Since foundation of the practice in 1987 by Jane Darbyshire OBE RIBA, our practice philosophy has remained clear and straightforward.

We believe that every project is unique. Early and thorough understanding of client needs and aspirations is an essential foundation for the development through interactive dialogue of design proposals which are imaginative, efficient, affordable and above all work well. We value and respond creatively to issues of context, sustainability, accessibility and buildability. The quality of our work is reflected in over forty architectural awards.

Our work is diverse and includes housing, healthcare, education and childcare, community and historic buildings, commercial, masterplanning and urban design. We believe this diversity helps us maintain our freshness of approach to each project, lead by the directors with a `hands on' approach. The practice also has an in house Landscape Architect, demonstrating the practice's strong commitment in uniting buildings with their surroundings. Plants provide colour, scent and texture and water provides sound and wildlife interest.

The practice is lead by its four Directors David Kendall, Nicola Watson, Kevin Turnbull and Ian Clarke, who have worked together for more than ten years. As a matter of principle they have a direct, `hands on' approach to project involvement, in addition to managing the administration of the practice which maintains a stable size of 22 technical and five administrative staff.

Jane Darbyshire OBE RIBA, who founded the practice in 1987 remains a consultant following her retirement from full time involvement in 2000. The Directors are supported by three Associates, a Principal Architect and Technologist, supporting architects, technologists and assistants. Katherine Bridger leads our landscape design work.

From our base in Newcastle upon Tyne, we work throughout the UK and have also worked in Eire, Europe and Scandinavia in recent years. Our Sheffield office is managed by Peter Fauset