Practice

APPROACH

We are a design practice that cares deeply about what we produce.

We are defined by creativity, inclusion and care and add value to every stage of a project. From concept to completion, our work is guided by a commitment to quality, longevity and thoughtful design.

Our team brings experience in balancing imaginative design with precision, technical rigour and attention to detail.

Each project is approached with curiosity and intent. Through research into history, context and culture  we develop narratives that inform a design language unique to every project. These stories guide our choices of material, spatial experience and identity.

Sustainability is fundamental to our design approach. We recognise the importance of designing buildings and spaces that endure, while carefully considering their long term impact on the environment.

HISTORY

Glazzard Architects is a well-established architectural practice founded by Sid Glazzard in 1971.

Innovative in every way, the practice was originally conceived as a cooperative company, co-owned by all members in the team.

Significant projects include the Studley Co-Op supermarket, a regional RIBA Award winner that also featured on the front cover of the Architects Journal in 1985 and the Amada factory complex for the Japanese Engineering company which was showcased on BBC’s Tomorrow’s World. In 2010 Glazzard returned to undertake further major reworking of the original building.

In the early 2000s ownership of the practice was passed to David Johnson and Helen Rea. They were later joined by Simon Rea and the practice has since developed a strong and diverse portfolio of projects across a range of sectors.

SERVICES

We work across a range of sectors and typologies ranging from modest residential extensions to large scale regeneration projects.

At all levels, our goal is to create spaces that inspire, perform and endure.

Following the RIBA Plan of Work, we tailor our approach to each project, delivering a bespoke yet efficient service that meets the needs of the client, contractors and end users alike.

See below a comprehensive list of our services.

Briefing

We start by understanding the client’s operational, creative, and commercial goals, including budget and programming constraints. We listen to ideas already considered, gather site information, and build a clear picture of the project’s intentions.

 

Feasibility schemes

We explore design concepts through sketches, digital models, and physical prototypes, turning ideas into tangible solutions. This stage allows us to evaluate a wide range of options and identify the strongest, most viable design.

 

Concept Designs

For both new and historic contexts, we create design narratives that guide the project, respecting local heritage while establishing a unique identity. We collaborate with clients, planners, contractors, and stakeholders to shape outcomes effectively.

 

Planning Applications

We develop designs to the Planning stage (RIBA Stage 3), coordinating with the project team to ensure a functional, striking, and fully integrated building, including landscape, interiors, services, and architecture.

 

Technical Design

We produce detailed drawings and specifications for contractors and consultants, ensuring clarity, consistency, and design integrity is upheld throughout construction through to completion

 

Interior Design

We can help you curate an interior style for your project to take it to a complete finish. This can include design solutions for lighting, storage, window dressings and soft furnishings. We can make recommendations as well as source items, by working directly with product manufacturers and retailers. We can also manage the installation of all fittings and dressings, with our on-site contractors, to save you time and allow you to come into a completed, dressed space.

 

Project Management

We stay closely involved on-site to ensure compliance and certification, and that project delivery meets expectations. As Contract Administrators, we advocate an impartial and fair implementation of the Building Contract and build strong relationships with clients, contractors and consultants to achieve this.

 

Principal Designer

We have extensive experience handling statutory appointments on projects of all sizes and across multiple sectors.

As Principal Designer (PD) under the Building Safety Act we oversee and coordinate design work to ensure full compliance with Building Regulations on behalf of our clients.

As Principal Designer (PD) for CDM Regulations 2015, we are responsible, on behalf of the client, for planning, managing and coordinating health, safety and regulatory compliance during the pre-construction phase.

The PD role is separate from that of the Architect focusing primarily on safety, compliance and risk management. As the lead designer on your project, we are ideally positioned to take on these statutory responsibilities, giving you confidence that all regulatory requirements are fully met.

 

Photography

We work with professional architectural photographers with proven experience, to capture and promote our designs, producing high-quality images for marketing and publication purposes.

 

Sustainability