-centric service and a deep understanding of architectural heritage and modern innovation. With offices in Stonehouse, Cirencester, and Malvern, we combine a flexible, technology-driven approach with over 150 years of experience in delivering diverse projects, from historic preservation to complex commercial developments. Our team of directors and associates personally oversees each project, ensuring seamless coordination across all stagesfrom strategic definition to construction coordination. We prioritise client collaboration, maintaining direct involvement throughout the design and procurement process while leveraging expertise in non-traditional contract arrangements and accelerated programmes.Our national reach is complemented by strong local connections, enabling us to serve diverse sectors while upholding the highest standards of architectural practice. We maintain a close-knit, experienced team that integrates modern methodologies with traditional craftsmanship, ensuring quality control and adaptability to evolving industry demands. Our practice's evolutionfrom John Middleton's founding in Cheltenham to the formation of Eric Cole Ltd in 2010reflects a continuous dedication to architectural excellence. We actively engage with clients, contractors, and consultants, fostering partnerships that align with specific project needs. This heritage of expertise, combined with a forward-thinking mindset, positions us to meet contemporary challenges while preserving the integrity of our profession's core principles.
Services
Architecture
Design
Planning
Project Management
Principal Designers
Highlights and features
- We offer over 150 years of architectural expertise in both traditional and modern projects.
- Our directors provide hands-on involvement and personal service throughout the project lifecycle.
- We specialise in complex commercial developments and non-traditional procurement methods.
- Our team combines cutting-edge technology with proven construction knowledge.
- We maintain strong local and national networks for streamlined project delivery.
Services
Architecture
Eric Cole offers comprehensive architectural services through all RIBA stages, from strategic definition to post-occupancy evaluation. Our approach combines historic preservation expertise with modern design innovation, catering to public and private sectors. We conduct detailed client consultations to align projects with budgetary and functional requirements.
Planning
With decades of local authority contacts, we guide projects through planning processes while keeping clients informed of regulatory developments. Our team manages submissions, addresses authority inquiries, and ensures compliance with current legislation for both private and commercial developments.
Project Management
We provide end-to-end project management, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing timelines, budgets, and quality control. Our experience spans traditional and non-traditional contract arrangements, ensuring efficient delivery of complex commercial projects while maintaining technical excellence.
Principal Designers
Our qualified Principal Designers manage health and safety compliance during pre-construction phases. This includes risk assessment, client consultation, and coordination between designers and contractors to ensure safe project execution in accordance with regulatory standards.
People
John Loach
Director
With nearly 40 years at the practice, John Loach transitioned from partner in Eric Cole & Partners to director of Eric Cole Ltd, maintaining leadership in architectural excellence and client service until his 2011 retirement.
Geoffrey Williams
Director
Geoffrey Williams played pivotal roles in the Cheltenham office and subsequent reorganisation of the practice, serving as director until his 2011 retirement. His leadership contributed significantly to the firm's structural evolution and client relationships.
Russell Wilks
Director
Russell Wilks joined as associate in 2010 and became a director within months, now leading Eric Cole Ltd's operations. With over a decade of experience, he specialises in complex architectural projects and practice management.
Peter Haslam
Director
Peter Haslam transitioned from associate to director in 2010, bringing technical expertise in diverse architectural projects. He focuses on maintaining the firm's heritage while integrating modern methodologies and client-driven solutions.
Questions
What architectural services does Eric Cole offer?
We provide full architectural services spanning all RIBA stages, including strategic definition, design, planning, construction coordination, and post-occupancy evaluation.
How long has Eric Cole been in operation?
Founded in 1860 as John Middleton's practice, we evolved into Eric Cole Ltd in 2010, maintaining over 150 years of continuous architectural expertise.
Do you handle both historic and modern projects?
Yes. Our portfolio includes historic preservation, renovations, and contemporary commercial developments, blending traditional techniques with modern methodologies.
Are you experienced in commercial project management?
We have extensive experience managing complex commercial projects, including non-traditional procurement routes and accelerated programmes.
Which regions do you serve?
We operate nationally but maintain strong local expertise in Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds, Wiltshire, and surrounding areas.
