Business Details
16 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Services in Ilkley
Overton Architects is an architectural practice delivering reliable, professional, and client-focused services. Established in 2010 by Mike Overton following the restructuring of Wales, Wales and Rawson, we retain a legacy of expertise dating back to the 19th century. Our team specialises in diverse projects including church reordering, historic building conservation, community developments, housing schemes, and bespoke private residences. With RIBA-accredited professionals and members of the Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC), we combine deep technical knowledge with a commitment to tailored solutions. Our services span from initial concept design to project completion, ensuring meticulous attention to detail across ecclesiastical, residential, and public sectors.We prioritise sustainable practices, including carbon-zero strategies, while maintaining sensitivity to heritage contexts. Our partnerships with diocesan advisory committees and conservation trusts underscore our industry authority. Clients benefit from our collaborative approach, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern architectural innovation. With decades of collective experience, we address complex challenges in listed buildings, community spaces, and new-build developments. Our dedication to excellence has solidified long-standing relationships with clients seeking enduring architectural solutions.
Services
Church Reordering
Historic Building Conservation
Housing Extensions
Community Projects
Bespoke Homes
Almshouse Design
Mill Conversions
Ecclesiastical Lighting
Accessible Extensions
New Build Projects
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We have 30+ years of combined experience in ecclesiastical and conservation architecture.
- Our team includes RIBA-accredited architects and AABC-registered conservation specialists.
- We provide tailored solutions for historic buildings and modern developments.
- We maintain diocesan advisory roles, demonstrating sector leadership.
- Our carbon-zero strategies integrate sustainability with heritage preservation.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC)
Services
Church Reordering
We specialise in reordering historic churches, balancing functional modernisation with preservation of heritage. Our work includes liturgical layout optimisation, accessibility improvements, and heritage grant applications. Clients benefit from our diocesan advisory committee expertise and decades of experience across Leeds and Blackburn dioceses.
Historic Conservation
Our conservation projects protect listed buildings through meticulous repair techniques and material analysis. We manage heritage lottery fund applications and listed building consents. The team's AABC accreditation ensures compliance with strict preservation standards while addressing structural challenges in period properties and ecclesiastical structures.
Bespoke Housing
We design tailored residential solutions from new-build properties to complex extensions. Services include planning applications, listed building considerations, and sustainable construction methods. Our approach integrates modern living requirements with site-specific architectural context, particularly in the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas.
Community Projects
We deliver functional spaces for schools, community centres, and rescue facilities. Our process involves stakeholder consultation, accessibility planning, and grant-funded project management. Recent work includes children's centres and fell rescue infrastructure, prioritising durability and community needs in rural settings.
Almshouse Design
Our accessible housing schemes combine traditional aesthetics with modern amenities for elderly residents. We incorporate level access, adaptable layouts, and energy-efficient systems while maintaining period-appropriate design. Projects include both new-build almshouses and conversions of historic properties for supported living.
People
Mike Overton
Partner
RIBA member with 30+ years' experience in ecclesiastical architecture. Former partner at Wales, Wales & Rawson since 1989. Lighting adviser to Blackburn Diocesan Advisory Committee. Specialises in church conservation across Leeds and Blackburn dioceses.
Sheila Overton
Partner
Postgraduate in Conservation Studies (York University). 20+ years' experience in new build and conservation projects. Joined practice in 2002 after roles at Bauman Lyons and Allen Todd Architects. Focuses on heritage-sensitive modern designs.
Liz Haestier
Associate Architect
RIBA member specialising in community projects and church conservation. AABC-registered with expertise in Leeds diocese work. Joined in 2004 after Woodhall Planning. Active on Diocesan Art & Architecture Committee.
Tony Keeble
Associate Architect
AABC-registered conservation specialist with 15+ years in ecclesiastical projects. Former Blackburn with Darwen conservation officer. Expert in Heritage Lottery Fund applications and listed building repairs across northern England.
Bill Glaister
Consultant Architect
30-year veteran in church conservation. Consultant to Churches Conservation Trust. Works across Leeds, Blackburn, and Manchester dioceses. AABC member with expertise in structural repairs and historic material preservation.
Questions
What architectural sectors does Overton Architects specialise in?
We focus on ecclesiastical projects, historic building conservation, community developments, and bespoke residential schemes across West Yorkshire and surrounding regions.
Can they handle listed building projects?
Yes, our team includes AABC-registered architects with extensive experience in listed building consents and heritage-sensitive designs.
Do they work outside Yorkshire?
While primarily operating in Yorkshire, we undertake projects in Lancashire, Cumbria, and Greater Manchester, particularly for ecclesiastical and conservation work.
What sustainability approaches do they use?
We incorporate carbon-zero strategies, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable materials while maintaining architectural integrity in all project types.
How do they manage church renovation funding?
We assist with Heritage Lottery Fund applications and Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund claims to support conservation projects.
