Business Details
10 Years
experience
RIBA Chartered Architects in Hitchin & Cheltenham
CROE Architects is an energetic team of architects and designers based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, and Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Established in 2016 by Joe Reader and Craig Humber, the practice combines over 40 years of collective experience across residential and commercial sectors. We specialise in delivering bespoke architectural solutions tailored to individual client needs, from complete builds and conversions to extensions and heritage projects. Our approach integrates modern technology with traditional methodologies, ensuring designs prioritise functionality, natural light, and thoughtful spatial planning. As a RIBA Chartered practice, we adhere to rigorous professional standards while maintaining a personal service through our small, dedicated team. Our expertise spans new builds, listed buildings, commercial developments, and conservation projects, serving clients across the Home Counties, Cotswolds, and beyond.We prioritise transparency, collaborating closely with clients to align projects with budgets and planning constraints. Our commitment to innovation and practicality ensures creative yet buildable solutions, supported by comprehensive technical documentation and on-site management. Recognising the emotional and financial investment in architectural projects, we maintain open communication throughout the process to address client concerns proactively. This client-centric philosophy, combined with our technical proficiency and sector diversity, positions us to deliver high-quality, context-sensitive architecture.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Architecture
Heritage Projects
Extensions & Conversions
Planning Applications
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of combined experience in residential and commercial architecture.
- Our small team ensures personalised service and direct client communication.
- We utilise Revit and AutoCAD for precise technical documentation and visualisations.
- Our expertise spans heritage, listed buildings, and modern developments.
- We provide full-service RIBA stage support from concept to construction.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA Chartered Architecture Practice
Services
Residential Architecture
We create tailored residential designs for new builds, extensions, and conversions. Our approach prioritises natural light, functional spaces, and client-specific needs. Projects range from modern urban developments to heritage restorations, ensuring each home reflects its occupants' lifestyle while complying with planning regulations.
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial architecture services cover leisure, retail, office, and industrial projects. We focus on practical layouts that enhance business operations while maintaining aesthetic appeal. By understanding client workflows and sector requirements, we deliver spaces that balance functionality with innovative design solutions.
Heritage Projects
Specialising in heritage and listed buildings, we navigate complex planning constraints to preserve historical integrity. Our expertise includes working with local authority heritage teams to secure approvals for sensitive extensions and restorations across the Cotswolds and Home Counties.
Planning Applications
We manage full planning applications, including feasibility studies and technical documentation. Our knowledge of local regulations ensures submissions meet council requirements, maximising approval chances while addressing potential objections proactively.
Extensions & Conversions
We design and deliver extensions and conversions that optimise existing properties. Whether adding living space or repurposing barns, our solutions focus on seamless integration with original structures while enhancing functionality and value.
People
Joe Reader
Co-Founder
BA (hons), DipArch with extensive experience in residential and commercial projects. Specialises in project management, planning law, and building regulations compliance. Brings 20+ years of expertise in multi-storey developments and complex refurbishments.
Craig Humber
Co-Founder
BA (hons), DipArch with a construction industry background. Focuses on practical design solutions informed by hands-on experience. Has worked on diverse projects from small-scale residential to large commercial developments across various firms.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full architectural services including residential and commercial projects, heritage restorations, extensions, planning applications, and construction management across RIBA stages 0–6.
How are your fees structured?
Fees are typically 4–6% of construction costs, split into fixed stages for transparency. We adjust pricing based on project complexity and provide clear breakdowns at each RIBA stage.
Do you work on listed buildings?
Yes, we specialise in heritage and listed buildings, collaborating with local planning authorities to secure approvals for sensitive extensions and restorations in the Cotswolds and Home Counties.
What areas do you cover?
We operate from Hitchin and Cheltenham, serving the Home Counties, London, Cotswolds, and Gloucestershire. We occasionally undertake projects further afield when required.
Can you assist with construction cost estimates?
We provide budget guidance based on current market rates (approx. £2,500–2,750/m² for residential) and offer value engineering to maintain project viability amid cost fluctuations.
Reviews (5)
Holly
Dec 24, 2021
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Great assistance when we needed it, many years after our new build was completed. We really appreciated their help and hope to work with them again in the future
Colette P.
Nov 12, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality
Fantastic service from Croe Architects. Craig was able to deliver us a design that gave our home everything we needed and more. He supported the whole process from start to finish which has resulted in a light, bright and spacious kitchen/sunroom. Highly recommended
Fantastic service from Croe Architects. Craig was able to deliver us a design that gave our home everything we needed and more. He supported the whole process from start to finish which has resulted in a light, bright and spacious kitchen/sunroom. Highly recommended
Charlie Humber
Aug 16, 2020
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Craig has been fantastic from end to end of our entire whole house renovation. He presented creative and realistic visions which offered all the practical solutions whilst adding in uniqueness and style. He has ensured that we have come away with an amazing kitchen dining family space that offers flexibility whilst still being sympathetic to the age of the house. He has been conscientious throughout and ensured the project ran smoothly even when hiccups occurred. Would not hesitate to recommend!
Kate Ling
Jul 30, 2018
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Incredibly positive experience. Their inspired design work is beautiful and practical in equal measure. A pleasure to work with.
Paul Hedger
May 08, 2018
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Croe Architects found both Craig and Joe very friendly and kept us informed and did any alterations with out any hesitation. Would recommend them to all and would definitely use them again.
