Business Details
50 Years
experience
Sustainable Architectural Design Experts
Established in 1976 by Christopher Hess in London, our architectural practice relocated to Wales in 1982 and expanded operations to France through our Welsh office. We prioritise sustainable design principles, integrating passive solar strategies, ground source heat pumps, and heat recovery ventilation systems to create energy-efficient buildings. Our collaborative structure enables shared expertise across offices in Wales and Oxford, combining the agility of a small practice with the comprehensive capabilities of a medium-sized firm. We adhere to RIBA's design and procurement processes while tailoring services to meet specific client needs, budgets, and project requirements.Our portfolio spans new builds, renovations, and community projects, with a particular focus on rural contexts and low-energy architecture. We maintain strong relationships with clients through transparent communication and a commitment to preserving local character while incorporating contemporary design elements. Our team's collective experience ensures technical excellence across residential, commercial, and public arts sectors.
Services
Architectural Design
Sustainable Building
Project Management
Eco Renovation
Community Projects
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of architectural expertise since 1976
- Our practice combines small firm flexibility with medium firm resources
- We specialise in low-energy, sustainable building solutions
- Our team holds extensive experience in rural and historic contexts
- We provide tailored services following RIBA's professional standards
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
Services
Architectural Design
We create bespoke architectural solutions that balance aesthetic appeal with functional requirements. Our designs incorporate passive solar principles and energy-efficient systems while respecting local vernacular. Each project receives tailored attention to ensure buildings harmonise with their surroundings and meet specific client needs through collaborative design processes.
Sustainable Building
Our practice specialises in low-energy construction methods and renewable technologies. We integrate ground source heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation, and passive solar design to minimise environmental impact. Sustainability assessments guide material selection and building orientation, ensuring compliance with current eco-standards while maintaining architectural integrity across residential and commercial developments.
Project Management
We provide comprehensive project management services following RIBA's plan of work. Our team coordinates all stages from initial concept to completion, ensuring adherence to budgets, timelines, and quality standards. Regular client updates and contractor coordination guarantee smooth project delivery while maintaining design intent throughout the construction process.
Eco Renovation
We specialise in upgrading existing buildings with energy-efficient solutions while preserving historical character. Our renovations incorporate insulation improvements, renewable energy systems, and sustainable materials without compromising architectural heritage. This approach extends building lifespans and reduces environmental impact through adaptive reuse strategies tailored to each property's unique context.
Community Projects
Our practice designs inclusive spaces for arts, education, and public use. We collaborate with local stakeholders to create functional community facilities that reflect cultural identity. Recent projects include theatre spaces, sculpture gardens, and heritage buildings, all designed with accessibility and long-term usability in mind while maintaining environmental responsibility.
People
Christopher Hess
Founder
Established the practice in 1976, bringing over four decades of architectural experience. Specialises in sustainable design principles and rural architecture, guiding the firm's commitment to environmentally responsible solutions.
Emmanuel Kincaid
Partner
Joined the practice in 1999 after working part-time since 1982. Focuses on maintaining design integrity across projects while ensuring technical excellence in construction documentation and site supervision.
Paul Leach
Partner
Opened the Oxford office in 2004 after working in association since 1988. Specialises in commercial projects and manages inter-office collaboration to maintain consistent design standards across locations.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialise in?
We focus on contemporary designs that respect local context, blending modern elements with traditional forms to create timeless, context-sensitive architecture.
Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we work across residential, commercial, and community sectors, applying our sustainable design principles to diverse building types.
How do you incorporate sustainability into designs?
We use passive solar design, renewable energy systems, and locally-sourced materials while optimising building orientation and insulation for energy efficiency.
Can you manage projects across different locations?
Our Wales and Oxford offices enable nationwide coverage, with remote collaboration tools ensuring consistent quality across all project locations.
What is your approach to client collaboration?
We maintain open communication throughout projects, providing regular updates and involving clients in key design decisions to ensure their vision is realised.
How do you handle historic building renovations?
We combine traditional techniques with modern improvements, preserving architectural heritage while enhancing energy performance and functionality for contemporary use.
