Business Details
46 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architects in Leeds, UK
Established in 1980, GWP Architecture is a nationally recognised architectural design studio with a proven track record across England, Wales, and Scotland. Our multidisciplinary team specialises in creating innovative residential environments, affordable housing, student accommodation, co-living spaces, healthcare facilities, and commercial enterprises. We prioritise sustainable, low-energy building design, with an in-house Passivhaus team delivering certified projects that achieve economic, social, and environmental benefits. Our expertise extends to heritage conservation, having successfully completed numerous Grade I, II, and II* listed building projects, supported by Conservation Accredited Specialists. With over four decades of experience, we combine technical excellence with a commitment to design innovation, evidenced by our portfolio of award-winning projects across diverse sectors including leisure, education, museums, and industrial units.Our team of chartered architects and specialists utilises advanced methodologies such as BIM and Modern Methods of Construction to ensure precision and efficiency. We maintain strong partnerships with clients and stakeholders, delivering complex schemes valued up to 40 million while consistently achieving BREEAM 'Outstanding' accreditations. Our dedication to sustainability is further demonstrated through contributions to industry standards like the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. As a practice, we balance heritage preservation with contemporary design, ensuring each project meets modern standards while respecting historical integrity. Our collaborative approach and focus on client satisfaction have solidified our reputation as leaders in architectural excellence.
Services
Architectural Design
Sustainable Building Solutions
Heritage Conservation
Residential Development
Passivhaus Certification
Commercial Architecture
Student Accommodation
Healthcare Facilities
Industrial Units
Museum Design
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in architectural design across the UK.
- Our in-house Passivhaus team delivers certified low-energy buildings.
- Proven success in securing planning consents for complex heritage projects.
- Award-winning designs recognized nationally for excellence.
- Comprehensive expertise across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
Associations and certifications
- Passivhaus Institute
- BRE Group
- RIBA Conservation Register
- Institute of Historic Building Conservation
Services
Architectural Design
GWP Architecture provides comprehensive architectural design services spanning residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Our approach integrates innovative aesthetics with functional efficiency, ensuring projects meet client needs while adhering to regulatory standards. We specialise in creating spaces that enhance community value and sustainability.
Heritage Conservation
Our team excels in preserving Grade I, II, and II* listed buildings through meticulous restoration and adaptive reuse. Utilising expertise from Conservation Accredited Specialists, we balance historical integrity with modern functionality, ensuring sensitive conservation of architectural heritage across the UK.
Passivhaus Certification
GWP's in-house Passivhaus team delivers certified low-energy buildings that meet rigorous sustainability standards. We implement 'fabric first' strategies and PHPP modelling to achieve energy efficiency, reducing environmental impact while maintaining occupant comfort across residential and commercial developments.
Student Accommodation
We design modern, functional student accommodation tailored to evolving educational needs. Our projects prioritise space efficiency, sustainability, and community integration, creating environments that enhance student well-being and academic engagement across universities in the UK.
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial architecture services focus on creating productive, aesthetically pleasing workspaces for offices, retail, and industrial units. We incorporate BIM technology and sustainable materials to deliver cost-effective solutions that align with client branding and operational requirements.
People
Richard Townend
Director
Chartered Architect with 30 years' RIBA experience, specialising in sustainable heritage projects. Led 150M+ of UK developments, including BREEAM Outstanding schemes. Recognised for managing complex projects up to 40M while maintaining design excellence.
Ben Parish
Associate Director
Senior Architectural Technologist with expertise in sustainable heritage projects. Delivered Passivhaus residential and commercial schemes across the UK, achieving multiple BREEAM Outstanding accreditations. Specialises in Grade II listed structures in South Wales.
Tom Adams
Associate Director
Chartered Architect leading multidisciplinary teams on high-profile projects valued up to 40M. Expertise spans student residential, heritage, and industrial sectors. Proficient in BIM for detailed design and production information.
Ashley Davies
Conservation Architect
RIBA-accredited Specialist Conservation Architect with 30+ years' experience. Specialises in Grade I-III listed buildings and Scheduled Monuments. Contributes to RIBA awards panels and industry conservation standards, balancing heritage integrity with sustainable reuse.
Mark Holmes
Principal Designer
CDM regulations expert with extensive health and safety consultancy experience. Provides advisory services for complex projects, including the Bombay Sapphire Distillery. Trained in risk assessment, method statements, and site audits.
Questions
What sectors does GWP Architecture specialise in?
We specialise in residential, commercial, industrial, heritage, healthcare, and educational sectors, with expertise in Passivhaus and BREEAM-certified projects.
How does GWP approach sustainable design?
We integrate 'fabric first' principles and Passivhaus standards, focusing on energy efficiency, low-carbon materials, and lifecycle sustainability across all project scales.
Can GWP handle complex heritage projects?
Yes, our Conservation Accredited Specialists have extensive experience with Grade I-III listed buildings and Scheduled Monuments, ensuring sensitive restoration and adaptive reuse.
What regions does GWP operate in?
We work nationwide across England, Wales, and Scotland, with offices in Leeds, London, Manchester, and Cardiff.
Reviews (1)
Sarah Coomber-Townend Sarah Ct
Dec 04, 2019
Report
Excellent... amazing projects with outstanding results
Friendly and willing to go the extra mile for clients. Highly recommended
Friendly and willing to go the extra mile for clients. Highly recommended