Business Details
30 Years
experience
Expert Architects in Ipswich | NJ Architects
NJ Architects is a highly motivated team dedicated to producing designs that balance brief, location, budget, and planning constraints, often within historical contexts. We collaborate closely with clients, craftspeople, and authorities to achieve the highest design standards informed by sustainability principles. Our commitment extends beyond aesthetics to environmental consciousness, believing architecture can shape a better future. With extensive experience in commercial and residential projects, including community spaces, private homes, historic conservation, and ecclesiastical buildings, we combine traditional expertise with modern technologies like BIM.Our RIBA Chartered Practice status ensures adherence to rigorous quality standards, while our conservation accreditations reflect our dedication to preserving heritage. We pride ourselves on transparent communication, technical excellence, and fostering partnerships that deliver innovative, context-led solutions.
Services
Concept Design
Technical Design
BIM Management
Conservation
Interior Design
Insurance Recovery
Drone Capture
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- 35 years of accredited conservation expertise
- Collaborative approach with clients and stakeholders
- Proficient in BIM and modern construction technologies
- Award-winning work in historic building preservation
- Transparent quality management systems certified by RIBA
Associations and certifications
- RIBA Chartered Practice
- AABC
- RIBA Conservation Accreditation
Services
Conservation Architecture
Specialising in the repair and adaptation of historic buildings, we provide expert conservation plans, heritage statements, and grant application support. Our team, accredited by RIBA and AABC, ensures sensitive interventions that preserve architectural integrity while meeting modern standards. We work on listed buildings, scheduled monuments, and ecclesiastical sites, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary techniques.
Concept Design
We translate client visions into detailed architectural concepts, focusing on feasibility, planning compliance, and aesthetic innovation. Our process includes site appraisals, massing studies, and stakeholder consultations to create viable, context-led designs. From initial sketches to digital models, we ensure clarity and alignment with budgetary and regulatory requirements throughout the design phase.
BIM Management
Our BIM expertise facilitates collaborative project delivery, adhering to PAS 1192-2 Level 2 standards. We use Revit and cloud-based platforms to coordinate multidisciplinary teams, manage data, and streamline construction processes. This approach enhances efficiency, reduces errors, and supports informed decision-making from concept to handover.
Interior Design
We create functional, aesthetically cohesive interiors tailored to client needs, from residential kitchens to commercial spaces. Our services include bespoke joinery, material selection, and collaboration with specialist designers. We prioritise sustainability and usability, ensuring interiors complement architectural context while meeting modern lifestyle demands.
Insurance Recovery
We manage insurance recovery projects for historic buildings damaged by fire, flood, or storms. Our team negotiates with loss adjusters, oversees specialist contractors, and ensures compliance with heritage regulations. We expedite reinstatement through management contracts and provide technical advice on mitigation and environmental control.
People
Nick Jacob
Founder & Principal Architect
With 35 years in conservation, Nick founded the practice in 1996, blending heritage expertise with innovative design. He leads projects ranging from listed buildings to new developments, ensuring sustainable futures for historic structures.
Shaun Soanes
Partner & BIM Manager
A 30-year collaborator, Shaun oversees large projects and IT systems. His expertise spans conservation and contemporary architecture, with a focus on technical coordination and digital innovation through BIM.
Hugh Bunbury
Consultant Architect
With over 30 years experience, Hugh specialises in creative conservation and contemporary interventions in historic contexts. His work includes ecclesiastical projects and scheduled monument adaptations, guided by RIBA accreditation.
Pippa Jacob
Associate Partner
Pippa focuses on sustainable design and historic building adaptation. With RIBA accreditation, she lectures at the University of Suffolk and leads projects that merge traditional methods with modern sustainability practices.
Stephen Jeffery
Conservation Architect
Stephen specialises in timber-framed buildings and historic impact assessments. He mentors junior staff and develops schemes that harmonise old and new, leveraging his expertise in heritage lottery-funded projects.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in conservation, concept design, BIM management, interior design, and insurance recovery for historic and modern buildings.
How do you handle conservation projects?
Our accredited team uses heritage statements, grant applications, and traditional techniques to preserve listed buildings and monuments while integrating modern needs.
Can you assist with planning approvals?
Yes, we manage feasibility studies, negotiate with planning authorities, and prepare detailed applications to ensure compliance and client objectives.
Do you work outside Suffolk?
While based in Ipswich, we undertake projects nationwide, including London and East Anglia, with a focus on heritage and residential schemes.
What technologies do you use?
We employ BIM, Revit, AutoCAD, and drone capture to enhance design accuracy, collaboration, and project visualisation.
How are insurance recovery projects managed?
We coordinate with loss adjusters, oversee contractors, and ensure compliance for fire, flood, or storm-damaged historic buildings, prioritising swift reinstatement.
Reviews (4)
Edgar Laguinia
Apr 02, 2021
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Shaun Soanes, Nicholas Jacob and the whole of NJA approached our intense three-year restoration project with a deep understanding of and respect for historical architecture, coupled with practicality and finesse. With their guidance, we nurtured an excellent relationship with planning officers and ended up doing more than they required. We continue to call on NJA for all our historical projects and enthusiastically recommend them.
Adam Ferenczi
Mar 01, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism
An excellent design practice, with superb knowledge of local historic buildings. Recommended.
An excellent design practice, with superb knowledge of local historic buildings. Recommended.
Baby Box
Feb 14, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Nicholas Jacobs Architects are always so professional, experienced and friendly. I would always recommend them!
Nicholas Jacobs Architects are always so professional, experienced and friendly. I would always recommend them!
Andrew Merron
Feb 11, 2021
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Hey just wanted to post a quick review to say well done and thanks to all the guys at NJA for their work on my project. I have an ongoing project in Norfolk that we hope to get over the line soon and I really appreciate the professional approach by Shaun Pippa & Nick and all associated with NJA to get this to where it should be. Cheers guys
