Business Details
43 Years
experience
RIBA Chartered Architects in Carlisle | Black Box Architects
Established in 1983, Black Box Architects is a RIBA Chartered practice based in Carlisle, Cumbria, with over four decades of experience in architectural design. Our team has completed more than 1,000 projects, earning national recognition for innovation, technical expertise, and meticulous attention to detail. We specialise in commercial, domestic, heritage, and interior architecture, prioritising a client-centric approach rooted in active listening and problem-solving. Our work balances visionary design with contextual sensitivity, ensuring enduring value for occupants and society.With a legacy of award-winning projects, including Civic Trust accolades, we deliver tailored solutions that harmonise functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Our directors, Malcolm Wilson and Chris Day, bring extensive expertise in urban design, private housing, and heritage conservation, supported by collaborative partnerships with engineers and conservation specialists. We are committed to advancing architectural excellence through research, education, and a rigorous design process that addresses both immediate needs and long-term cultural impact.
Services
Commercial Architecture
Domestic Projects
Heritage Restoration
Interior Architecture
Architectural Consultancy
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in architectural design and consultancy.
- Our team holds multiple Civic Trust and building design awards.
- We specialise in complex heritage restoration and energy-efficient new builds.
- Our directors contribute to architectural periodicals and industry education.
- We maintain a rigorous design process aligned with client objectives and context.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
Services
Commercial Architecture
We deliver tailored commercial architecture solutions that align business objectives with functional, aesthetically compelling spaces. Our expertise spans new builds, renovations, and adaptive reuse projects across sectors. With decades of experience in the North West, we prioritise contextual integration, sustainability, and cost-effective design to enhance operational efficiency and brand identity.
Heritage Restoration
Specialising in heritage architecture, we restore and repurpose listed buildings and historic structures with precision and sensitivity. Our approach balances preservation of original features with modern functionality, working closely with conservation bodies. Projects include barn conversions, hotel restorations, and Grade 2 listed property upgrades, ensuring cultural and architectural legacy endure.
Domestic Projects
From bespoke private homes to housing developments, we create innovative residential spaces that respond to client needs and environmental context. Our designs optimise natural light, spatial flow, and material sustainability, with expertise in energy-efficient builds and extensions that enhance both aesthetics and livability for modern lifestyles.
Interior Architecture
We craft interior environments that merge structural integrity with creative design, focusing on functionality and user experience. Our services include commercial interiors, hospitality spaces, and residential renovations, integrating architectural principles to redefine spatial dynamics while maintaining coherence with the building's original character.
Architectural Consultancy
Offering strategic guidance from concept to completion, our consultancy covers project management, planning applications, and technical specifications. We collaborate with engineers and contractors to ensure seamless execution, providing expertise in passive construction standards, urban design, and compliance with regulatory frameworks for both public and private sector clients.
People
Malcolm Wilson
Director
RIBA Chartered Architect with over 40 years' experience, specialising in urban design and private housing. Former director of Brighton and Mayfair practices, he has won Civic Trust awards and contributes to architectural publications. Leads design innovation at Black Box Architects.
Chris Day
Director
RIBA Chartered Architect since 2009, specialising in research-driven design and private housing. Became a director in 2020, focusing on energy-efficient builds and heritage projects. Holds a Master's in urban planning and drives the practice's technical excellence.
Questions
What architectural services does Black Box Architects offer?
We provide commercial, domestic, heritage, and interior architecture services, including design, restoration, consultancy, and project management tailored to client needs.
How long has Black Box Architects been in business?
We have been operating since 1983, completing over 1,000 projects with a focus on RIBA Chartered standards and design excellence.
Do you specialise in heritage building restoration?
Yes, we have extensive experience in restoring Grade 2 listed buildings, barns, and historic properties while preserving architectural integrity.
Which areas do you serve?
Based in Carlisle, Cumbria, we work across the North West, offering nationwide architectural solutions for commercial and residential projects.
