Business Details
28 Years
experience
Chartered Architects in York Specialising in Sustainable Design
Native Architects is a Yorkshire-based practice dedicated to creating individually designed, sustainable buildings with minimal environmental impact. Founded in 1998, our work spans Northern England and extends internationally, combining expertise in historic conservation with innovative low-carbon solutions. Our team of RIBA-chartered architects and specialists prioritises natural materials, energy efficiency, and holistic design, addressing climate change through sensitive adaptations of heritage structures and cutting-edge new builds.With decades of collective experience, we collaborate on diverse projects from residential extensions to large-scale commercial developments, maintaining a commitment to environmental stewardship and community integration. Our directors lead industry research, teach conservation practices, and contribute to architectural education, ensuring our approach remains at the forefront of sustainable design.
Services
Sustainable Design
Conservation
Technical Design
Site Management
Hempcrete Construction
Retrofit Solutions
New Build Projects
Heritage Renovation
Passive Design
Environmental Consultancy
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of heritage conservation expertise with RIBA-accredited architects.
- Our team pioneers low embodied energy material applications in construction.
- We combine academic research with practical delivery through university partnerships.
- Our practice holds Green Register certification for sustainable construction professionals.
- We maintain a 27-year track record of climate-conscious architectural innovation.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- Architects Registration Board
- Green Register of Construction Professionals
Services
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design service creates buildings with minimal environmental impact using natural materials and passive energy strategies. We integrate climate-conscious solutions for new builds and renovations, reducing carbon footprints while maintaining aesthetic and functional excellence through RIBA-certified processes.
Heritage Conservation
Specialist conservation services preserve architectural heritage through sensitive adaptations. We employ traditional materials and techniques for listed buildings and conservation areas, ensuring historic structures meet modern standards while maintaining their cultural significance and structural integrity.
Hempcrete Construction
Hempcrete solutions deliver breathable, carbon-negative buildings using lime-hemp composites. This service combines ancient material wisdom with modern engineering for residential and commercial projects, offering superior thermal performance and environmental benefits across Yorkshire and beyond.
Technical Design
Comprehensive technical design services translate concepts into buildable realities. Our team produces detailed drawings and specifications compliant with UK regulations, focusing on precision execution for complex projects ranging from small extensions to large-scale developments.
Site Management
Professional site management ensures projects meet quality, budget, and timeline targets. Our architects oversee construction phases, coordinating contractors and resolving technical challenges while maintaining adherence to sustainability principles and conservation standards.
People
Sally Kirk Walker
Director
With 40+ years' experience, Sally established Native Architects in 1998. RIBA Conservation Accredited, she teaches at York University and researches sustainable materials, combining heritage preservation with climate action through award-winning projects.
Chris Walker
Director
RIBA member since 1994, Chris specialises in rural regeneration projects. He champions locally sourced materials and practical architectural education, delivering sustainable developments that support Yorkshire's economy and natural landscapes.
Lucy Morris
Architect
Chartered architect with decade-long expertise in education and residential sectors. Lucy integrates passive design techniques to reduce energy demand, delivering innovative solutions that balance environmental responsibility with client needs across complex projects.
John Brooksbank-Levery
Architect
Specialist in residential extensions with 25+ site projects. John applies sustainable principles to practical construction challenges, managing 125+ planning applications while advancing eco-conscious design methodologies in home improvement projects.
Claire-Louise Wheen
Architectural Technologist
Technologist with 15+ years' experience in education and conservation sectors. Claire-Louise focuses on environmental impact reduction, applying Scandinavian material knowledge to listed buildings and sustainable new developments across Northern England.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily work across Northern England, with projects from Yorkshire to the Outer Hebrides, specialising in local heritage while applying sustainable solutions nationwide.
Do you handle listed building projects?
Yes, our RIBA Conservation Accredited team specialises in historic structures, delivering sensitive renovations and adaptations for listed buildings and conservation areas.
What sustainable materials do you use?
We prioritise natural materials like hempcrete, lime, and reclaimed timber. Our projects incorporate low embodied energy solutions and locally sourced resources to minimise environmental impact.
Can you manage full construction projects?
Yes, we offer end-to-end services including design, planning, technical detailing, and site management, ensuring sustainable principles are maintained throughout every project phase.
Do you work on commercial developments?
We handle commercial projects from rural estates to urban developments, combining sustainability with functionality for sectors including tourism, education, and heritage conservation.
How do you involve clients in design?
We use collaborative design processes, ensuring client input shapes solutions that meet their needs while maintaining environmental integrity and architectural excellence.
