Business Details
16 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Services in Ilkley
Overton Architects is an architectural practice formed in 2010 by Mike Overton following the restructuring of Wales, Wales and Rawson. Our team retains the expertise of our predecessors, with archives dating back to the 19th century. We specialise in a diverse range of projects including church re-ordering, historic building conservation, community developments, housing schemes, and bespoke private residences. Our practice offers tailored services from initial concept to project completion, ensuring meticulous attention to detail across all scales of work. With partners and associates accredited by RIBA and the Register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation, we combine technical excellence with deep sector-specific knowledge.Our ecclesiastical expertise spans multiple dioceses, supported by active roles in diocesan advisory committees. Conservation projects benefit from postgraduate qualifications in historic building conservation and hands-on experience with heritage funding bodies. Residential and community projects integrate modern sustainability practices while respecting architectural heritage. Our team includes specialists in carbon-zero strategies and listed building repairs, ensuring compliance with heritage requirements and modern standards. This combination of tradition and innovation allows us to deliver solutions that preserve historical integrity while meeting contemporary needs.
Services
Church Re-ordering
Historic Building Conservation
Community Projects
Housing Developments
Ecclesiastical Architecture
Listed Building Repairs
School Architecture
Almshouse Design
Mill Conversions
Bespoke Homes
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- 30+ years' experience in ecclesiastical architecture across Leeds and Blackburn dioceses
- Team includes conservation specialists with University of York postgraduate qualifications
- Proven expertise in securing Heritage Lottery Fund and Listed Places of Worship grants
- RIBA-accredited architects delivering carbon-zero strategies in historic contexts
- Continuity of expertise from 19th-century archives of predecessor practice Wales, Wales & Rawson
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- Register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC)
Services
Church Re-ordering
Specialist re-ordering of ecclesiastical spaces maintains historical integrity while improving functionality. Our team navigates diocesan approval processes and heritage funding requirements. Projects include liturgical layout optimisation and accessibility upgrades for modern congregations.
Historic Conservation
Conservation of listed buildings combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. We manage Heritage Lottery Fund applications and Listed Places of Worship grants. Our architects hold specialist accreditations for repairing period structures and materials.
Community Projects
Design and delivery of community facilities including schools and rescue centres. Solutions balance modern functionality with architectural sensitivity. Projects incorporate sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems within budgetary constraints.
Bespoke Housing
Tailored residential designs ranging from new builds to period conversions. Each project integrates client requirements with site-specific considerations. Designs meet modern energy standards while respecting local architectural vernacular.
Ecclesiastical Architecture
Comprehensive church architecture services covering re-roofing, lighting upgrades and full renovations. Our team serves multiple dioceses with specialist knowledge of ecclesiastical regulations. Projects preserve spiritual character while enhancing practical usability.
People
Mike Overton
Partner
RIBA member with 30+ years' experience in ecclesiastical architecture. Lighting adviser to Blackburn Diocesan Advisory Committee. Specialises in church re-ordering and heritage projects across northern England.
Sheila Overton
Partner
Postgraduate qualified conservation architect with expertise in historic building restoration. Leads design projects across multiple sectors while maintaining traditional architectural integrity in all commissions.
Liz Haestier
Associate Architect
RIBA-accredited specialist in both conservation and modern community projects. Member of Leeds Diocese Art and Architecture Committee with extensive experience in church and school architecture.
Tony Keeble
Associate Architect
Conservation specialist with accreditation in building conservation. Former conservation officer experience informs expertise in listed church repairs and heritage projects across three northern dioceses.
Bill Glaister
Consultant Architect
Senior consultant with Churches Conservation Trust involvement. Advises on church care across three dioceses with specialist knowledge of historic construction techniques and materials conservation.
Questions
What architectural specialisms does Overton Architects offer?
We specialise in ecclesiastical architecture, historic building conservation, community projects, and bespoke residential design across Yorkshire and the North West.
Can you assist with church renovation projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience in church re-ordering, re-roofing, and heritage conservation with specialist knowledge of diocesan requirements and heritage funding.
Do you handle listed building projects?
Our team includes architects accredited in building conservation with proven expertise in listed building repairs and heritage grant applications.
What community projects have you completed?
We've delivered schools, rescue centres, and community facilities combining modern functionality with architectural sensitivity across Yorkshire.
How do you approach residential architecture?
Bespoke housing designs integrate client needs with site-specific considerations, balancing traditional aesthetics with modern energy efficiency standards.
What conservation qualifications do your team hold?
Our architects hold RIBA accreditation and postgraduate qualifications in historic building conservation from the University of York.
