If you’re looking for an architect in the Manchester area, then you are in the right place.
Manchester has an abundance of architecture firms and it can be difficult to choose the right one for your project.
You’ll need to take many things into consideration when choosing who to work with.
Do they have the relevant experience?
Do they have a strong reputation and good reviews?
Do they have a good understanding of your requirements?
These are just some of the things that you will need to check.
Don’t worry though. We are here to guide you through selecting the perfect architect for your project.
Manchester’s architecture
Manchester’s architecture ranges from Roman and Gothic buildings to Victorian red brick properties, high-end contemporary structures and state-of-the-art skyscrapers.
Through its Core Strategy, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) aims to improve the city through regeneration schemes, developing iconic buildings and creating more outdoor spaces.
There is a need for new housing schemes built to good design standards and improvements to the existing housing stock; commitments include retrofitting homes with low carbon infrastructure. The GMCA wants to redesign the north west region’s town centres due to falling demand for retail space, enabling them to meet the needs of the day and night-time economy.
Over recent years, a significant amount of office redevelopment has taken place in Greater Manchester, often to the highest standards and involving steel and glass structures.
Master planning includes caring for the historic parts of the city, significantly increasing high-quality residential projects at sustainable locations and creating neighbourhoods with pleasant environments and access to employment.
Other targets include reducing Co2 emissions, improving air and water quality, and improving public transport while reducing congestion.
While the city has several skyscrapers, proposals for tall buildings will be supported if they are of excellent architectural design, sustainable, and complement existing buildings on the distinctive skyline.
Why hire an architect?
Architects are trained and experienced in the design and construction of buildings.
Their specialist skills and knowledge can add value at all levels of a project. They may be able to ensure long-term savings through attention to detail, calculating the most efficient use of space, material selection, energy efficiency, and running and maintenance costs.
An architect can help you get the most from your project from the start, even if they are not needed beyond the initial stages.
Architects can monitor the design and costs, guide you through obtaining planning permission and the build stage of the project. They can help to ensure build quality is maintained, and keep track of costs.
All British architects must be registered with the Architects’ Registration Board and most take up Royal Institute of British Architects membership.
It is important to find the right Manchester architect with experience in similar projects to yours.
They can advise on all the approvals needed, recommend the type of building contract and prepare technical drawings for builders to quote on.
They can also provide an overview of the city-wide vision, for example, its environmental aims, and will be aware of the new emphasis on designing through nature-based solutions, reusing old buildings, and best ecological practices to promote health and wellbeing.
An architect can ensure that a project includes the necessary amount of bio-diversity net gain (BNG) to satisfy planning requirements, perhaps by incorporating eco-habitats or installing bat and bird boxes.
Manchester Architecture Projects
Here are some of our favourite architects based in and around Manchester. These projects should get your mind racing and give you an idea of the type of architect that could help you to create the home of your dreams.
JK Technical Services (NW) Ltd
JK Technical Services are a family-owned business with “a well established Building Surveying and Consultant Design company in Manchester who have an excellent understanding of house extension building projects accompanied with feasible design solutions.”
They have great reviews and are based in Swinton, near Manchester.
This bespoke new build, 5 bedroom property in Worsley is just one of their recently completed projects.
Shiels Design Ltd
Shiels Design Ltd is based in the North West and run by a father and son duo.
This practice prides itself on problem-solving and designing projects that come in on budget and on time.
They specialise in single and double-story extensions, loft, garage, and basement conversions.
The firm can deal with your entire project, from early sketches to planning applications, tender, contract administration, and completion.
Testimonials from previous clients praised the firm for responding promptly and giving good value for money.
This open plan design involved structural alterations to the kitchen and utility room along with interior design input.
Annabelle Tugby Architects
This is a contemporary architecture practice based in Styal, near Manchester which specialises in high-end residential work, focusing on meeting clients requirements and budgets.
The team of six also offers expertise in urban design, interiors, and furniture design.
Their specialities include finely crafted minimalist detailing and designs that solve a multitude of problems.
The practice won the `Small project of the year’ award in the Manchester Society of Architects’ Awards 2011, and was shortlisted in the `Commercial built’ category and the `One-off house unbuilt’ category. They also won the `Architect of the Year’ award in the 2020 Building Design Awards.
Here is a fantastic project that Annabelle Tugby Architects was involved in recently.
Design Solutions Architecture Ltd
Established in 2001, Design Solutions Architecture of Poynton specialises in new build, domestic extensions, and conversions. They carry out a wide range of projects and much of their work comes from recommendations from previous clients.
Typical services include a full measured survey, sketches, detailed planning drawings, meeting building regulations requirements and drawings for pricing and construction use.
The firm can manage the tender process with contractors and project manage through to completion.
Here is an example of an extension project they worked on.
Summit Architecture
This Manchester architecture firm, with additional offices London and Leeds, was the winner of the `London’s Best Architectural Firm’ Build 2020 Design and Build Awards. Summit Architecture has 25 years’ experience of extensions, building design, site planning and architectural design.
The firm offers: “tailored building design services to provide you with first-class modern architecture.”
Specialities include loft conversions, garden rooms, basements, and remodelling work.
Here is a beautiful example of one of their recently completed garden room extensions.
Next Steps
Hopefully, these Manchester architects have inspired you and shown you what is possible when you get the right team working on your project.
There are many great architectural firms based in Manchester. There are practices that specialise in different types of projects including extensions, conversions, large-scale developments, and navigating through planning permission issues.
Before you reach out to an architect to discuss your project, be sure to have a list of questions that you want to discuss with them. You might find our article ‘10 things to ask your architect‘ useful when considering which questions you need to ask.
