Business Details
14 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architects in Leicester
Established in 2012, Hickman & Smith Architects is a RIBA chartered practice dedicated to creating harmonious spaces through thoughtful design. Our team combines expertise in heritage restoration with modern architectural innovation, prioritising natural light and material selection. With extensive experience in commercial, residential, and heritage projects, we deliver tailored solutions across the UK. Our approach integrates sustainability, 3D visualisation, and client collaboration to ensure projects meet both functional and aesthetic needs. We specialise in navigating listed building consents and have successfully completed projects for public authorities and private clients.Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through our conservation registrants and a portfolio showcasing award-winning designs. We provide full architectural services from initial concept to construction management, supported by technical expertise in planning and contract administration. Our Leicester-based practice serves clients in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Birmingham, Derby, Leicester, Nottingham, and beyond. We combine local knowledge with national standards to deliver projects that balance creativity with practicality, ensuring long-term value for our clients.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Projects
Heritage Restoration
3D Visualisation
Sustainability Consultation
Planning Applications
Contract Administration
Feasibility Studies
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 12+ years of architectural expertise since 2012
- Our team includes three RIBA conservation registrants
- We utilise advanced 3D visualisation and VR technology
- We provide full project management from concept to completion
- Our practice specialises in heritage building restoration
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
What people say
Outstanding service
Professional and innovative
Brilliant from day one
Terrific results
Comfortable 3 bedroom home
Services
Heritage Restoration
Specialist heritage architecture services for listed buildings and conservation areas. Our team includes three RIBA conservation registrants with expertise in navigating listed building consents. We balance preservation of historic features with modern functionality requirements. Our approach maintains architectural integrity while meeting contemporary needs through sensitive design solutions.
3D Visualisation
Advanced 3D imaging and virtual reality visualisation tools for project understanding. Clients can experience photorealistic walkthroughs before construction begins. This technology aids design decisions and serves as a marketing tool for commercial developments. Our VR suite enables real-time adjustments to spatial configurations and material selections.
Residential Architecture
Comprehensive residential design services for new builds and renovations. We create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces tailored to client lifestyles. Our expertise includes multi-million pound student accommodation and bespoke private residences. We focus on maximising natural light and creating storage-efficient layouts that enhance daily living experiences.
Commercial Projects
Full-service commercial architecture for retail, healthcare, and office developments. We've delivered projects for the MET Office, NHS Trusts, and local authorities. Our approach combines practical space planning with sustainable design principles. We manage projects from feasibility studies through to construction completion.
Sustainability Consultation
Integration of eco-friendly features including solar panels, green roofs, and heat pumps. We advise on energy-efficient solutions that reduce environmental impact while lowering running costs. Our sustainable approach considers whole-life building performance, incorporating renewable materials and passive design strategies tailored to each project's requirements.
People
David Hickman
Architect, Director
Co-founder with extensive experience across masterplanning, residential, and healthcare sectors. Led major projects including Westonbirt Arboretum's Welcome Building and QE Hospital's Fisher House. Active in architectural education and community promotion.
Adam Smith
Architect, Director
Co-founder specialising in commercial and domestic architecture. Developed BIM implementation strategies and led Parton Mill's refurbishment. Serves as RIBA Student Mentor and President Elect of Leicestershire & Rutland Society of Architects.
Amy Cawley
Architect
Qualified in 2020 with RIBA conservation accreditation. Experienced in commercial architecture and residential projects including Leicester Markets and Oakfield Farm. Specialises in conservation work and social architecture focusing on mental wellbeing benefits.
David Gladstone
Architect
Joined in 2017, completed Part III qualification while working. Managed historic shopfront reinstatement at Leicester's Grand Hotel. Currently overseeing Birmingham student housing developments with experience across all RIBA work stages.
Hashim Noormohamod
Architectural Assistant
Part 1 accredited with focus on heritage and retrofit projects. Supporting Level 7 apprenticeship while contributing to Leicester market and commercial developments. Specialises in conservation and sustainable retrofit solutions.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide residential, commercial, and heritage architecture with 3D visualisation, planning, and contract administration services.
Do you specialise in heritage building projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with listed buildings and conservation areas, including three RIBA conservation registrants in our team.
How do you use technology in your designs?
We utilise VR visualisation and 3D imaging to help clients experience spaces before construction begins.
What areas do you cover?
We operate across the UK including Leicester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Derby, and surrounding regions.
Can you help with planning applications?
Yes, we manage full planning processes including drawing preparation, statutory requirements navigation, and local authority liaison.
What sustainability features do you incorporate?
We integrate green roofs, solar panels, heat pumps, and rainwater harvesting systems in appropriate projects.
Reviews (1)
Andy Palmer
Nov 01, 2021
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
My experience of Hickman and Smith could not have been better. The result of their effort is just terrific
My experience of Hickman and Smith could not have been better. The result of their effort is just terrific
