About Us
Based in our own self built office and home in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley, we are an RIBA Chartered Practice working principally across the North East region with projects as far afield as Scotland and London.
Co-directors Stephen Miller and Jane Miller have worked together in architecture for over thirty years. Stephen is an architect with more than 35 years experience in professional practice, in both public and private sectors. Having studied in Manchester he returned to his native Newcastle. Jane studied architecture at Newcastle University and also has more than 35 years of professional experience.
We are a relatively small but very capable practice.
Our principal aim is to maintain a forward looking practice focused upon high quality, sustainable design, which embraces new technologies in both design and construction of building projects.
We firmly believe that well designed buildings can and should be economical to build and to run. This essentially requires thought – not money to achieve. Through careful consideration of materials and integration of the elements of construction with environmental services, it is possible to create affordable architecture which enhances the user experience and contributes positively to the urban environment. We describe this as an authentic modern vernacular architecture and our practice has recently won RIBA and regional awards for projects which have adopted this approach.
The office is currently working on a range of bespoke residential commissions, social housing, small to medium commercial developments and work within historic environments.
Residential Design
Good design can transform any house or space.
The space you occupy should support the way you want to live, and so getting it right is important.
From small scale remodelling to building our own home – we have done it all and understand from the inside the importance of making the right choices.
We are more than happy to sit down at any point and discuss your ideas; to help you understand what might be possible and guide you through the whole process.
Historic Buildings
We have extensive experience working with historic buildings.
Through projects ranging from refurbishment and conservation work, to large-scale extensions and adaptations of listed buildings, we have gained an understanding of the issues likely to arise when working within any historic environment.
In particular, we have experience working with the relevant legislation of PPS5 (Planning and the Historic Environment), which covers Conservation Area Consent, Listed Building Consent and Scheduled Ancient Monument Consent.
Over the years we have built a good working relationship with local Planning and Conservation Officers together with English Heritage and the other statutory consultees who guide the process of intervention within historic environments.
Our approach is primarily based upon working with historic building fabric, hand in hand with those charged with its care and protection: Through understanding the processes which have shaped an historic environment, we can identify areas and opportunities where necessary change can be respectfully made.
As well as restoration and refurbishment, we have developed expertise in the implementation of modern interventions within historic environments and have won awards for such work.
Commercial / Community Developments
With a firm grounding in commercial development, we can offer assistance in understanding the development potential of any ideas you may have for redundant buildings or undeveloped land.
Difficult sites and seemingly unsolvable problems are what we love the most.
From an understanding of what is possible, through the complexities of the Planning System, we can offer guidance on how to make it happen and seek to demystify the whole process.
Our service will be tailored to meet your specific needs and broken down into manageable stages:
Feasibility Studies
Development Options Appraisal
Pre Application Planning Enquiry
Planning Application and beyond
We will always be happy to meet and discuss informally.