Business Details
Award-Winning Architectural Design in Oxford
Gbs Architects is an award-winning architectural practice based in Oxford, dedicated to creating thoughtfully designed spaces that prioritise human needs across diverse sectors including education, healthcare, and conservation. Our multidisciplinary team, comprising two Partner Architects and a Partner Surveyor, collaborates seamlessly to leverage sector-specific expertise, ensuring clients benefit from tailored solutions grounded in decades of collective experience. Recognised for innovative designs that have shaped historical contexts, we maintain rigorous quality standards through partner-led project management from inception to completion.Our commitment to excellence extends to heritage preservation, sustainable practices, and modern residential and commercial developments, supported by a network of trusted specialists. With a focus on accessibility, functionality, and aesthetic integrity, we deliver projects that balance technical precision with creative vision, serving both public and private sector clients across the UK.
Services
Healthcare Architecture
Education Projects
Conservation Work
Residential Design
Commercial Architecture
Defence Sector Projects
Interior Design
Sustainable Development
Project Management
Access Consultancy
Highlights and features
- We guarantee a partner architect leads every project from start to finish.
- Our team holds specialist expertise in listed building conservation and sustainable design.
- Award-winning track record in education and healthcare sector architecture.
- Proven experience with MoD and NHS framework projects since 1985.
- Integrated approach combining architecture, interior design, and environmental consultancy.
Services
Healthcare Architecture
We create patient-centred healthcare facilities that balance clinical functionality with comforting environments. Our expertise includes hospice extensions, paediatric departments, and rehabilitation wards. By integrating accessibility standards and infection control measures, we deliver spaces that enhance both staff efficiency and patient wellbeing. Recent projects demonstrate our ability to modernise NHS infrastructure while maintaining operational continuity.
Education Projects
Our educational architecture focuses on inspiring learning environments through modern science blocks, theatres, and boarding facilities. We upgrade historic college buildings while introducing contemporary teaching spaces that support evolving pedagogical needs. Projects combine spatial innovation with adherence to safety regulations, creating adaptable environments for students and staff across all education levels.
Conservation Work
Specialising in listed building preservation, we restore architectural heritage while implementing modern functionality. Our approach combines historical research with sensitive material selection to maintain structural authenticity. Recent successes include chapel renovations and Victorian villa restorations, achieved through collaboration with conservation officers and specialist contractors.
Sustainable Development
We embed sustainability from project inception through energy modelling and material lifecycle analysis. Our strategies include passive design principles, renewable energy integration, and retrofitting existing buildings for improved thermal performance. This holistic approach reduces environmental impact while maintaining economic viability for clients.
Interior Design
Our interior design team creates functional, aesthetically cohesive spaces that align with architectural intent. We specialise in commercial fit-outs, residential renovations, and institutional refurbishments, ensuring design continuity from macro to micro elements. By addressing both operational needs and user experience, we deliver interiors that enhance productivity and comfort.
People
Nigel Spawton
Partner Architect
With over 35 years' experience, Nigel leads project teams using collaborative methodologies that prioritise client goals. His expertise in strategic partnering has secured long-term framework agreements, while his technical knowledge ensures design integrity across complex developments.
David Welbourne
Partner Architect
A RIBA-registered architect, David combines creative design flair with practical construction knowledge. He has led numerous award-winning projects, focusing on achieving aesthetic excellence within budget constraints through innovative spatial solutions.
Mark Norton
Partner Surveyor
As a Chartered Construction Manager, Mark oversees project delivery with expertise in procurement strategies and access consultancy. His technical leadership ensures compliance with regulations while optimising building functionality across diverse sectors.
Fiona Godlement
Director
Fiona directs architectural and interior design projects across education, community, and residential sectors. Her holistic approach integrates spatial planning with detailed material selection, creating environments that balance beauty with practical longevity.
Lisa De Leon
Project Architect
With a master's in sustainable design, Lisa leads projects requiring technical precision and environmental consideration. Her experience spans UK and international developments, focusing on energy-efficient solutions that meet rigorous performance standards.
Questions
What architectural sectors does Gray Baynes + Shew specialise in?
We specialise in education, healthcare, conservation, residential, and defence sector projects, alongside commercial and sustainable design solutions.
Can the practice handle listed building renovations?
Yes, we have extensive experience in preserving and modernising Grade I and II listed buildings while maintaining historical integrity.
Do you offer project management services?
Yes, our partner-led approach includes comprehensive project management from initial concept through to final certification.
Are sustainability principles integrated into your designs?
Absolutely. We conduct early-stage sustainability assessments to optimise energy efficiency, material selection, and long-term environmental performance.
How does the practice approach healthcare facility design?
We prioritise patient comfort, accessibility, and functional efficiency, creating healing environments that support both staff and service users.
