Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Birmingham
We are a design-led architectural practice established in 1989, combining creative innovation with commercial awareness to deliver bespoke solutions tailored to client needs. Our multidisciplinary team has extensive experience across transportation, education, residential, commercial, and community sectors, prioritising quality in both aesthetics and functionality. We are committed to sustainable design principles, integrating environmental considerations through ISO 14001 standards and the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge.Our collaborative approach fosters strong client relationships, ensuring projects reflect both organisational goals and community impact. With BIM expertise and accreditations including ISO 9001 and Cyber Essentials Plus, we maintain rigorous quality control while embracing technological advancements. Our work in heritage conservation and modern interventions demonstrates our versatility across diverse architectural challenges.
Services
Transportation Architecture
Education Sector Design
Residential Development
Commercial Projects
Community Buildings
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- Established in 1989 with proven expertise across six key architectural sectors
- ISO 9001 certified quality management system implementation
- BIM Level 2 accredited technical capabilities
- RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge environmental commitments
- Direct client collaboration from project inception to completion
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
- ISO 14001
- RIBA Chartered Practice
- Architects Registration Board (ARB)
- Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
- Cyber Essentials Plus
- Living Wage Employer
Services
Transportation Architecture
We specialise in comprehensive transportation solutions including rail stations, airports, and intermodal hubs. Our expertise spans from initial concept design through to construction delivery, ensuring seamless integration with urban environments. Projects like Coventry Rail Station redevelopment demonstrate our ability to combine functional efficiency with architectural excellence while maintaining operational continuity during construction.
Education Sector Design
Our educational projects range from nursery facilities to university campuses, focusing on creating inspiring learning environments. We work closely with institutions like Coventry University and Sandwell College to develop spaces that enhance pedagogical outcomes. Recent projects include primary school extensions and specialist facilities for higher education, balancing modern requirements with heritage considerations where needed.
Residential Development
We deliver diverse residential schemes from high-end private homes to large-scale apartment developments. Our approach combines contextual sensitivity with contemporary design principles, particularly evident in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter conservation projects. We specialise in both new builds and adaptive reuse of historic buildings, ensuring compliance with planning regulations while meeting modern living standards.
Commercial Projects
Our commercial architecture covers office spaces, manufacturing facilities, and aviation infrastructure. We provide end-to-end services from feasibility studies to construction management, as demonstrated in projects for Boeing and Reynaers. Our focus is on creating functional, future-proof spaces that support business operations while maintaining aesthetic quality and environmental efficiency.
Community Buildings
We design bespoke community facilities including places of worship, cultural centres, and multi-use spaces. Our process involves close collaboration with user groups to ensure spaces meet specific functional requirements while fostering community engagement. Current projects include a London synagogue with integrated event spaces and ritual facilities, reflecting our commitment to inclusive, context-sensitive design.
People
Ian Saunders
Partner
Founding partner of D5 Architects with over 30 years' experience. Specialises in design leadership and practice management. Holds architectural qualifications from Birmingham School of Architecture. Passionate about maintaining the practice's original design ethos while embracing technological advancements.
Joel Kempsey-Fagg
Partner
Architecture graduate with extensive sector experience across transportation, education, and residential projects. Joined D5 in 1996 and became partner through practical expertise. Focuses on client relationships and project delivery. Actively promotes architectural education through university collaborations.
Jennifer Moffat
Senior Architect
Qualified architect with expertise in sustainable design and passive house principles. Works on residential and commercial projects, prioritising environmental performance. Holds professional qualifications from Birmingham City University. Combines technical precision with creative problem-solving in project delivery.
Jake Mace
Senior Architect
Award-winning architect specialising in contextual design solutions. Experienced in both community-led initiatives and large-scale masterplans. Holds academic distinctions from UWE Bristol and University of Bath. Focuses on narrative-driven design approaches that respond to site-specific conditions and user needs.
Phil Russell
Associate
Office management specialist with extensive business administration experience. Oversees operational efficiency and staff relations. Promotes work-life balance initiatives within the practice. Manages day-to-day operations to support the firm's architectural delivery capabilities.
Questions
What architectural sectors does D5 Architects specialise in?
We specialise in transportation, education, residential, commercial, and community sectors with additional expertise in heritage conservation and BIM implementation.
Are D5 Architects qualified to handle listed building projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter and other conservation areas, combining heritage preservation with contemporary architectural interventions.
Does the practice use modern design technologies?
We employ BIM Level 2 standards, VR visualisation, and digital design tools across all projects to enhance precision and client communication.
How does D5 approach sustainable design?
We follow ISO 14001 standards and the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge, integrating passive design principles and environmental efficiency into all project stages.
Can the firm handle large-scale infrastructure projects?
Yes, our experience includes major transportation hubs like Coventry Rail Station and Birmingham Airport developments spanning over 25 years.
Is D5 Architects involved in educational initiatives?
We maintain strong ties with Birmingham City University and support architectural education through teaching roles, work experience, and RIBA programmes.
Reviews (2)
Will Thorpe
Dec 31, 2021
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
I have worked with this architectural practice on numerous occasions, they are a well organised professional outfit.
I have worked with this architectural practice on numerous occasions, they are a well organised professional outfit.
Tim Sandhu
Oct 24, 2018
Report
Architect practice offering a variety of expertise in construction development from planning to job running
