Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture & Design Excellence
Established in 1973, Poynton Bradbury Architects has cultivated a reputation as one of the South West's leading architectural practices. Our 50-year legacy is rooted in community-led design, sustainability, and innovation, creating architecture that drives social and environmental change. We prioritise collaboration, working closely with clients, stakeholders, and local communities to deliver projects that balance functional needs with environmental stewardship. Our expertise spans architectural design, heritage conservation, sustainable building practices, and digital innovation through BIM technology.As a certified B Corp and ISO 14001-accredited practice, we demonstrate measurable commitments to environmental responsibility and social value. Our employee-owned structure reinforces our collective approach to success, ensuring every project benefits from diverse expertise and shared vision. With studios in St Ives and Exeter, we deliver regionally and nationally significant projects that combine creative vision with strategic thinking, addressing both immediate client needs and long-term societal challenges.
Services
Architectural Design
Sustainable Architecture
Heritage Consultancy
BIM Modelling
Building Consultancy
Conservation Management
Masterplanning
Digital Innovation
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of architectural expertise across diverse sectors
- Certified B Corp demonstrating environmental and social responsibility
- ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 accredited management systems
- Employee-owned practice ensuring collective commitment
- Specialist conservation architects registered with RIBA
Associations and certifications
- ISO 14001
- B Corp
- RIBA
- ISO 9001
What people say
Exceptional teaching spaces
Sensitive refurbishment
Imaginative problem-solving
Fastidious attention to detail
Transformational results
Services
Architectural Design
We provide comprehensive architectural design services from concept to completion, specialising in education, healthcare, and heritage projects. Our approach combines creative vision with technical expertise to deliver functional, sustainable buildings that enhance communities. With BIM technology integration and a focus on environmental performance, we ensure each project meets client aspirations while addressing social and ecological responsibilities.
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainability consultants help clients achieve environmental excellence through passive design strategies, low-carbon materials, and renewable technologies. As signatories to the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge, we implement measurable targets for energy efficiency and carbon reduction. We offer Passivhaus design, BREEAM certification support, and whole-life carbon assessments to create buildings that minimise environmental impact while maximising long-term value.
Heritage Consultancy
Our RIBA-registered conservation architects specialise in preserving historic buildings while adapting them for modern use. We conduct heritage impact assessments, prepare conservation management plans, and manage listed building consents. With expertise in traditional materials and construction techniques, we ensure sensitive interventions that maintain historical integrity while meeting contemporary functionality requirements for public and private sector clients.
BIM Modelling
We utilise Building Information Modelling (BIM) throughout the project lifecycle to enhance coordination and efficiency. Our ISO 19650-compliant workflows enable real-time collaboration, clash detection, and data-rich 3D modelling. This digital approach improves decision-making, reduces construction risks, and supports sustainable outcomes through accurate performance analysis and visualisation tools.
Masterplanning
Our masterplanning services create strategic frameworks for sustainable development across urban and rural contexts. We integrate heritage considerations with modern placemaking principles to deliver cohesive, future-ready environments. Specialising in campus developments and regeneration schemes, we balance community needs with economic viability to create vibrant, adaptable spaces that evolve with societal changes.
People
Cian Spowart
Director
With over 20 years at Poynton Bradbury, Cian leads major projects including Cornwall Council's 60m Estates Transformation Programme. His expertise spans public sector architecture and complex regeneration schemes, delivering award-winning educational and civic buildings that combine functionality with environmental responsibility.
Laura Highton
Director
A RIBA-registered Specialist Conservation Architect, Laura brings extensive experience in adaptive reuse of historic buildings. She specialises in transforming cultural and community assets while maintaining their architectural integrity, having worked on projects valued up to 25m across museum, library, and residential sectors.
Chris Turner
Director
Former London-based regeneration specialist, Chris leads urban design and education sector projects. With experience on schemes exceeding 120m, he focuses on environmentally responsible architecture and public consultation processes, helping clients navigate complex planning requirements for transformative developments.
Simon Burgess
Studio Manager
Simon oversees environmental management systems and practice policies. With specialist experience in healthcare and residential architecture, he played a key role in making Poynton Bradbury an employee-owned trust in 2019, reflecting his commitment to positive workplace culture.
Kate Wotton
Associate
Leading the Exeter office, Kate specialises in healthcare and education design with a focus on special educational needs. A Certified Passivhaus Designer, she integrates sustainability principles across projects to create buildings that positively impact communities and ecosystems.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in architectural design, heritage conservation, sustainable building, BIM technology, and masterplanning across education, healthcare, and residential sectors.
Are you accredited for environmental standards?
Yes, we hold ISO 14001 accreditation and are a certified B Corp, demonstrating our commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
How do you approach sustainable design?
Our sustainable approach integrates passive design, low-carbon materials, renewable technologies, and circular economy principles to create energy-efficient buildings aligned with RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge targets.
Can you work on historic buildings?
Yes, we have RIBA-registered conservation architects specialising in adaptive reuse and sensitive interventions for listed buildings and heritage sites.
How do you use digital technology?
We employ BIM, 3D visualisation, virtual reality, and digital coordination tools to enhance design accuracy, collaboration, and project outcomes.
