Business Details
37 Years
experience
Chartered Architects in Lancashire
Established in 1989, Schafer Associates is a family-run architectural practice based in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Lancashire, serving the north-west of England, North Wales, and beyond. Our work spans new-build, conversion, and conservation projects, with specialist expertise in listed buildings and sensitive historic environments. As a Chartered Practice of the Royal Institute of British Architects and a firm regulated by the Architects' Registration Board, we combine professional rigour with a client-focused approach.We prioritise contextual sensitivity, accessibility, and community inclusivity in all our designs, having delivered award-winning church projects and featured in regional media. With over four decades of combined experience, our team guides clients through every stage of the architectural process, from initial concept to site completion, ensuring informed decision-making and successful outcomes.
Services
Architectural Design
Conservation
Feasibility Studies
Building Surveys
Church Inspections
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We are a RIBA Chartered Practice with proven expertise in historic building conservation
- Our team includes specialists with over 40 years' combined experience in architectural design
- We maintain wheelchair-accessible facilities and prioritise inclusive design principles
- Award-winning church projects recognised by Wigan Council for accessibility improvements
- Registered with the Architects' Registration Board for professional compliance and accountability
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institute of British Architects
- Architects' Registration Board
What people say
Award-winning church projects
Community-focused designs
Historic building expertise
Services
Architectural Design
We provide full architectural services from concept to completion, specialising in new-build and adaptive reuse projects. Our approach integrates structural and service design while maintaining sensitivity to historical contexts. Clients benefit from our RIBA Plan of Work compliance and proven track record in residential, commercial, and ecclesiastical sectors.
Conservation
Our practice excels in preserving listed buildings and working within conservation areas. We combine technical expertise with deep respect for historic fabric, having completed award-winning church restoration projects. Services include feasibility assessments and guidance on appropriate materials and methodologies for sensitive interventions.
Feasibility Studies
We conduct comprehensive feasibility analyses to evaluate project viability, considering planning constraints, budget parameters, and regulatory requirements. Our studies help clients make informed decisions before committing to full-scale development, particularly valuable for complex conservation or community-focused projects.
Building Surveys
Our detailed building surveys identify structural issues, maintenance needs, and compliance requirements. Particularly recommended for historic properties, these surveys inform conservation strategies and renovation plans while considering budgetary and practical constraints for both private and institutional clients.
Church Inspections
We offer specialist quinquennial church inspections and accessibility audits, drawing on extensive experience with religious buildings. Our services help congregations maintain their heritage assets while improving usability for modern congregations, having worked on multiple award-winning church improvement projects.
People
Bill Schafer
Founder & Architect
DipArch, RIBA. Trained at Liverpool Polytechnic with over 40 years' experience. Specialises in conservation architecture and ecclesiastical projects, leading the practice since its formation in 1989.
Sally Halsall
Architect
BA(Hons), DipArch, RIBA. Liverpool John Moores University graduate with specialist experience in church and community buildings. Contributes expertise in accessible design and modern adaptations of historic structures.
Izzy Schafer
Administrator
Manages practice administration with extensive experience in access audits. Served on Wigan Access Committee for over 20 years and contributes theological perspective as an Ordained Local Minister in the Church of England.
Questions
What areas do you cover?
We operate primarily in north-west England and North Wales, with previous projects completed in London and France.
Are you qualified to work on listed buildings?
Yes, we have specialist expertise in conservation areas and listed buildings, including award-winning church restoration projects.
How do you approach accessibility in historic buildings?
We balance preservation with modern accessibility needs, having implemented successful access improvements in multiple church projects.
Can you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, our practice covers residential, commercial, and ecclesiastical sectors across new-build and conservation work.
Are you RIBA Chartered?
Yes, we are a Chartered Practice of the Royal Institute of British Architects since our formation in 1989.
